April 2006 Moms - Our babies are here!

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

MMH--Thanks for your post, sounds like my DD. She too also needs the rocking motion of her swing to help her sleep. If not, then I usually hold her and rock her in my glider or just rock her if we are out. I was also wondering too if she should be on some sort of schedule, so thanks for asking that quesiton!

Sevilla--Your post helped me a lot too! I was wondering if DD was getting enough sleep and eating, since sometimes her stretches of sleep go 3 hours other times 2 hours. Its good to know that my listening to DD cues are the right thing!

Bottle/Feeding question--I was wondering most times when I feed DD from the bottle, she gets both EBM and formula she usually leaves 1 oz in the bottle sometimes more like 1.5 oz. Does anyone else's DC do that? Right now she is getting 4 oz every 3-4 hours or so. I try to remember to put the remaining formula back in the fridge but sometimes I don't get to it and just throw it out after 2 hours. The EBM I know is ok to stay out if I miss the 2 hour mark, but still refridge it. I just don't like having to waste that milk.

[mel7dog]

Gina - My DS hasn't taken too many bottles, but the ones he has he leaves about 1oz. I usually just leave it out and offer it to him again in an hour or so, then I just toss it out. But we have lots of milk here, so I don't worry about wasting a little here and there. Sorry I can't help much!

Jane - I'm with you on the sleep. Ben never sleeps more than 3 hours at night and he usually wakes a lot more often. Your DH putting him in the chair sounds like something mine would do :rolleyes: Good intentions, but it didn't work out so well. I just keep hoping it gets better at night.

Well I had my 6w PP apt today and all is well. I have about 5-6 lbs to drop to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight. I started WW yesterday and will be walking/running lots to get rid of them! The MW said I am healing very nicely and can resume exercise and sex. That's right we haven't DTD yet. We tried one time, but it hurt so bad. I am still a little tramatized about my whole labor experience as well :o It didn't help that the MW said a normal vagina is fluffy inside, but when you BF it is more like sheets of ice. Can you tell I'm scared?!

[Jane&Andy]

mel - I didn't mind Joey hanging out in the bouncy chair at night when he was younger but now at 12 1/2 wks he really needs to be learning that night time is for sleep. He still woke up at least every 3hrs last night BUT he went back to sleep each time - its the staying awake that has been the biggest problem for us.

So it now looks like both of my sisters are coming for Joey's baptism which means 5 kids under 4 in my house!!!! One sister will take her two to a hotel at night but we'll still all be together during the day. I think it will be fun and awful all at the same time. :p I need a new house with a big playroom and dining room!

[Kopper]

Sleep - We are having major sleep issues here too. It's not that Jacob won't go back to sleep it is the number of times he is waking up to nurse. Here's what it was like last night:

8:30 - Down for the night
9:30 - Awake. DH put him back to sleep
11:40 - Awake and wanted to nurse
1:50 - Awake and wanted to nurse
3:45 - Awake and wanted to nurse
5:30 - Awake. Nursed for a little bit then DH put him back to sleep
7:00 - Awake for the day

So now he is waking every 2 hours when he used to sleep at least 3 hours between feedings and sometimes as many as 5 hours. He has been doing this for a week and a half so I don't think it is a growth spurt. He doesn't stay awake and is fairly easy to get back to sleep. Some of the things I think may be contributing... He doesn't stay awake long enough to nurse on both sides when he wakes up. Maybe hunger is waking him up? He has been doing this though (not nursing on both sides) for 4 weeks or so and it's only in the last two weeks that he has been waking so much. I think he may be hot in his swaddle. We use the Miracle Blanket and he only wears a diaper under it. He has been sweaty sometimes in the middle of the night but we try and keep our room very cool. When he is sweaty it has been freezing to me and DH. He also can sweat during naps when it isn't even remotely hot to us. So maybe he is getting hot and that is waking him up?? Overall he is eating more often in the last week than previously. He used to eat 8-9 times per day and now he is probably nursing at least 10 and really closer to 12-13 times. He nurses when he wakes up from a nap and to go down for a nap. The only thing else I can think of is that co-sleeping is disrupting him. I don't move in my sleep though and have only been waking when he does.

