August 2005 Mommies - Working our Way to ONE! We're halfway there!

[QPDoll]

Issues A positive one; I use to hate the thought of all the attention going out with them, it use to make me ill at just the thought. I really don't mind it! Some days I look the other way and run when people go "oh look, twins!", but most days I stop and let the boys flirt with them and then go on my way. Its sort of nice to get to talk to other people - which is very out of character because I have always been so shy.

A negative one; People comment all the time that Pete is so huge (weighed last week at the post office he was 22.4lbs - and he is several inches taller than Nate). My aunt commented last week that he was fat. (he isn't, but man, the kid has bear paws for hands!) Its really reminded me how of my insecurities about my own weight. Im usually quick to say that Pete isn't fat, its just that Nate is small - for fear that they will link in their minds that Pete is fat because I am. What really causes me a lot of anxiety is that although Pete looks like his dad, Nate looks like me...and I fear that people will think that -- gee, her kid is skinny but the mom is fat. And the whole skinny/fat, red hair/brown hair, brown eyes/blue eyes and size difference actually has me defensive when people ask me if they are twins or not. Im not sure why it evokes that feeling though! Like Im pretending they are twins or something?

[SD601]

I haven't checked in here in ages, either. I love reading about other babies. The other two babies I see IRL are way more advanced than J (one was crawling at 6 months).

first word - ma-ma, but mostly babbles. Says ba-ba-ba all the time, so I don't think he *really* knows who mama is.
wave bye-bye - no
blow kisses - no
clap - no, but when we clap, he usually bangs on his high chair tray
responds to name - yes, about half the time
responds to "no" - no
drink from sippy/straw cup - yes, but uses regular straws mostly.
hold bottle - don't give bottles very often
signing - yes, responds to "milk" and can sign it back, but that's the only one.
rolling - yes
crawling - army crawl everywhere--gets up on all fours but just rocks
go from lying to sitting - yep
pulling up - not on his own, only with our help
standing by self - only holding on to something
walking w/ help - no, can't figure out how to move his feet
walking by self - not even close
raspberries - yes
climbing stairs- doesn't even notice they're there
self feeds finger foods - yes--only wants to feed himself
shakes head no - nope

Our sleep issues have really resolved themselves since we just gave up forcing anything. Honestly, I think I was stressed because I thought he should be sleeping at a certain time, in a certain place, and I didn't trust my own baby's needs. I finally decided that the kid would sleep when tired, eat when hungry, and I would be there whenever he need me. And it's been fabulous ever since...and since I started prozac. Coincidence? Hmmm...

Anyway, I've also been addicted to babywearing. I just got my first didymos and it's amazing!!!! I'm a wrapper now. I'm collecting quite a big stash of pouches, slings, MT's and wraps.

Issues: My baby is 1/4 Japanese with dark hair and eyes, but I'm very blonde with light blue eyes. I've gotten "is he yours" before, and I get offended. Yes, he's mine, I went through 15 hours of labor, thank-you-very-much. I adore his looks, but I hope he looks like me as he gets older (just a little).

[Mickey&B]

People comment all the time that Pete is so huge (weighed last week at the post office he was 22.4lbs - and he is several inches taller than Nate). My aunt commented last week that he was fat. (he isn't, but man, the kid has bear paws for hands!) Its really reminded me how of my insecurities about my own weight. Im usually quick to say that Pete isn't fat, its just that Nate is small - for fear that they will link in their minds that Pete is fat because I am.
Ditto! I have always had issues with my weight, and only lost all my weight about 5 years before I got pg. As much as I worry about if he is getting enough from me or not, I always get a little self-conscious when people ask me AJ's age and when I tell them they almost always say WOW he's a big guy, mind you he is only about 18lbs now, but he was 13lbs at about 4 months so he was a chunker :p I remember talking to some lady in a store when he was about 3 months old and she told me he was bigger than her 6 month old :rolleyes: I just smiled and continued on my way.

[namrodda]

You guys are funny, glad to know I'm not the only one worrying about this stuff! It amazes me how people don't think before they speak when it comes to commenting on your kid....even if they mean well.

Two things that bug me...Jeb is a cute baby. We all have cute babies...I don't know if he's really engaging with other people or whatever but EVERYWHERE we go people have to stop and talk to him and of course try to touch him and tell him he's so cute. Granted it makes me feel good to have such an admired baby but it can be really annoying if they get too close or if I'm in a hurry it really slows me down!! He's getting a complex too! The other thing is people tell me he's "a big boy" when I say he's 8 months...yeah he has a big head but he's in like the 15th% for weight...so I guess they mean well but I mean, why do people think they are qualified to talk about babies size???...:mad:

QOTD Are y'all still boiling water or using nursery water for bottles? I am but Kevin's relatives here will give him their bottled water before I can stop them and then never know what to say afterward so I don't know how serious it is to push the issue....I stopped someone who was holding him just in time at a party today and kinda got the weird overprotective mother look....

[Mickey&B]

QOTD I just started giving him formula, but I just use bottled water. Was I suppossed to be using something else?

[QPDoll]

I have never boiled water or used bottled water or nursery water - except for when we were camping and then we bring bottled water for all uses. (We only use the water out of our tanks for showering and the toilet.)

Im pretty sure that boiling water or useing bottled water was only a concern if you were on well water or if your city water was contaminated. We are on city water. We do add flouride drops to their bottles (when we remember) because our city doesn't add floride to the water.

The point in boiling water for the formula is so that you have sterile water--clean, safe water to mix the formula with. If your water supply is clean and safe, you don't need to boil it, though with some brands of formula hot water mixes the formula faster and more completely

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=1006042104780

[QPDoll]

Cleaning the bathtub. Daily.

My boys seem to think that the bathtub is their very own toilet. They poop in the tub almost every single day. And guess what, Im always the one that has to clean it up! (DH bathed them last night and left it for me to clean up this morning. :eek: :mad: and left all their toys in with it.) It use to be a very rare thing, now yes folks, its almost daily.

So - Is there a way to discourage them from pooping in the bathtub?

And they love to play in the bath (I love it too, because if they are crabby and nothing else works - a bath will always cheer them up). So I would hate to limit bathtime to just a suds and a splash.

[QPDoll]

speaking of camping - hey Carla Are you going on your houseboat trip this year?

[HollyMN]

The other thing is people tell me he's "a big boy" when I say he's 8 months...yeah he has a big head but he's in like the 15th% for weight...so I guess they mean well but I mean, why do people think they are qualified to talk about babies size???...

Yes, this is funny - Caleb was in the 90% percentile when he was 2 months and I heard that he was a "little guy", but he's going in for his 9 month appointment on Tuesday, and I think he will be <50% for the first time, but now he is getting "such a big boy, what are you feeding him?". This confuses me, but I guess they must mean big as in compared to young babies, not big compared to other babies his age.....???

We're just giving him tap water in his sippy cup. Maybe not the best, but he only really gets water when he gets solids, and he's only had water since 6.5 months.

[Kiley]

If he gets water it's tap water but we have PUR filter on our tap. If we're out, I give him bottled water.

I guess I never expected to get as much attention as we do with a baby. I'm shy so it's kind of overwhelming. We get the typical...he's so cute, what beautiful eyes, he's so big, how old is he, etc. It doesn't help that we use a MT or sling or shopping cart over because people here have never seen those things so they stare, stare, stare!

[snowzilla]

speaking of camping - hey Carla Are you going on your houseboat trip this year?

Nope. Even though they were kind enough to carry over last year's deposit to this year, there's just no way I would be able to relax on the houseboat considering Avery's mobility. She can make it from the living room, all the way down the hallway to the kitchen, in twenty seconds - I have to watch her constantly to keep her safe, and we just don't think a houseboat is the best environment for her right now. ;) The kids were good sports about it - we might do it next year - we'll just play it by ear. *Plus, one of the biggest points of the houseboat trip was to go fishing, which you have to get into an aluminum fishing boat to do - not exactly baby-friendly to begin with, and there's no way Avery would sit still (nor would I expect her to) for an hour or more.

Instead, we've planned a few camping trips around here, and a trip or two out to the mountains (4 hours away). It will be our second summer with the tent trailer, and I'm excited to take the kids on small hikes, etc - especially now that I have the Ergo to carry Avery in.

As far as pooping in the tub - maybe you should try bathing them at a different time, after they've pooped, or if that will screw up their "routine", you could put them in a swim diaper?

[QPDoll]

I guess I never expected to get as much attention as we do with a baby. I'm shy so it's kind of overwhelming.

We get tons of attention too (go figure). Everywhere I turn, I hear, "oh look, TWINS!". If Im in a hurry or just don't want to deal with it, I turn and look like Im trying to get a peak too, and then run. LOL It does get obnoxious at times.

We also just had a women one town over who gave birth to quints. First set of 5 in the pacific northwest. So everyone asks me, "aren't you glad its not 5?". Well, yes. But with 5, they were built a house, they were given a car, they were given meals for a year (from dream dinners or something similar) plus the countless gift card drives like my MOPS group did and other donations. With twins, you just get double the bills. LMAO

[alex67]

--having a hard time keeping up with you ladies (as usual) :)

Trenton is finally over his stomach bug and on his regular feeding schedule. Yay! Now we have to get his night-time schedule back to where it was. He is waking up at least once a night, sometimes 2 or 3 times and usually has to be fed once to get him to soundly go back to sleep. This is very unlike the pre-sick Trenton, so we have some work cut out for us. I hope he adjusts quickly. I'm pretty certain he got the bug from the church nursery so now I am terrified of going back to church - doesn't that sound awful?! His stomach bug set us back 3 weeks, many washing due to vomit and diarrhia(sp?), should have bought stock in Pedialyte, and as I mentioned, messed up his schedule and sleeping habits greatly. It is just not worth taking him back. I don't know what to do.

All the babies look so cute and sound like they are all doing well!! Some of them are getting close to their 1st birthday. I cannot believe it! I'm excited to hear of the upcoming parties and festivities. I think we are going to do a brown and yellow monkey themed party but that is as far as the planning has gone so far. Does anyone have a party planned out yet??

[Red'sGirl]

Party Yes and no. We haven't really planned anything yet. BUT, my family has decided to do a reunion this year and it'll fall practically on Arrena's birthday - which is a day before my uncle's b-day, is near my SIL's b-day, and 2 weeks after a cousin's b-day. So a party will be had!