Sorry this is so long. I'm just getting frustrated and sleep deprived....

[Sal03]

Sleep we got SO lucky with katie and her night time sleep. she is sleeping through from 10-5 or 6 about every other night. Sometimes until 2:30 or 3 or 4 so no complaints here. BUT Dylan was on the same schedule a lot of you are describing for a long time and was still getting up once or twice until we sleep trained at 6.5 months. It is not for everyone, but in our case it took one night of on and off crying for 45 minutes. after that he whined for maybe 5 minutes for the next few days and then that was it. He slept from
7-7 and took two good naps a day and he is now the best sleeper ever. So hang in there girls! It does get better!

Mel Did you get anything for Ben's crib over the weekend? how is he doing?

jane ohmygosh that sounds hectic! but it sounds like it will be lots of fun too :)

Katie is like a new baby on this zantac. she is not perfect but she is so much more comfortable during the day and gives us lots of smiles too. She still has moments of discomfort but I think that will be the case until she is sitting up and having solids. Her doctor did just up her dose to 1.8ML twice a day from 1.5 and I think it is working better. So we are very happy that she is happier! AND she is on her second nap of the day in the crib now. She is able to nap much better which means it was the reflux waking her up. She is such a chunk. I swear she will be out of size 2 diapers soon! She is still on no kind of nursing schedule and still is not loving bottles. She did take 1.5 ounces from the playtex so that is progress!
eta two pics of my sweet girl at 11 weeks. WHERE does the time go??
http://images1.snapfish.com/347345546%%3E%3B37%3EWSNRCG%3D3233838882657nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/347345546%7Ffp342%%3EWSNRCG%3D32338388764%3A%3Bnu0 mrj

[JenniferEC]

Kopper - Yeah, I've read the book and keep it for a reference. Sorry about the sleep issues. We're having them, too, so no advice.

Jane - Good luck with the visitors. You're a brave woman!

mel - We're at 10 weeks tomorrow and still have not DTD. I'm too dang tired to even think about it. Your avatar is really cute.

Sal - Such cute cheeks and she's got some hair! She dresses well already.

My pump is not working again. I talked to Medela the other day and she helped me getting it working again but it backed up again this morning. My milk should be going in Marin rather than in those stinkin tubes. I'm getting so frustrated. I knew the Ameda ones can't do that, but I don't want to spend more money on another pump.

[Kopper]

mel - I hate to scare you but what your MW said about DTD and BFing is true for me. We have DTD several times and it hasn't gotten any better. It is painful no matter what we do.

Sal03 - She's a cutie! Glad sleep is going well for you. I really shouldn't complain since when he wakes up he is not really awake and is very easy to get back to sleep. Glad the Zantac is working better for Katie.

JenniferEC - The book has been very helpful to me. I just wish it would have more info about BFAR after the 1st month. Sorry you are having sleep issues as well. Have you tried returning/exchanging your pump? That really stinks about milk getting in the tubing. I never had that problem with mine.

---
I went to my LLL meeting today. It was nice to be with other moms. I really need to call my local MOM chapter and start finding out about play groups in my area.

Oh, I learned a tip from my LC. I was having a lot of trouble nursing laying down recently b/c Jacob would kick me and end up pulling himself off and then he would get upset. My LC said I need to make sure my legs were away from him and/or straight so he didn't have anything to use as leverage. It worked like a charm. No more kicking and he nursed and went right to sleep.

10 weeks
http://images1.snapfish.com/347345%3A%3C8%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3236%3E266%3E474%3E WSNRCG%3D3233838962%3A56nu0mrj

[LittleStar]

Very cute babies! Love the pictures. I had DS's 2 month pictures taken this morning and got some really good ones despite having to stop mid-way to feed him due to a hunger -induced meltdown! It's a surprise for Father's Day and I can't wait to show DH.