Cute baby I've actually started talking with my mother about how I'm going to keep Arrena's head from getting big. Literally every day that she's been out of the house, someone has commented about how beautiful she is. I know you all know I'm not [just] bragging. We've actually been keeping an informal tally. It's nice to hear, obviously, but she has to stop hearing that sometime soon. I don't want a brat or some superficial dimwit who lives by her looks. I want a beautiful daughter on the inside. It's a strange dilemma, but I guess it's not a bad one to have. As long as they don't touch. Luckily, when people try to touch her hands, which she hates, she snatches them back. Kind of embarrassing, but she does it even to DH and I when we grab her hands. She just doesn't like it.

Last night was the first time we've been out w/o child!! My sister babysat her while DH and I joined my co-workers at a Dodger game. DD handled it great. My sister is the only one she goes to without hesitation. She drove DD to her home, hung out all night, fed her and put her to sleep, and brought her home late that night after the game. The next one will be a sleepover and I can't wait!!! :D

[kindermom]

Wow - I have been out of the loop for a little while. Madelyn has a cold/is finally getting ready to get her teeth. She has been miserable for the past week, crying or whining most nights nonstop. Poor girl hurts.

My mother was in town for an extended weekend. It was great that she got to see the baby. She has had little quality time since Madelyn was born, giving the surgery and all. My mother was not at her best at Christmas. So it was really cool to have the two be together. A few highlights of the visit...My mother taught Madelyn this little piggy. She laughs hysterically at it. She took Madelyn to the park for the first time. :mad: We were not there for that. She drove me batty for most of the weekend. But it was good to see her.

We had Madelyn dedicated at church last weekend as well. It was neat in that we had friends go through the same thing so we did it was a group.

A few Questions/Answers...
Bottling Water: Nope. I just give her plain old tap water here. I have not heard anything bad about our water. Now, if I was in DC with their lead problems, that would be a different story.

Party: We are having 2. We do not like our friends and family to intermingle ;) . Our friends party will be the day after her birthday. Many of our friends have little babies so it will be a totally kid party. We will probably do a bug theme. I am sure I will be posting more in the first birthday party thread as the time draws near. Our family party is more of a thank you party. We have gotten married (today is our 2nd anniversary), bought a house, and had a baby. Our family has a been a huge support in all of this. So we wouldlike to tell them all thank you. That party will be our Labor Day, in order for my family to come in from out of town.

Beautiful Baby: We get this frequently too. Madelyn is very expressive and it is fun to watch her little eyebrows go up and down. But watch out. My niece was gorgeous. I mean gorgeous when she was a baby. Everyone commented on how beautiful she was. Now my earthy crunchy phys ed teaching sis and bil have the most girly girl on their hands. They are trying to counteract the 5 years of Clara being told she is beautiful but not being told she was smart, etc. We take that as a lesson learned in our house and are trying to tell Madelyn how smart she is. No one in my family wants to repeat that mistake we saw with the first baby of the family.

[Daniel's Kitty]

Party??? I only know that the cake may be shaped like a turtle.

Is anybody planning on taking their dc tent camping this summer? How are you planning on doing it? I was thinking that we would set the pnp up in the middle if the tent and just stick with pretty warm places.

Alex Why don't you just keep him with you? They can't force you to put him in the nursery.

[QPDoll]

Carla Totally understandable about not taking the boat trip this year. Sounds like the family took it well though. But still...boo! It sounded so fun.

Camping Yep. We have two tent-camping trips planned, and two-camp trailer trips planned. The tenting trips are with my group of friends that all have babies the same age as the boys, plus they all also have 3yos, and they insist on tents. I figure with that many moms and dads around, all who have done this before, it should go fairly smooth. The trailer trips are with family. As for sleeping, we will just have the boys sleep with us. For outside, we will definatly be using PnPs. We also have frame-style backpacks and we are getting a wagon for the boys.

[Kiley]

Camping - We have thought about tent camping and I think he'll just sleep with us on top of a sleeping bag with a blanket over him. Trial and error I suppose so we'll see what happens!

[Kiley]

Is there some sort of sun shield for the PNP? Or do you just try and put it in the shade?

[shellbell516]

camping - We're going trailer camping this summer at the beach. I can't wait! My IL's have a nice camper that we'll use.

water - I give Rachel water in her sippy cup out of the refrigerator water filter.

pooping in the tub - that would suck! I always worry about this happening. I don't have any suggestions, just sympathsizing.

Party - we're not planning a big bday bash. Maybe just the grandparents over for some cake.

[Mickey&B]

Alex We are doing a brown and yellow monkey party too! but I am also adding in some purple, just because I found a cool monkey mylar balloon from Oriental trading company. I got a lot of my ideas from the 1st birthday thread but here is what we have so far.

I am having it at a local park that has big trees surrounding the the picnic area so I bought a bunch of hanging monkeys (the ones with velcro) to hang from the trees.
Brown table clothes with the straw hula type stuff to place around the table.
I plan on using bunches of bananas with balloon tied to them for the center pieces.
I am going to make the monkey invitations from Marthastewart.com
I am also going to see if I can get the monkey cake from the website made.
I am ordering sand pales with the shovels (since it's in the park)to fill with either some sort of monkey stuff or making a music cd.
I am going to have a craft table with brown and yellow playdough with cookie cutters.
I think that's it so far!
Ohh yeah and i am going to order the inflatable palm trees from oriental trading company to place around the site.
I can't believe our babies are going to be one already!

[EJH]

Camping --

Absolutely! Can't wait. We have a huge family tent and will probably just bring her PNP for her to sleep in.

Party -- I think we're going to do a bbq in our backyard. That's the plan now anyway. And I think her party will be a couple of weekends before her birthday, because my parents are going to be in town mid August. They wanted to come for her birthday, but my dad's a professor and classes start the week of her birthday. I know it's throwing off MIL to have it a couple of weeks early (and DP, for that matter) but my feeling is that if my parents are here, we are doing it early. Arden won't know the difference!! I guess we'll combine family and friends. We need to talk about the details sooner rather than later, I guess. I think I'm in denial that she'll be turning 1 in just a few months.

Erin

[namrodda]

oh Tina! Your posts are always able to cheer me up..pooping in the tub...no suggestions, but amused and sympathizing!

camping This is definitely more Dh's idea of a good time so we don't go very often...he hasn't brought it up yet so no plans in the works.

party No clue other than I have two sets of grandparents who want to be here and no one can agree on a day :rolleyes:

water ok so maybe I'm over cautious with the water...ours is in good condition and there is a filter on the fridge so maybe I'll try it straight out of there and he'll probably be fine.

beautiful baby I don't want this to go to Jeb's head either...I guess as a boy it'll be different but it seems like he already knows how to get away with stuff because he's cute. In the long run its not a bad problem to have.

I survived the crazy graduation weekend with Kevin's extended family but lets say I'm glad thats over. People sure can get carried away...now we're down to just having MIL stay with us and I can handle that for the most part. Both she and Jeb are napping so I have a few posting moments...better move on and get something else done!

In other news we have a 7th tooth showing up, he's doing well at holding a small bottle now and he's trying so darn hard to sit up from lying down. Oh and he eats cheerios like a champ... LOVES them...so funny to see how many actually get in his hair as opposed to the floor, his hair, his lap and stuck to various parts of his face :p

[gmooter]

Question- For those mom's who's DC can pull themselves up, what's happening with the crib?? I mean I used to be able to put Grace in her crib for naps and night-time when she was sleepy but kinda awake and she'd go to sleep. Now that she can stand up, I have to get her totally asleep and then put her down. Otherwise she stands up and throws a fit and tosses her paci on the floor so I have to go back in and give it to her. Little stinker is smart darn it! I don't want to have to shh her and bounce her to sleep every time. She was doing so good with putting herself to sleep. Any advice???

[kindermom]

Question- For those mom's who's DC can pull themselves up, what's happening with the crib?? I mean I used to be able to put Grace in her crib for naps and night-time when she was sleepy but kinda awake and she'd go to sleep. Now that she can stand up, I have to get her totally asleep and then put her down. Otherwise she stands up and throws a fit and tosses her paci on the floor so I have to go back in and give it to her. Little stinker is smart darn it! I don't want to have to shh her and bounce her to sleep every time. She was doing so good with putting herself to sleep. Any advice???

It took us about 1 month from the time Madelyn learned to stand to the time I could finally put her down drowsy and she would not immediately stand up. it was a looong month. She is just starting to actually lay down when she is supposed to. Her new trick? If she is not sleepy, she will 1) push against the wall and try to move the crib and 2) throw things on the floor. It took me a few days to realize where all of the pacifiers were!

[Mickey&B]

Question- For those mom's who's DC can pull themselves up, what's happening with the crib?? I mean I used to be able to put Grace in her crib for naps and night-time when she was sleepy but kinda awake and she'd go to sleep. Now that she can stand up, I have to get her totally asleep and then put her down. Otherwise she stands up and throws a fit and tosses her paci on the floor so I have to go back in and give it to her. Little stinker is smart darn it! I don't want to have to shh her and bounce her to sleep every time. She was doing so good with putting herself to sleep. Any advice???
Well Aidan just started to do this, what I have been doing is laying him back down and rubbing his head a little until his eyes start to get heavy and then leave the room. Sometimes I have to do it a couple of times before he is actually asleep. I try not to pick him up and do as much comforting as I can in the his crib. Last night I only had to go in once!!

[alex67]

I love all the party ideas so far!

Michelle - Yay! We can compare notes on monkey party ideas. I just know it is going to be so cute. It will be here before you know it so I really need to get planning - and shopping!

Kat - That is what I've decided, to take Trenton into the church with us although it means we will have to sit in the back near the exit doors in case he gets loud. I'm just not sure he will stay quiet for the entire time.

[Daniel's Kitty]

We have the Jeep play yard and it has a sun cover for it.

Crib question Has anybody done anything to keep dc from hitting their head on the crib? This has happened twice and I almost cry when he loses his balance into the crib slats. I think he needs a helmet! He also hit his head today while trying to push the ottoman around, thankfully the ottoman is very padded and heavy.

[kindermom]

Crib Question - Madelyn currently has 3 bumps on her forhead. Does that make me a bad mom or what?! One is from falling forward and hitting a wall while at the sitters. One is from falling forward and hitting the coffee table. And one is from falling sideways and hitting her toy shelf. She is so unsteady on her feet at times, I am not sure if we could avoid the falls even if we wanted to. We have joked at our house that I should sew a padded sun hat for her because of all of the falls she takes. On the upside, she does not seem to mind!

[QPDoll]

LOL -- Pete isn't walking yet - and the only thing he has to pull up on is me...but he still has bruises all over his forehead because he rests his head on the hardwood floor once he scoots off the carpet. And somehow he has a bruise on his back, but I think thats from his brother. They are brutal with each other sometimes!