Harrison slept from 9pm to 2:45am last night - I was very happy, but couldn't get much sleep myself b/c DH was out of town and it's hard for me to sleep when he's gone :mad: Oh well.

I've been taking the minipill for about 1.5 weeks and AF showed up on Saturday (and much heavier than it even was pre-pg). The Dr. said midcycle spotting could be expected, but is this normal? I'm kinda regretting my decision to start the pill as it's nice not dealing with AF and since I'm breastfeeding, thought it might stay away.

I'm working on building a milk freezer stash for when I return to work. Anyone else doing that?

[Sevilla]

Kopper: he is such a cutie! No help on AF, i've never used hormonal bc, but i hope it doesn't stay that heavy

Sal: Katie has gotten so big! I'm glad the zantac is helping

LittleStar: I've started a small stash by pumping a few mornings per week, but if i pumped every morning i'd be able to add 4-5 oz. per day. I'm not going back to work FT though and will start part-time work (tutoring) in the fall when DS is 5-6 months old.

Painful DTD: It's not been that bad for me except when we first start. We use a LOT of coconut oil as lubricant though an d that makes a huge difference, astroglide sucks compared to coconut oil (it's sold as a white solid at the grocery store but melts with the heat of your fingers, it's also nice as massage oil). My mom is the one who told me about the coconut oil and gave me some and it has made all the difference.

[Jane&Andy]

the pill - my understanding is that the minipill will not bring on AF until you start cycling again on your own, I know I read a thread on that topic here awhile ago. I had some bleeding right before I started the pill but since it hasn't returned I think it was more pp bleeding instead of AF. During the 4th week on the pill nothing happened for me.

DTD - lube, lots of lube. :o

Kopper - cute picture! Jacob looks so grown up!

Sal - she's adorable!

I had Joey's portrait done at 11 1/2 wks at JC Penney, its not great but I had a coupon so it didn't cost me much
http://images1.snapfish.com/347347%3B92%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433%3EWS NRCG%3D3233838%3B7%3B793nu0mrj

[Jane&Andy]

Joey slept 6hrs last night and then another 3! Sounds great BUT it only brought him to 4:30am. At that point he didn't want to go back to sleep. DH took him at 6:30 so I could sleep and actually managed to get him to sleep for awhile. So not quite perfect but its progress!!!!

[Sevilla]

Jane: Yeah for progress on the sleep front! Wow, 6 hours is great! hopefully he'll nap well for you today :).

[uskiku]

Hey everyone!

We have BEAUTIFUL babies here in the April thread -- such cute pictures!!! :)

I'm too far behind to catch up properly... :o so here's a short version:

had our 2 month well baby visit yesterday (@ 6 weeks as we'll be traveling soon) and my little Mr. Hamster Cheeks weighed in at 12 lbs 5 oz! I was sooo proud!
Here are his stats

6 weeks
weight: 12 lbs 5 oz
height: 23 inches

Poor baby also got his shots, though who cried harder, him or me, is still up for a debate...

Sleep: A. usually has a nice 5-6.5 hr stretch (goes down around 8:30-9:00) first, which is then followed by a 2.5-3 hour stretch and then I get another hour if I'm lucky. He is usually up by 7 AM. Naps are a different story... He sleeps in his crib with no problems, but naps only either on me or DH or in the Baby Bjorn or the Moby Wrap. If we try to transition him into the crib, he'll usually wake up within 15 minutes :rolleyes:.

He is getting very cute though: all smiles and cooing all the time!

On other "news": I pulled my back (AGAIN!), and this time I'm in so much pain that I would -- quite honestly -- do the whole giving birth thing all over again than tolerate this pain any longer. I'm barely able to walk and cannot hold A. :( . And we have a long flight we gotta take in 5 days...

[Kopper]

Jacob just rolled over from his belly to his back while DH was playing with him on his activity mat. I missed it. :( We have been trying to get him to do it again but he hasn't so far.

Oh he slept better last night. 10:30-3:00 and then woke up again at 6:30! I'm hoping he does it again tonight.

uskiku - I'm so sorry about your back. Hope it gets better soon.