[alex67]

Dropping by to post a few new pics during bath time:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/alex6789/100_3210.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/alex6789/100_3212.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/alex6789/100_3209.jpg

Hope everyone is having a good week!

[QPDoll]

Adorable!! He has great expressions.

[Mickey&B]

OMG! Soooo cute!!!

[sarahanna115]

Those are such cute pictures Alex! Not only do you have an adorable subject, but the camera takes really clear pics. Beautiful!

Tina Oh my gosh, poop leftover for you to clean up in the tub? EW! Sorry you have to deal with that! Maybe you can see them start grunting and pushing, and then pull that one out and put him on a trainer potty. Haha. I don't know. I know it's not funny but it is in a way...the things moms have to worry about! ;-)

parties I love hearing what ideas you girls have for bday parties. I can't believe it will be a year soon. I wanted to do a Curious George theme (with Jack Johnson's soundtrack playing) at a pavilion at our zoo, but we'll see. DH thinks something simpler - bbq/swim party at my in-laws would be better. Thing is, I'm working with out of state grandparents too, so we'll see. I'm not going to go all out, but I do want something fun & special, with lots of great pictures of course. :)

Anyways, sorry I haven't been around much and am not able to keep up like I'd like to. I pop in all the time to see what's going on, just no time to write! We are all good here. Noah is so much fun right now! Here's his 8 month portrait (Easter):

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/8month_rabbit.jpg

Hope everyone is doing great! It is so much fun to see all our babies growing up!

[Daniel's Kitty]

I have a question as everyone approaches 1 year. Are you planning on turning the carseat around at 1 year or wait?

I am so curious since Ben can kick the seat back hard enough to move the carseat and I hate having to mess with it to make it solid again at every stop. His legs growing that long has been hard on the seat back.

[LILRTL]

I have a question as everyone approaches 1 year. Are you planning on turning the carseat around at 1 year or wait?



Even though Zach is tall (90% right now), he is not kicking the seat. Short legs, long torso like mom AND dad. So, for now, we plan to leave him rear-facing until it becomes uncomfortable for him. :)

[QPDoll]

I have a question as everyone approaches 1 year. Are you planning on turning the carseat around at 1 year or wait?

I am so curious since Ben can kick the seat back hard enough to move the carseat and I hate having to mess with it to make it solid again at every stop. His legs growing that long has been hard on the seat back.

We will be turning them. We have long-legged boys too, but also, we will be able to see them better and be able to reach them from the front seat. The seats seem to sit better forward facing too.

[LeslieR]

Nope. We're going to keeping them rearfacing as long as possible.

[Red'sGirl]

Arrena's 9 mos. WBV

Height: 28" (50-75%)
Weight: 16.6 lbs (10-25%)

The girl is healthy and happy. As suspected, she weighs next to nothing, but the Dr. isn't worried. If at 1 yr. she is still losing ground, then we'll worry. She did suggest going to meat, so she'll get more protein. Other than that, she's doing everything she's supposed to be, so I'm happy.

Now we just have to get ready for France on Monday. Ugh!

QOTD Because she's so light, she'll be under 20lbs (likely) when she turns 1 and so she needs to stay rear-facing. I think I would keep her rf anyhow, until I absolutely HAVE to turn it around.

[LeslieR]

Darrien, I've been meaning to ask you something about your Combi stroller! Do you have a helluva time with the straps or is it just me??? Luke is totally slumped down in his stroller All.The.Time. I have to prop him up and then he slumps down again. I cannot get the straps any tighter-they are soooooo loose on him. I mean, like I could probably put a second child on his lap and the straps just might fit properly over the two of them.:rolleyes: I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what, but I am at my wits end with this damn stroller. Other than that I love it, but that is a huge issue IMO. Sal seems to think Luke will "grow into it", but that's not good enough for me considering how often I use the stroller. I know he will kill me if I say I want a new one, but I just cannot deal. I'm very curious to know if it's a user error or if you're having the same problems?:confused: TIA!

[Red'sGirl]

Leslie The straps are a bit loose, so Arrena always has a bit of gangst lean going. But we were able to tighten them up quite a bit, so she's not really slumped. At most, she lists to the side by 2 inches. We just followed the strange mechanics of the straps til they can't get any tighter.

I figure, she's only getting bigger, so it'll fit before too long. Good luck!

[QPDoll]

When yall say your going to keep the carseats rear facing for as long as you can, at what point will you turn them? Just curious.

[Sarah]

When yall say your going to keep the carseats rear facing for as long as you can, at what point will you turn them? Just curious.
I will keep DD RF until she hits the RF limit for her seat, which I think is 30 lbs. It's not worth it to me to turn her around for convenience sake, when it's significantly more dangerous.

[Mickey&B]

carseat nope he'll stay rear facing until he hits the max weight limit as well ;)

[QPDoll]

Whats the max weight for the Marathon-rear facing? Pete is already 23lbs, not sure his length, but its a lot taller than Nate. LOL

never mind. Its 33lbs. I guess even Pete has a long time to go.

[LILRTL]

30 lbs. here! :) Which probably won't be too long since Zach is already 23 lbs!

[LeslieR]

Darrien, thanks for the reply! I guess I better try and take the time to play with the straps a bit more. It sounds like we are having a rougher time of it and I suspect it is a user issue. lol

carseat, 30lbs here, too. Luke has his WBV today, but at his sick visit a few weeks ago, he only weighed 21 lbs 11oz. He has not gained much at all since his 4mo visit, so I suspect we may be able to go a while with the carseat rear facing still. I know it's safer and all, but my reason is mostly that it's too much of a PITA to turn them around.:p

[Daniel's Kitty]

I was planning on waiting, but I know that him riding rear facing in a car seat when he can shift it out of position isn't safe. He tries to kick it so he can see mom driving. He gets the whole car rocking. I am worried about it but without tying him down I don't know if it will work past one year.

[Kiley]

Hi Sarah! Haven't seen you in a while! Hope all is well!

We'll keep him rear facing until he reaches the weight limit too.

[QPDoll]

Thanks for pointing out the max weight y'all! I didn't realize that, I thought it was just that you turned them at 20lbs and 1 year. Can I change my answer now and say until they meet the max weight?

[Red'sGirl]

O.K, I know I'm being a crazy mom, but everyone's kids weigh in the 20 lbs it seems, Arrena is only 16.6 lbs! It's driving me crazy that she's so small (except for Angelina, who is a petite little girl). Arrena isn't petite, she's 28" long, but she does have a tiny waist. Normally, I think that'd be good, but she's a baby!

Really, would you all be worried? Am I not feeding her enough. The Dr. suggested giving her meat and egg yolk now - to add protein, since she's already eating 3 meals a day and has gone through most fruits and veggies.

Am I being silly?

[EJH]

We'll keep Arden rear facing until the weight limit on her Marathon.

Red's Girl -- If your ped thinks she's doing just fine, then I'm sure she is. :) She's tall and skinny!

My coworker's DD I think weighed 16 lbs, MAYBE 17lbs by the time she hit 1 year. At that point the ped had them try and fatten her up. Putting butter on sandwiches and all these random things to beef her up. It worked. I think she finally hit 20 lbs recently, and she's now 15 months I think. I was just always amused because at 5 months Arden weighed more than is 1 year old. :o My little amazon daughter.

We haven't tried meats yet but we did try eggs and we've decided she's allergic to them. Tried it twice, both times we had a child screaming in pain for hours. The egg was the only thing different on those days. It's too bad, because it's such a great food for them once they're old enough!!!

Erin

[gmooter]

Red'sGirl, I wouldn't worry at all. I have a feeling at Grace's 9 month WBV she'll be kinda a peanut too. At 6 months she was only 14lbs 14oz and was 27 inches! I'm guessing she'll weigh around 17lbs. We don't go for another couple weeks though because her b-day is the 30th. Grace gets anywhere from 18-24oz of formula a day plus 3 meals of solids. She's developing just fine so I'm OK with her weight! At 8 months she was crawling and pulling herself up to everything so I'm wouldn't worry!

[QPDoll]

I say not to worry either, all babies are different. Ehem...by chunker Pete might weigh a lot, but Nate "the scrawny dude" probably only weighs in around 18lbs - MAYBE 19, but I doubt it. And yeah..they are twins. LMAO - now I have people asking me what their age difference is.

[Mickey&B]

Darrien I am another one who says not to worry as long as the Ped says it's okay. Aidan is bearly 18 and some odd pounds, 27 and some odd in, and he was 14lbs at 4 months! He totally slowed down!

[LILRTL]

Darrien I definitely wouldn't worry. My GF has a little girl born on July 21 who is 14.5 lbs!!!!! Talk about teeny! As long as she is developing (mentally and "physically"), I wouldn't worry about it at all! :)

[Red'sGirl]

Thanks all. I know you're right, I just can't believe really believe that she's as "small" as she is. But I know she isn't unhealthy, so I'm trying to keep it in perspective.

[kindermom]

Darrien - Madelyn was 14.9 at her 6 month WBV (which was really at 7 months) and has had a horrible stomach virus and is incredibly mobile. If she ways 16.8 at her 9 month I will be surprised. She is even still in her carrier because she is just so small. I am not worried about her because she is meeting or exceeding most milestones. She is just going to be small.

[LeslieR]

Just to put it in perspective-the dr said Luke is the size of an average 14 month old.:eek: Sooooo, obviously he is big for his age. Arrena (and Madelyn, too) are probably right on target.

[L-O-V-E]

Darrien,

Ditto what everyone else has said. I say enjoy it - Ethan is too heavy for me to lug around anymore. I seriously can't hold him for that long. He's a chooch. I sometimes worry I'm feeding him too much. You just can't win.

:)

[kindermom]

Just to put it in perspective-the dr said Luke is the size of an average 14 month old.:eek:
Wow. That is amazing! Big babies are fascinating to me. My nephew was wearing 2T when he turned 1. At 16 months, he is in 3T. he is just going to be a big boy! No concerns about him. Funny thing, his sister is also in a 3 T at 30 months. :eek: Nat is bigger than Morgan now! (both adopted).

[hiphopgirl]

Remember those lists we were doing a few days ago. You know the one where we were talking about what our kids could and couldn't do. Now I can add a couple of yeses to the list. First of all, now he can drink from a sippy cup. He started doing that about a week ago. Here's a picture of another thing he's doing:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/jlormberget/DSC01289.jpg

He's standing unassisted. He can't stand for very long, but it was long enough for me to get three pictures. I posted them all in my LJ. I'm so excited. I don't know why I get so worked up about this stuff, but I figured you all would understand :)

[Kiley]

Yea! Go Anders! :)

[Mickey&B]

Yeah Anders

Aidan just figured out how to pull himself up onto the coffee table all my himself yesterday :eek: Now I really need to start baby proofing!

[kindermom]

Wow! Way to go Anders. He looks so proud/happy in the photo. Janet, that is really cool.

[L-O-V-E]

Horray Anders!!!! :) He looks so proud of himself!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Yay Anders!

We have a new one too! We were working in the yard today with Ben in the play yard and I looked up to see him looking over the top, so now I can't keep him sitting down, but I will have to load pics soon! He is trying to cruise fast too.

[LILRTL]

Happy Mother's Day! :D

[L-O-V-E]

Lora beat me to it! :)
Happy Mother's Day!!!

[LeslieR]

Happy Mother's Day, ladies!:D

[Red'sGirl]

I hope everyone had a great day!!!

I'm off (with Arrena) to France tomorrow. Wish me luck. I have my laptop with me, so I'll try to check in when I can.

[Kiley]

Have a GREAT time, Darrien! Good luck!

[Kiley]

Saving us from page 2 with a picture!
http://static.flickr.com/56/147581686_83a2e167b1.jpg?v=0

More in my LJ.

Eating Question - how much, what and when is your DC eating?
I don't think P is drinking enough EBM during the day while I'm away.

[Daniel's Kitty]

Cute pic.

We are in a bit of a food strike since I expect him to sit still long enough to eat. He will only eat Bananas.

[EJH]

Great Picture Kiley!!

QOTD -- What is it with 8.5 month old babies and food strikes?!

Arden is currently on a mashed potatoes and yogurt only diet. :rolleyes: Oh, and last night we were able to get her to eat cottage cheese. So, only white foods.

I send her with 16ozs of EBM these days, she used to drink between 20-24 at daycare, but since she started eating solids she's backed off on the milk intake. Most days she'll drink between 12 and 16 and then she nurses in the morning and at night.

As far as solids go, I send her with sweet potatoes or homemade soup that DP makes for her for lunch, and then usually yogurt and a banana for snacks. The fruit varies, but we know she loves bananas so when she's on a strike that's what goes with her. Lately she's been eating 2 or 3 bites of potatoes or soup, and devouring the yogurt and eating half a banana. I try to feed her dinner at home but sometimes she just wants to nurse. One night last week I made her toast and mango for dinner. She was refusing those after 1 bite, so I got some yogurt out for her, gave her that, then after she warmed up with the yogurt she ate the toast and mango. She's an odd child.

How much is P taking in during the day as far as EBM?

Erin

[Kiley]

I send two 6oz bottles of EBM. He usually always finished the AM bottle, I nurse at noon and then he'd eat 3-4oz in the PM. Even if he didn't get solids, he'd still only drink that much milk.

So, he gets two bottles a day at daycare and went from eating ~6oz per bottle to eating ~4oz. He will eat all his food (3 cubes/serving w/cereal). He's still nursing the same number of times (FYI, this kid gets up 2-4 times a night and eats). I guess he's just decided to get most of his milk at night? I wish he'd take more from the bottle and sleep at night! We started him on three meals a day in an attempt to get him to sleep more at night. Our theory didn't work
:(. It was worth a shot!

Okay, after writing this it seems there's really no need to worry. His milk intake has gone down but solids has increased. But do you think he's getting enough milk though?

[EJH]

Kiley,

I think he is getting enough milk. We had the same concerns when Arden dropped off her milk intake. At one point she was down to maybe taking in 8 ounces during the day. Now she's back up to more. We're happy if she gets in 12 and thrilled if she gets in 16. Then she nurses like a fiend at night.

Sounds like he's a great eater, so that's awesome.

Erin :)

[LeslieR]

I'm not even sure how much Luke eats a day. He nurses 5-6 times a day (I think) plus gets 3 solids meals a day (if I have time/remember/etc.-how bad is that???:o ). With the solids he usually gets some Cheerios or Gerber Puffs at every meal (keeps him busy while I'm getting our food ready) and anywhere from 1/2 jar to 2 jars of baby food depending on other finger foods if we're eating something he can have (peas, chicken, green beans, beans, etc.) I'm having a real problem with knowing when to stop feeding him. It seems like he will just keep on eating and eating. He never turns down any foods. This is all fine and good, but I know he's overeating because he spits up so much. It's like he has no concept of being full whatsoever. Everyone keeps saying that once he starts walking he will stop spitting up-I'll believe it when I see it. The dr said he would stop around 6-7 months and we're well past that point now.:rolleyes:

[alex67]

Happy belated Mother's Day to you all!!

Trenton eating schedule:

Breakfast - small bowl oatmeal, 1/2 Gerber#2 fruit, <4oz formula
Snack - 6 oz formula
Lunch - small bowl oatmeal, 1/2 Gerber#2 veggie, <4oz formula
Snack - 6 oz formula
Snack - 6 oz formula
Dinner(late around 9pm, only way to get him to sleep through the night) - small bowl oatmeal, 1/2 Gerber#2 fruit, 1/2 Gerber#2 veggie, <4oz formula

Sometimes he has some puffs and water once in the afternoon also.

Daycare: So we are finally checking out daycare options. Crazy us but I thought at least one of the centers around us would have an opening. Nope, all booked up. We are on the waiting list at 3 centers, one with 23 toddlers in front of us, one with 7, and one with only 4. At this rate he might have to wait till next enrollment season, putting us at an opening when he turns 2!!!

[Daniel's Kitty]

We found something else Ben loves! The Earth's Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal he would have tried to eat his weight in it. I bought it as a back up food for when we are out and he loves it.

[kindermom]

Kat - have to your mixing oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce, and cinnamon together yet? It is hands down Mdelyn's favorite food. Having tried it myself, it is really good and parent friendly. Madelyn will easily eat 6 ounces of it if you let her.

[gmooter]

Well, this thread has been a bit slow lately so I thought I'd liven it up this morning:

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/gmooter/th_119_1981.jpg


I am in total shock!

Here's the link to the story on LJ:
http://gmooter.livejournal.com/31575.html#cutid1

[LILRTL]

Oh My Gosh!!!! Our First Ro!!!!!! Congrats!!!! :d

[Kiley]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!! HH9 to you! :)

[kindermom]

Congrats Gretchen - I would love to read your story but I am not friended :( . I am madelynsmom on LJ.

[gmooter]

Thanks everyone! kindermom I just friended you on LJ!

[philnikki]

OMG!!! I just got chills!!!!

Congrats!!!!!!

[shellbell516]

Gretchen - Wondeful news! I just read it in LJ too.


BTW - I'm shellbell516 in LJ too for those that didn't know before.

[philnikki]

philnikki on lj here too...there are a few of you guys popping up that i don't have friended yet.

[gmooter]

You all are the greatest! I've just kinda been in shock this morning but reading all your awesome responses here and on LJ have me excited now!:) Thank you!!!!!

[kindermom]

As I wrote in your journal congratulations! Your story totally brough tears to my eyes. While your children will be close in age, think about what great shared experiences they will have!

[sarahanna115]

Congrats, Gretchen!! Yay! Our first RO! That is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to read your story. I added you as a friend on LJ - my user there is ssam115. *HUGE CONGRATS!* :D

[alex67]

OMGosh Gretchen!!! Huge Congrats! What a wonderful family you are going to have (not that it isn't wonderful now :) ) Having children close in age is a special thing. I wish mine were closer in age but life didn't allow for it to happen that way. I'm so happy for you.

[L-O-V-E]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have chills! Such wonderful news!!!! :)

[EJH]

Congrats Gretchen!!

I'm not friended (ratqueen on LJ), but what exciting news!!

Erin :D

[Daniel's Kitty]

Yay!!!!!! I saw in LJ but I am still so happy for you.

I will have to try that food combination to whoever suggested it that sounds like Ben to me.

[Kiley]

Erin - I'm kilaar on LJ...friend me please! :) I think I have everyone else. Oh wait, nov2_hope0805, bombedier, cc8, jmahoney75, and val_s have to friend me too...if they want. :)

[hiphopgirl]

Gretchen, I saw the news in your LJ - Congrats!!!

Food Intake - Y'all are freaking me out with how much your kids are eating relative to mine. He's 10 months old, and this is what he's eating:

7am: Nurse (who knows how much he's getting)
9 ish: cereal mixed with fruit
10ish: 4 oz of EBM
12ish: 1/2-3/4 of stage 3 jar of something (I usually do a meat or a veggie)
1ish: 4 oz of EBM
3ish: rest of jar of food and piece of string cheese
4ish: 4 oz of EBM
7ish: a jar of something at home or a banana or yogurt
7:30-8: Nurse before bedtime (who knows how much)

I'm not feeding him in the middle of the night anymore so that is all the milk he's getting. He seems to be growing fine (I think he's about 21lbs now) so I'm sure he's getting enough food, but it seems like he's eating less than some of your kids (only 12 oz of EBM during the day). I had no idea that knowing how much to feed your child would be so hard.

[kindermom]

Janet - Your posting made me happy to see. On a good day, we can get Madelyn to drink about 14 ounces of milk. Granted she will eat a little more solids than Anders, but not much more. My ped keeps telling me that it is all fine. Really. As long as she is growing.

[QPDoll]

We got back from their (late as usual) 9 month WBV this afternoon.

Pete weighs 21lbs 13oz and is 30 1/4" long
Nate weighs 18lbs 10oz and is 28 3/4" long

What they eat. Well, they are pretty much on finger foods only now, so I can tell you what I put ON their tray.

Breakfast
7oz bottle
sippy cup of water with meal
1 slice of toast with homemade sugarfree raspberry jam, cut into quarters
6 oz of whole-milk yogurt (today they shared one container and this is about the only thing they will let me spoon feed them - they love yogurt!)
1/2 stick of string cheese
roughly 2 or 3 oz of fruit - usually I slice up some banana and cut up frozen pineapple, or fruit coctail.

Snack
3 oz bottle

Lunch
7oz bottle (they normally don't finish it though - drink maybe 3-4oz)
sippy cup of water with meal
1/4 of a sweet potatoes made into "french fries" (cut lengthwise and microwaved until cooked)
1/2 stick of string cheese
handful of steamed green beans
couple of pieces of pineapple, couple pieces of watermellon
2 rye & flax crackers

Snack
a couple of animal crackers
sippy cup of water

Dinner (not dinner time yet, but this is what I plan on)
7oz bottle (usually they dont finish it - probably drink 3-4-5 oz)
sippy cut of water with meal
1/4 sweet potato "fries" again
green beans
grilled pork chops - not sure how much I give them, a small handful of pieces
couple slices of banana

then a 7oz bottle before they go to sleep (they always finish this bottle).

[gmooter]

This is Grace's eating schedule:

7:00am - 5oz bottle & either 1/2 jar (stage 2) fruit or 1/2 container of Yo Baby Yogurt
11:30am - 6oz bottle, 1/2 jar (stage 2) veggies
4:30pm - 6oz bottle, usually some type of meat baby food
7:30pm - 6oz bottle

She doesn't always take all her bottle so I usually mix up what is left over with some oatmeal. I'll also give her Puffs sometimes and we've started giving her some cheese.

[Mickey&B]

Wow congratulations Gretchen!

Here is Aidan schedule

Nurse when he wakes up
Breakfast: oatmeal, or baby muslix with 2 oz formula and organic flax seed blueberry waffle (he loves these!!) or some cheerios, kix or puffs
sippy cup with water

snack: 4oz bottle
snack: nurse
Lunch: cut up fruit, and some protein ( cheese, yogurt, tofu or beans, no meats yet)
3 cubes veggie, 3 cubes fruit
water
snack: 4oz bottle
snack: nurse
dinner: 4oz bottle before bed
We stopped feeding him solids for dinner because everytime we do he wakes up in the middle of the night to eat!

[namrodda]

Congrats Gretchen! You win the fertile award for this group :p

I'm not friended though...gosh I keep finding new people I don't have on my list too...I'm lbstr_quadrille

I was just wondering what everyone was eating these days...read my mind! Jeb's day goes something like...of course it always varies esp when we're away from home
-5oz bottle upon waking about 8ish
-breakfast about 9 (any 3 of the following) 3oz cereal, 1/3 yobaby, 1/3 same size cottage cheese, 2 fruit cubes or 1/3 of stage 2 jar, handful of puffs/cheerios, frozen bagel chunk, or 1/3 of smushed banana...maybe trying egg soon
-6-8oz bottle about 11:30
-4-80z bottle about 2:30
-snack of puffs, biscuit, zweiback toast, cheese, or something else he can grab about 4:30
-dinner about 6:30 (any 3 of these) 3 oz cereal, 1/3 cottage cheese, 1/3 stage 2 dinner food, 2-3 veggie/potato cubes, tiny bits of certain things we eat, and small portion of fruit or yobaby for 'dessert', sometimes stage 2 desserts
-5-6oz bottle before bed about 8:30

I'm thinking about making that late morning bottle smaller and starting on a small lunch...basically if Jeb sees food he wants it...so me eating lunch in front of him is hard. Nursing is done for me :( The girls dried up while MIL was hear and things were crazy...I try not to think about it...

How much are you formula users spending a month?, besides poor Tina ;) We're at about $50 a month at Costco....

Other question, does anyone have a Maclaren Volo or a similar umbrella stroller? I'm trying to decide how much $$$ to plop down for one of these. We bought the Jeep one for my moms house and it only has the 3 point harness, Jeb is bending over so far he looks like he could fall out. We already have the p3 which is fairly light but I need something even smaller.

That brings me to another thought, just curious how many of you have parents or ILs who bought baby things (stroller, car seat, portacrib etc) to keep at their house so you don't have to lug the gear each time? My parents want me to bring the baby to them...and I can't always bring his usual stuff (like this visit on the train) so my mom is willing to buy certain things but sorta grudgingly and the cheapest/ugliest version of whatever it is. I kinda feel like saying if you don't care that this car seat isn't padded well (new but CHEAP) or that Jeb's waking up at night because his legs are getting stuck as he moves around in this, not kidding 40 year old portacrib my sister slept in....Granted anything nicer is a luxury but it makes me not enjoy the visit as much because I'm worried about this stuff..and they can afford it....Just wondering about a general poll for parents out of town?


Thanks!

[Mickey&B]

namrodda Just a warning about the Maclaren volo it doesn't have a snack tray and my cousin who has it hates it for that reason. I just went with her and she bought the Aria (I think?) it was the cheapest and lightest version of the perego's she also got a deal because she bought the floor model that was last years colors.

keeping stuff at the IL's I am blessed in that my mom buys a lot of stuff for AJ that she keeps at her house. The pack and play I pretty much keep there because I don't need it at home and I didn't want her to spend so much on something he can't use forever. She did buy him the carseat to keep there (Britax) she went with that one when I told her that if he out grew it she would end up having to buy another one anyway, and a jumparoo. As far as the IL's they have nothing but he never spends the night there if anything they come over and watch him here at home.

[kindermom]

Alice - Consumer Reports rates the Silver Cross Micro the highest when it comes to umbrella strollers. It retails for about $110 so it is on the lower end of the higher end umbrella strollers.


Menu - Just posted in the thread: Whats your 6-12 mo old eating today? (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=5998&page=31)

DD, a day shy of 9 months

Nursed
B: 1/2 c. apple pie ala mode (rice cereal, applesauce, vanilla yogurt, cinnamon)
Bottle: 2 oz
Bottle 4 oz
L: 2 cubes sweet potatoes, 1 cube avocado, 1/4 c. rice cereal
Bottle: 2 oz
D: 1/2 c steamed, cubed eggplant, 1 cube avocado, 1/2 piece toast with cream cheese, Cheerios, Veggie Booty
Nursed

She had an incredible appetite yesterday!

[shellbell516]

Rachel is 9 months old today!

She's eating:

6 am - BF
9:30 am - oatmeal with 1oz EBM
10:00 am - 3 oz of EBM
12:00 pm - 1/2 jar of fruit or veggie
1:00 pm - 4 oz of EBM
4:00 pm - 4 oz of EBM
6:00 pm - gerber puffs, 1/2 yobaby yogurt, 1/2 jar of fruit or veggie, and if we're eating something that she can have (i.e. green beans, shredded cheese), she'll eat that too.
7:00 pm - BF
8:00 pm - BF
12:30 am - 1:30 am - BF once

She's only getting 12 oz per day at daycare and BF the rest of the time, so I have no idea how much she's actually getting. Some nights she'll BF more than once during the night, but lately it's only been one time after we go to bed. On the weekends I have a hard time getting her to BF during the day and I have been told from daycare they have a hard time getting her to drink all her milk. I guess she's more of a night drinker.

Last weekend I did let her have some pancake (minus the butter and syrup) for breakfast. She seemed to like it ok, she did gag once. We tried waffles on Sunday, but she wasn't interested.

She does love green beans. She'll keep eating those until you run out!

Stuff at IL's: They bought a crib when I was pg, but it's only used a changing area when we're there. Rachel doesn't like sleeping in it. I really wish they had a high chair. I meant to buy one of those $14.99 high chairs that sit in your regular chair, but I forgot to pick one up last weekend. In the past we used to take the bouncy seat with us. We also take the baby monitor when we go.

[alex67]

Baby Gear at Grandparents': My parents watch Trenton a few days a week usually so they opted to buy their own gear. He has a pack-n-play, a bouncer, a jumperoo, a crib, and a feeding chair there, oh and his own car seat. The only item we share is the stroller. I'm so fortunate to have parents who are willing to do all this. I'm not sure all his gear would even fit in the car everytime I take him over there.

[Kiley]

Baby Gear at Grandparents':
my parents bought all new - pack-n-play, sheets, blankets, bouncy seat, toys, spoons, bibs, sippy cups, feeding chair that clips onto counter. My mom also keeps buttpaste and wipes there.
my inlaws bought all used - old school playpen, exersaucer, bouncy seat, umbrella stroller, toys and saved their old high chair.

[Kiley]

Eating:
Yesterday
B: 4 cubes pears w/ rice cereal
Snack: 2.5oz EBM
L: 3 cubes peas w/ rice cereal
Snack: 5oz EBM
D: 5 cubes squash/sweet potato, kiwi, chicken, Cheerios
Nursed 5 times

[QPDoll]

My mom bought used PNP, toys, and still has our old high-chairs. Has a stash of bibs, and keeps formula, bottles, sippies, babyfood, dipes and wipes on hand. She has a used single stroller, but I go everywhere she goes with the boys, so her stroller doesnt get used since I always have the double with me.

His parents bought antique high-chairs (which suck), a couple of new toys, and they have a 30yo small porta-crib that they expect both boys to sleep in at the same time - directly underneath a skylight that is only a few feet above the crib (slanted celing/roof).

Used is no problem, the majority of the things we have are used (3 PNPs, several bigger toys like exercauser, bouncy, etc.). But the antique thing is rediculous. MIL gets out fancy antique silver spoons (real silver) and china baby dishes and expects the boys to use them properly - while sliding out of the antique highchairs with no straps (one highchair is doll sized, the other is giant sized). She is so friggen pretentious and really has no interest in the boys (she has held them ONCE since Christmas, and that was only because HER mother was there).

[EJH]

Baby Gear ..

The ILs have their chocolate factory next to DD's daycare, so they have a little room dedicated to Arden. They've got a jumperoo and a walker, plus a pack n play and a bunch of toys.

They don't have a carseat, which I secretly like because it means MIL can't just take off with her, which is something she'd do. We share the stroller, because MIL likes to take her out for walks, but I think MIL is going to get an umbrella stroller to keep over there.

They don't really have anything at their house because DD is just never there without us.

[kindermom]

Gear:
My ILs watch Madelyn 3 days a week. They received many hand me downs from my DH's cousins. They have a PNP, swing, car seat, booster seat/portable high chair, baby swing (for the swing set), plus many toys. All of it is used, for the most part. I provide clothing, formula, food, diapers. A few times they have run out of diapers (my mistake) and wipes and they have purchased some for her. But in general, they are not big in to shopping for her.

My mother lives many many hours away so she does not have anything for Madelyn. I know that alot of what she has for my neices and nephew are used as well. But my mother is cheap so...:rolleyes:

To give you context, we have recycled all of her nursery furniture. Most of her toys are hand me downs from my nieces and nephew. And our high chair was given to us by a firend (used as well). The only new major pieces we own are the car seat, exersaucer, bouncy, and stroller. I am completely not picky when it comes to this stuff. As long as it is in good condition (no rickety pPNPs please), I do not care!

[LeslieR]

stuff at the IL's-Luke goes over there every Monday for about 1.5 hours or so. I was having to lug a bag of toys with me every week and it was really getting on my nerves. Last week she bought some toys for him, so that has made my life a lot easier! Other than that, she has a PNP that she bought way back when-we've used it mostly for diaper changes (not so much anymore as it kills my back) and the few short naps he has taken there. We were lugging the Bumbo seat with us for meals over there until I got sick of that also (and he started eating more finger foods) and broke down and bought a booster seat for over there. I wanted the FP one like we have, but they didn't have it at BRU, so I got the Safety 1st one. It is essentially the same thing and it was only $19.99.

[kindermom]

I thought I would share a favorite moment with you all.

We have ben playing peek-a-boo with Madelyn for quite some time now. Well, this past week, she finally "got it." I was working in our kitchen with the door shut and she pushed it open a little (shutter doors so she can see in the middle). I called peek-a-boo and she laughed. And then proceeded to do it for another few minutes until I stopped. It was really the first time she has actively engaged in playing. A few days later, I picked her up fomr my ILs. I put her in the carrier to go and snuggled a blanket around her. She proceeded to cover her head and quickly bring it back down! She was grinning form ear to ear with pride. Makes my heart melt. She kept doing it for a few minutes and then got bored.

Do you have any favorite moments like that?

[alex67]

Oh yes, we have those moments. I live for them! Every night after Trenton has his last meal and is getting really sleepy, he puts his head down on my shoulder looking away from me so my mouth rests near the back of his neck/head. I whisper his name and he just laughs and laughs. I do this over and over until he gets quieter and quieter and then put him in his crib. I just love it. We also play peek-a-boo which is just a much fun!

[namrodda]

I love those moments too!! The best is when Jeb wraps his arms around my neck so tight. He's also really ticklish so after he's been laughing hard and winding down I kinda rub my nose across his tummy and arms real lightly, he closes his eyes, opens his mouth real big with a grin and makes this little singing noise while laughing and puts his hands around my face....he just looks so plain happy, I love it.

so gear at the parents....I don't know what to do. I feel guilty to ask them to buy nicer stuff or any stuff but it bugs me. They should want to I guess. The stroller is new but like I said its only a 3 pt harness and Jeb spent the whole day today at the mall leaning forward and almost out. We got a small bumper pad for the portacrib to cover up the slat openings...he didn't get stuck last night but as soon as he's any bigger or more active its not going to work. I bought an extra padded head support for the car seat so I can try to feel better about that. They have a borrowed exosaucer with half the toys missing....everything else I have to bring or do without. Can I do without them? Yeah....Makes life harder. My brother and sister had babies and came to visit and didn't have this stuff so my parents act like why does Jeb need it. Such a pain.....

[sdauer21]

Hey all - just popping in quickly. I'm trying to keep up, but well...I can't! :) I think most of you are friended on my LJ (and if you aren't, holler so I can add you - Noel, I noticed you weren't, so I added you yesterday), and I'm trying to keep up in there, at least. We're in the middle of selling our house (got and accepted an offer within the first 24 hours it was on the market!!), getting new jobs (have an interview with a district on May 30th), moving (hopefully July 1), getting ready for our cruise (we leave June 9th), and I'm single parenting until next Friday, as Will just left for a "Man Trip". :rolleyes: Needless to say, I've been a titch neglectiful on here!

But I saw the conversation about gear at the grandparents...Alice, we have a slightly different situation, in that Abigail is grandchild #4, following 2 kids from my very Type A older sister. Before my nephew was born (grandchild #1), my sister fully stocked my parents house with gear, so she wouldn't have to haul stuff back and forth - and for this, I'm am eternally grateful! It makes things so much easier when we don't have to cart the pnp, toys, bath stuff, etc. up there for an over night. If you are ok with 2nd hand stuff, we've found some really great deals at consignment stores. We got a 2 pnp's, backpacks, bath seats, toys, toy bins, big wheels (when they get a little bigger), etc. Most of the stuff we've collected at 2nd hand stores and garage sales is better then the bargain new stuff. We've also tried to give my mom practical storage for the stuff, since we know she doesn't want to have baby gear all over her house when we aren't there. (Of course, my parents are the king and queen of clutter, so really, I don't think they'd even notice!). We've gotten storage bins for the toys, that can get tucked into cabinets, and we got the travel high chair that hooks on to the end of a table - it packs up very small and can easily slide under a bed or in a closet.

Anyway, just my thoughts on stuff at grandparents. Its definately easier to have a stash of stuff there!!

I think everyone is doing well! Gretchen, I'll say it again - CONGRATULATIONS!!! :D Can't wait to meet the first August baby sibling!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Kindermom Thank you so much for that mix of food. Ben has a new favorite. I think we have passed the banana only strike.

Gear Daniel's parents have a blanket for Ben and my mom keeps a clean towel out for him and breastmilk and a nipple and a baby spoon.

[kindermom]

Kat - Glad it worked out for you.

We had our 9 month WBV today. Madelyn was a whopping 16 pounds, 1 ounce and 27 3/4 inches. The nurse practitioner said the we are finally about to see a tooth come through. Hooray! Let's hope it comes in before she turns 1.

[Mickey&B]

We went to the Strawberry Festival today and of course Aidan got to eat a strawberry, I couldn't resist. I know the ped said wait until 2 years ( I had always heard 1 yr) but is there any reason besides allergies why they shouldn't get strawberries? Hopefully I haven't eternally damaged my child ;)

[cc8]

Mickey&B, I read your post and just asked my mom the strawberry question (my mom is over at my house right now; she is a pediatrician). My mom says that it is the "allergy issue" that causes docs to advise on waiting on strawberries (among other foods).

[Mickey&B]

cc8 Thanks! That's what I figured but then I started to doubt myself. He LOVED them of course what doesn't he love :p

[Red'sGirl]

Gretchen WOW!! Congratulations! I'll have to read your LJ story when I get back (I'm RedsDeltagirl - am I friended??)

So, greetings from France. Not sure if I've come by before. Things are going fine. The girl made the trip over easily (slept 6 hours in a bassinet) and is adjusting to the French fine. :-) She's finally sleeping through the night again, despite the noisy street we're staying on.

I could go on and on about how hard I'm working and how difficult it all is with a baby, but I think I'll just leave you with this picture:
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B456%3A6%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3244%3E493%3E%3A%3B2% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233765%3A45774nu0mrj
(those are our interns)

[namrodda]

I love it!!!

Note to self, find some interns...

Glad the flight went well, isn't the bassinet great!?

[Mickey&B]

Darrien That's so great!! Glad your trip is going well

by the way Gretchen I'm Mickey_and_b on LJ I don't think I'm friended.

[gmooter]

I think I have my LJ friends list updated now!!

Not much new here. Waiting on Grace's 9 month WBV because her ped is out of town so we don't go until June 6th! I'm getting her 9 month pictures taken this week! I'm praying for no bumps or bruises before then!!

[HollyMN]

We've been pretty conservative so far with foods, but here is Caleb enjoying strawberries at a birthday party. He hasn't had any reactions. He loved those strawberries and has had quite a few.

http://www.calesota.com/images/nephews/may13c/3.jpg

[shellbell516]

We've had strawberries too and no reaction. :)

Darrien - I love that picture! I'd love to have me some interns too.

[LILRTL]

Aww - I want to give Zach strawberries, but read you should wait 'til a year - like peanuts, etc. - because it can cause food allergies later. Is that not right?

[Mickey&B]

Lora No your right that's what my ped suggested actually she suggested till 2 which I thought was very conservative. Anyway since we have no known food allergies in our fam I gave it a shot. It really is up to you if you want to go ahead and try it. I did start by giving him apple berry sauce and which has just a small amount of stawberry and since he had no reaction I figured he was okay.

[Daniel's Kitty]

9 month WBV today 23 lbs 5 ozs and 30 inches long. All is well. We didn't have any shots or blood tests today. Yay. His 12 month will be on his birthday.

[QPDoll]

Dang, Ben has a couple pounds on Pete (though Pete is 3/4" taller). And you still can sling him? youdawoman! LOL

[Daniel's Kitty]

He only gets the sling on those carry me times now. I can't do it for long or I hurt. But I do know he is tied to me then. I have no clue how women do it till 35 pounds though, I may have to find out.

[QPDoll]

Ive been using a frame backpack, and it feels pretty good - not heavy or uncomfortable. I got them both used - $35 each and both in unused condition! One is a Snuggli and the other is ... I want to say Evenflo but thats a bottle, I can't recall what the other is. Of course, I would love to have Kelty's but yowza $$, I can't justify the cost for as much/little as we will be using them.

I did splurge the other day! I bought a (used) Phil & Teds E3 Explorer, with the 2nd seat (I keep calling it a boogy board - LOL). http://www.babybungalow.com/phandtee3foi7.html Its red, its fast, and its mine! LMAO I got a great deal on it, and to compensate for the cost, I sold my Eddie Bauer inline, and my Eddie Bauer single, and a bunch of other stuff at a garage sale. I made enough to cover the cost of the Phil & Teds and the frame backpack with a little left over for me. :)

Im so excited, we are going on vacation a week from today and now I can actually get out on the beach with them and actually go for a walk, without simply carrying them in my arms.

[EJH]

QPDoll -- That stroller looks fantastic!

I got my Quinny Freestyle All Terrain at the end of last week. Finally got it put together over the weekend. Haven't used it yet but I'm looking forward to getting out with it. It will be so much better when we're camping and for the beach and even just for walks than our PP Venezia. DP says .." this is the last stroller, right?" :rolleyes: It's only #2! I'm going to try again to sell some stuff on ebay and will use the proceeds for an umbrella and then we'll be done buying strollers. For now. ;)

My mom flies in tonight and I can't wait. She hasn't seen Arden since December. I hate living 3000 miles away. :( Anyway I'm taking tomorrow and Friday off, I can't wait.

Arden turned 9 months on the 22nd. I can't believe how fast this first year is going. We go in for an ear check tomorrow to see if the latest infection has cleared up. I can't remember if I posted here, but she had finished a round of Suprax, had an ear check, all clear, and two days later another infection hit. They've got her on the Suprax again, we finish it tomorrow. If the ears are clear she will be put on a low dose preventive antibiotic. If that works, great, if not, we'll talk about tubes. The NP said she has the "good" kind of ear infections, in that we can get them cleared up. The key is just getting them to stay away. But, this one is her 5th double, so it's cause for concern. Maybe with the nicer weather we'll get some healthy months???

Hope everyone is doing well!
Erin

[QPDoll]

Erin - I get the same stroller comments from my DH and my family.
We are also having similar ear infection problems, only Nates never seem to go away. We have tried 3 rounds of Zithromax and 2 rounds of amoxicillian since January (currently back on Zithro). My ped doesn't like to do tubes in the ears until age 1, but it looks like thats where we are headed. :(

Pete and Nate turned 10 months old yesterday!
We celebrated by going to the mall for lunch and then we went to story time. The boys' attention span during story time is getting pretty good. They sit captivated for a full 20 minutes before wanting to crawl off. LOL Nate is better at that though, he loves books and he is so mellow these days. His whole personality has changed, he is no longer just a crabby little screaming ball of fury. He is pretty content, happy, shy and quiet. He is really cuddly, but very independant. He usually follows Pete's lead and copies things Pete does (like noises and such). Nate celebrated turning 10 months by crawling! and by cutting his 5th tooth.
Pete is getting into more and more things. He seems to be drawn to irrisistable objects like my china hutch doors, the DVD player, etc. He needs action!
Both seem to be going through a phase this past week or so (Gawd, I hope its a phase - a short one!). Neither of them will sleep! Well, they will fall asleep, but they won't stay asleep for but about 10 minutes - unless its ON us. The nights are getting very-very long and we have ended up bringing them both to bed just so we can get some sleep. Petes thing is he stands in his crib and cries. He can stand well, but he cant figure out how to get back down. He wakes Nate up, but Nate isn't sleeping well anyway.
I hear a regression is usually the forerunner to a developmental jump ahead! Here's hoping thats the case!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Don't even say that whole sleep thing. I am fighting Ben and he won't sleep until 10.
He diiscovered the outlets about an hour before I was going to put the plugs is, so I had to run and put the plugs in. He was standing up against the wall trying to put his finger in.
He tried to eat a few loose keys, yum.
His dad set him close enough that we could keep a close eye on him and forgot to move the dog food.
Then Ben found a bottle of water that I use to fill the dog dish and dumped it all over the living room and kitchen.
The more I babyproof the more he gets into.
He tries to climb the couches.

He really wants to walk and tries so hard though.

[QPDoll]

I keep saying that we don't encourage such things in our house (crawling, walking) - because I don't know what Im going to do when they are even more mobile than they are now! LOL I threaten that Im going to tie their shoe laces together. LOL

Kat, I totally can relate! Pete is into everything. Yesterday, I caught him eating a bowl of potporri that I forgot about. The joys of chasing two at a time - they go in different directions. LOL My DH hasn't babyproofed all his f%#&^ cords to everything (the flat screen TV, the computer cables, the speaker cables) So Im all day trying to keep them out of there. We go on lots of walks these days. Strap em into the stroller and get them out of the house where they can't tear things apart. :p

[QPDoll]

Oh, and we decided on a theme for their 1st birthday - we are going to do The Very Hungry Caterpillar. :) It seems fitting for those two.

[Daniel's Kitty]

I think somedays Ben goes in two directions so I can definitley feel for you. I like the thought of tying his shoes together.

If you find good stuff please tell me. I want to do outdoor bug theme and can't find much cheap stuff that I like.

QuestionHow well does the Marathon work for any of the taller babies? I think that or the Sunshine Kids Radian may be our second seat. I hate the idea of buying a seat with a 40 pound limit with how fast he grows.

[EJH]

Kat --

Arden is in the 90th % in height and we love the Marathon. Her legs though definitely are having to be bent some at this point, which I'm not overly worried about. We only have the one seat and are currently ebating a second. Won't be a Marathon though, probably an Evenflo since she'll rarely be in it. It's just getting to be a pain to have just the one carseat.

QPDoll --

These people don't understand the importance of stroller variety ;) . I made it through 9 months with just the one! I told her if she'd just let me get the Bugaboo in the first place, I wouldn't need another stroller now. :p

Love the Hungry Catepillar idea. So cute!

[hiphopgirl]

Erin - I know I love my Bugaboo and it is the only stroller we own (ducks and hides)

Tina - I totally feel for you having to chase after two. I have my hands full with one. My little guy can't even be stopped by baby gates*:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/jlormberget/DSC01306.jpg

What am I gonna do when this little guy learns to walk? I hope that all attempts to babyproof aren't this easily thwarted.


*Yes, he was able to pull the baby gate aside and crawl into the other room all on his own and in less than one minute.

[QPDoll]

Ah the bugaboo. Yes, it is very awesome, I hear the MBUD has some similar features, and comes in a twin style.
I went walking today with the Phil & Teds - and oh.my.gosh. I LOVE this stroller! It turns like a breeze, I can get through doors better (the Mclaren is narrow and easy to turn, but since its a 4wheel, not a 3wheel, I still hit doorways with it), and I love how it just GLIDES over uneven terraine! I can't say enough great things about this stroller! DH and I went walking last night with it, and he doesn't particularly care for it because of the handle. I know its adjustable but I need to figure out how to adjust it (although it works fine for me, DH is taller).

Now, I need another backpack diaper bag! My first Kecci Shanghi bit the dust - the zipper broke out of it a LONG time ago. So I got a cheep bag at Walmart that actually worked out awesome. But the latch broke recently (I guess I stuff too much crap in the diaper bag). So I won a used Kecci on Ebay - cheap, in the Navy color I love. Im still looking for that elusive perfect backpack diaper bag though. My SIL has a Loom Marsupial, which looks awesome, but it looks rather small. I see on the Phil & Teds website that they make a backpack diaperbag (to match the stroller) but I hate buying things sight unseen IRL.

BabyGates - Yeah, we need to go buy a couple of these too. We were given two of the cheap wood ones with the white plastic grid. They work great, but Im short and Im afraid Im going to trip on them when Im carrying a baby over it. So I want to get one of the ones that swings open.

Chasing two - sooooo fun. At story time yesterday, I just held on to each of them by one foot. LOL

[QPDoll]

and AARRRGGGGGGGG!!!!! Pete is still refusing to nap!!! He just stands in his crib and cries! I have let him cry for 1/2 hour (he cant' figure out how to sit back down once he stands up), but I can't get him to go to sleep! Nights are getting torcherous. Seperation anxiety???? Im not sure what to do about it, but its affecting Nate since Petes crib is in the same room as his. We don't have an extra bedroom to seperate them into, and our room is so small (also) that we can't fit one of the cribs into our room (or even a PNP).

I better go rescue him. He has been crying this whole time, I was hoping he would settle down, but nope.

Any ideas?

[EJH]

HipHop -- You lucky dog! I coveted that stroller. It was sick, sick obession of mine, and didn't helped that I was working in an area of Boston where you see them everywhere. Sigh. I had DP convinced that we would buy one, because our good friends tried it out and they were going to get one. So she knew it wouldn't be fair to deprive me. ;) However, then they decided against a stroller entirely (Daddy has this massive Kelty backpack for Charlie). Therefore DP vetoed my purchase. I was then told the steering committee I am on was going to buy us one but apparently that was all talk. We got a cheap box of toys. (I know, I sound ungrateful, but all these people own million dollar homes, I'm just sayin'.) ;) What irritated me was that we ended up believing we'd be getting it as a gift, so didn't register for a stroller, and then ended up having to buy one.

Oh well! I'm usually not so focused on stuff at all .. we don't have ipods, our tv is 20 plus years old..but the Bugaboo, man....:o

We need baby gates too -- Arden is really close to the serious mobility thing and already gets herself into trouble.

I have more responses but need to dash out of here in order to get things done to pick up my mom from the airport. 5 days with her, I'm so, so excited!!!

Back later,
Erin

[gmooter]

Just thought I'd update everyone on the appointment today:

Well, no really big news from the doctor today. From the u/s it looks like I'm between 5-6 weeks. I go back next Friday for another one and they should be able to tell more then. They did a panel of bloodwork so I will probably get the results then. They are estimating my due date at Jan 21st.

[alex67]

Gretchen - at least no 3rd trimester summer again!! Whew!

[QPDoll]

QuestionHow well does the Marathon work for any of the taller babies? I think that or the Sunshine Kids Radian may be our second seat. I hate the idea of buying a seat with a 40 pound limit with how fast he grows.

What are you referring to in regards to height? Their legs aren't curled up yet (pretzle style), but I think most of their height is in their torso. They plenty of room above their heads, we are still on the first shoulder strap notch too.

[cc8]

Has anyone else NOT YET babyproofed their house? DH and I have that down as our project for this weekend. I have somewhat of a list of items going, and I am hoping that we can just go to BRU and get everything we need (gates, outlet plugs, etc).

For the top of the stairs, I will look into these gates - anyone have experience with these?

Kidco Safeway gate
Kidco G20 or G22
First Years Simple & Secure



For other areas, I've jotted down the ff pressure-mounted gates:

Kidco Center Gateway G15
first years hands-free gate = for downstairs
summer infant sure and secure walk-through gate


I guess my question is: Does it really matter what gate you get as long as the ones at the top of the stairs are not pressure mounted?

Other stuff on my list:

• Outlet plugs/caps
• Foam padding to wrap around sharp edges (fireplace)
• Stuff to prevent opening of lower level cabinets - http://www.onestepahead.com/product/85216/454/117.html
• Tot Locks
• Sliding door locks (for closet)

[cc8]

Tina, WOW amazing that Anders knows how to move the gate out the way. Now you have me freaked out :) Having said that, I am still trying to get over my amazement that Anders can stand on his own and walk!

[Mickey&B]

Baby Proofing Ahh yes I haven't really done much in the way of baby proofing lucky for me he doesn't really want to go to far from me. He really likes to get into the bathroom, so I just keep that door closed. I did get one of those foamy things for the sharp edges around the coffee table but I got the ones with the sticky tape and he just pulled it right off. So I am in search of the kind that are elastic and wrap around the table, but I haven't been able to find the smaller one for our coffee table our BRU is always wiped out! :mad: , I have to do some more search online I guess. He is going to be walking before I know it so I had better get to it.

Yeah we are having a play date with Nikki and Ava tomorrow, so excited that I actually get to meet someone from our group :D I feel like I know you all already it would be so nice if we all lived closer together and we could do this every so often.

[kindermom]

Christine - We have the Kidco Safeway gate. They took about 15 minutes to install for the first and about 5 minutes for each additional gate. They are soooo easy to use. We have 2 at the bottom of stairs and one at the top of the stairs. I love this gate.

Babyproofing - We have gates up. We currently have the little outlet plugs. And we have covers on the most noticeable surge protectors. I have tried to move things out of her reach to prevent her from, say, pulling a heavy plant on her feet. Our cabinets have the locks on them already. THe one thing we need now isa toilet clamp. Madelyn has already smooshed her hand in the toilet 2 times! As an FYI, Consumer Reports strongly recommends NOT having the little outlet plugs because they are a choking hazard. The plate style is a safer version (albeit alot more money). Eventually we will make the upgrade at our home.

We are in the market for some major purchases right now. We need to pick up a new stroller. Ok, I want a new stroller. And we need to get Madelyn out of her Snugride finally. She is still not at the weight limit but has hit the height limit. Although her head is still 1 " below the top so we are ok right? Unfortunately we need to buy 3 seats because one of our baby sitters takes her out all the time. I researched seats on Consumer Reports and found that Evenflo Titan is their best rated seat. So you think I could find one? Nope. Nowhere to be found. So we got a Evenflo Triumph to start. Now I am trying to convince DH to get Roundabouts for our cars and to give the Triumph to our sitter. As an FYI, the Triumph gets poor reviews for the straps. They are somewhat a pain but once they are set, they are no problem IMO. It is really cushy too. OTOH, the Roundabouts match my car better. The Triumph totally clashes!

[jennylou]

Mod here, your thread is currently over 1000 posts. We like to see a new one start between 1300-1500 posts. So, thread mistresses, please be thinking of a new thread when you have a moment. :) Thanks!

[Daniel's Kitty]

We put the carseat in the 4 door last night and with the great seat shape and a middle seat to use he will no longer be able to kick the seat back. We got it in tight though too. Now our only problem is the top of the seat, they say to stop using it rear facing when you have an inch of car seat shell above their head. We have about two inches before he will hit that point. I love our carseat, but what I am I going to do if we haven't gotten everything ready to get a second carseat and we hit a good growth spurt? I never thought I would have to worry that he would out grow the seat before one year. I wish we had gottne a Marathon.

[hiphopgirl]

cc8
Having said that, I am still trying to get over my amazement that Anders can stand on his own and walk!

Bite your tongue! He can't walk yet. Well, at least not really. Two days ago he took two steps towards me and fell into my arms. Jack and I freaked out and I started saying how I wasn't going to call it because it totally seemed by accident and he has yet to repeat it. I also thing it scared him a little bit too. He walks "assisted" a little bit, but he still prefers to crawl or "cruise". I predict that by the end of next month he will probably be walking, but I hesitate to make predictions like that because I was dead wrong about his crawling. Who knows.

This brings me to baby proofing. As evidenced by my last post we don't have baby gates installed anywhere. The only one we have is the kind you can move around and use where you need it. It is obviously not good enough. We have the outlet plugs, but nothing else. He normally just likes to be where we are, and he doesn't move so fast that I couldn't stop him if necessary so I'm not sure when we'll get off our butts and do some more. Of course I'm probably the only one who still has the bumper pads in the crib. I think he would miss them if we took them out and he doesn't seem inclined to climb on them so we're good. I'm going to find out at some point that we should have baby-proofed better. I just know it.

In other news, I am blown away that some of you haven't moved up to the bigger car seat yet. How is that possible?? I'm not judging, I'm just amazed that you haven't had to. I am way jealous. I miss that infant seat, and I miss him being that size. I'm a little meloncholy with every new milestone. The next milestone is going to mean he isn't a baby anymore :( Can you believe we are almost ready to have toddlers in this thread???

[LILRTL]

In other news, I am blown away that some of you haven't moved up to the bigger car seat yet. How is that possible??

I totally hear ya on this one!! Zach moved up at 4-5 months! If not sooner! I miss being able to just pick up that seat and sit him in the stroller!! :(

[kindermom]

We still have our bumper in the crib! Madelyn is so rolly when she sleeps and she kept getting caught without it. It is thin enough that she should not be able to climb on it though.

You know, I was so happy to move Madelyn from the Snugride finally. I have been lugging an extra 12 pounds with me every where we go. No fun. My DH OTOH has been resisting the change. The sad part, Madelyn is still small enough to be in her Snugride in that she is still more than a inch from the top and less than the weight limit. She is just really small.

[alex67]

We are just now moving Trenton into his BIG carseat. We go back to the doc next week but I think he is just under 20 lbs but his height is getting close to the top of the snugride.

I don't know what kind of developmental leap babies take from 8 to 9 months but Trenton is on fire!! He is pulling up on everything, even CLIMBING. Yes, leaving the ground behind to climb up a footboard, coffee table, whatever. He needs a toddler ladder or something. He has stood unassisted for a few seconds. He can say mama, dada, and uh-oh. He never stops, always getting into something. He seems so little to me (around 20 lbs) to be doing all this stuff. Nothing like the sight of my little guy half way up my footboard on my bed just as happy as can be. He is just so strong. Anyway, I'll stop, I'm just in shock right now.

[sdauer21]

Looks like we need some new digs...I'm heading out of town tomorrow, but I'll try to work on the new thread this weekend. Since it seems at those the thread mods are a bit MIA these days, if there is anyone else, who's more active, who wants to jump in, I'll be happy to pass on info. Until then, I'll try to get something up and going as soon as possible. :)


Wish I had time to update - maybe I'll do that before I start on the new thread! ;)

[snowzilla]

If you want some help, Sonya, let me know. This mommy group has been a big help to me - I don't mind putting some time into keeping it going. :)

[Mickey&B]

Just a quick post. . .

Hope everyone has a Great Memorial Day!!!
we had a great play date with Miss Ava Grace and Nikki and Phil I'll wait to post pics in LJ till I can get the okay from Nikki
and we went to the Zoo yesterday and Aidan got his first taste of an ice cream cone!
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B9%3C3%3B5%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3249%3E979%3E%3A5%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D323377%3C9%3B78%3A4nu0mrj
Ha ha ha! Cracks me up every time! after his first bite he of course couldn't get enough! (more pics in LJ)

[alex67]

That's a great photo!! I can only imagine what they are thinking when they experience a new sensation like that. :)

[Mickey&B]

Isn't it great I really didn't want to give him any but he just wouldn't let up so I gave in!

[sarahanna115]

That picture is hilarious!!!!! LMAO

So cute!

[HollyMN]

Fun! Here's Caleb enjoying the weekend.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/may2906/8.jpg

[L-O-V-E]

Great pictures!!!!

well, I'm very sad to say that I'm starting back to work tomorrow. My maternity leave is up. And while I'm incredibly grateful to have had 10 months home, it doesn't make it any easier to go back. :(

Ethan will be going to a daycare - I think he'll love the social aspects of playing with other kids, but I'm very very nervous about naptimes with the lights on and other kids awake and making noise. I just don't think its going to fly. So that's where my anxiety is coming from. ah well. they adjust, right? right???

Glad to see everyone is doing well! be back soon.
~Lori

[alex67]

Two photos to share:

Trenton enjoying the pool for the first time:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/alex6789/9months_2.jpg

He's trying to stand unassisted and has for a couple of seconds at a time. Here he is about to let go. He's even flat footed instead of on his tip-toes. I'm scared he is going to walk before we are ready! I'm not even done baby-proofing the house!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/alex6789/9months_3.jpg

Lori - sorry to hear you have to return to work. It does stink but also does get better. Hope both of you transition well! :)

[philnikki]

Michelle Its ok with me :) Actually, I will hopefully get to post all of my pics tomorrow! I saw your SDZ pics on LJ, and the first thing I thought was boy those elephants sure look familiar ;) We went there on Wednesday!

I am back from vacation in San Diego. We are all exhausted! I will try and catch up tomorrow! For now, hope you are all doing well! :) Good night!

[QPDoll]

Hey everyone! Loving the pictures! Looks like everyone had a wonderful Mem Wknd. We spent the weekend cleaning and packing, we are leaving for vacation tomorrow! We are heading down to Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast - with the all the ILs. Vacation sounds fun, not looking forward to the IL part! LOL

Have a great week!

[EJH]

Love the new pics!

My mom has been here (from NV) since Wednesday, she went home this morning. It was such a treat to have her here and Arden just loved her. The last time my parents saw Arden was December. A is so weird about "strangers" --- usually just very serious. However, my mom walked off the plane and got a huge grin and was the hit of the weekend. Mutual adoration, I dare say.

Unfortunately, A has another ear infection. She finished her Suprax on Wed, we had an ear check on Thurs, they were pronounced clear and the doctor that saw her didn't want to follow the NP's suggestion of the daily low dose antibiotic, thought that since it's warmer now, A would probably not get as sick. Lo and behold, but Sunday she was banging her ears. We saw the other NP today and yep, one ear is infected and the other is on its way. :( This NP said let's do the low dose when she finishes this round of treatment and see what happens. I told her that was the plan last time, but that the doc hadn't wanted to do that. I guess they have different views and she was apologetic that they weren't all on the same page. We definitely want her on the meds though. If she gets any ear infections while on the low dose, we'll do tubes. I hope the meds take care of it though, as much as I hate to put her on something regularly, I just don't see what choice we have now.

So sad the long weekend is over. Hope everyone had a great one!

Erin

[Daniel's Kitty]

Great pics

Ben decided to crawl this weekend. He has figured out that it makes a pretty good mode of transportation. He was so into trying to walk that he ignored it other than to get to pull up. He crawls and climbs and tries to walk now. The more we baby proof the more he finds. He doesn't even sit still long enough to nurse, the next time he tries to crawl away I am going to cry.
He tries to climb out of the pack and play, and he tries to push things into position to help him climb the couch. It is 9 am and I am already tired. Ben goes all day now.

[gmooter]

Just had to add my Memorial Day picture of Grace:

http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346%3C23974%7Ffp5%3Enu%3D3236%3E2%3B4%3E45%3B%3EWS NRCG%3D32325743%3A%3A745nu0mrj

She liked Nana and Papa's boat but HATED the life jacket!!! She did really well up north for the weekend.

I bought her a little Playskool walker last week and she's so good at it already! She can walk across an entire room with it!! It's so stinkin cute!!

http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346%3C24%3B78%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3236%3E2%3B4%3E45%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D323257446%3B4%3B3nu0mrj
The big weekend must have tired her out! She's having a record nap right now. We've actually passed the 2 hour mark! Hopefully she'll be in a great mood this afternoon now!!

[philnikki]

We are back from vacation, so here are a few pics of Ava meeting Aidan!!!! (Michelle - I will email these to you soon!! I assume its ok to post since you asked me, but let me know if you want me to take em down ;) )

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/100_4464.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/100_4468.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/d2dd55b9.jpg

And one more on the beach:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/b30e8471.jpg

More pics in my LJ!

[Mickey&B]

Nikki Yup it's fine! I have a few I will post later too. I am a work and I have to head out of the office

[namrodda]

Hi guys-we're back from our Memorial Day weekend trip to Ohio for a wedding...long update in my LJ. I know I need to post a bunch of pics but I'm enjoying everyone elses for now!

So Jeb's officially crawling now too and I'm not liking