Jane - Thanks! Yay for sleep! :) It sounds like last night was a good night.

Gotta run Jacob is getting fussy! Dinner time. :D

[Jane&Andy]

uskiku - I'm sorry you hurt your back, I hope you feel better soon.

kopper - yay for Jacob rolling over! I'm sorry you missed it.

Joey took a crappy morning nap but a really good afternoon nap in the swing. I put him down for bed a little early b/c he was falling apart on me and he went down really fast, that was about two hours ago. So now its just a waiting game to see how long he stays down for. I don't mind getting up to feed him if he's hungry but I'd sure rather do it twice a night then 4-5 times. Although my biggest issue with him is him staying awake during the night and not going back to sleep.

I've started putting him in 3-6 month clothes. Most of his 0-3 month clothes still fit but they're getting smaller and smaller. Plus after 6wks in the same old clothes we're ready for a new wardrobe! :p

here he is modeling a new outfit, its a little big still but will be great for summer
http://images1.snapfish.com/347348297%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E748%3E25%3B%3E2324 74834%3C445ot1lsi

[jeeplover]

uskiku-Sorry you hurt your back! I hope that it gets better soon especially before your trip!

Kopper-That is great that Jacob rolled over but I am sorry you missed it! I hope that his good night of sleep continues to tonight!

Jane-That is great that Joey did took a good afternoon nap for you and I hope he sleeps well for you tonight! Cute picture of him!

Well I have been sick since this weekend with a head cold and Kyle has been congested since this weekend as well! Yesterday (Wednesday) he only ate 16 ounces total for the whole span of the day (8 am to 10 pm) so I am kind of worried. I am going to see how he does today. He isn't running a temp so that is good.

Also we have been going to a new moms group at the local hospital and I am really glad that we are going. It is nice to be around other new moms and hear there concerns as well.

Well it is 2:15 am and I can't sleep because DH keeps snoring away, I might move into the guest room to sleep so at least I can get some sleep!

[uskiku]

Thanks, Jane, Kopper and Jeeplover! I'm doing a little better today -- am able to walk just a little, but still unable to lift/hold/carry A :( . DH has been SUCH a trooper; we love our dedicated daddy! :)

Jane Hooray for the longer stretch; hope you got some good stretches in last night! Joey is such a cutie! :)

Kopper WOW, rolling over?! Way to go, Jacob!!! I'm sorry you missed it, but what a wonderful surprise!

Jeeplover I'm sorry you and Kyle are sick... Hope you guys are doing a little better today!

[JenniferEC]

uskiku - Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better. Yeah for a great DH and daddy! Good luck on your flight.

Jane - I hope Joey starts sleeping better for you. That pic is really cute. He's got some great facial expressions.

jeeplover - Feel better.

We're off today to pick out a Father's Day gift. I'm going to have Caden make him a card and then we're going to get him a new tool box. Not very exciting, but it's something he needs.

[Jane&Andy]

He slept 6hrs on the dot last night! BUT he didn't want to go back to sleep after that and it was only 1am. The rest of the night was rough.

jeeplover - I hope you and Kyle feel better soon.

[Kopper]

Jane - Yay for 6 hours but I'm sorry it ended at 1am. Cute outfit. Where do you find tops and bottoms like that? My friend loaned me some and I had never seem them before for boys.

JenniferEC - Have fun Father's Day shopping. Did you ever get your pump problem worked out?

jeeplover - Sorry you and Kyle are sick. I hope you finally got to sleep last night. Moms groups are fun. I am in the process of joining my local MOMS Club and have been going to LLL meetings. It's nice to get out of the house.

uskiku - I'm glad you are doing better and hope you continue to improve. That's great your DH is helping out so much. :)

----
We had a great night last night. Jacob went down at around 9:30 and didn't wake up to eat until 2:30. He then slept until 6am. I hear him stirring from his nap though. Gotta run.

[jeeplover]

Thanks for all the get well wishes! I still feel like crap because DH kept me awake last night with his snoring as he is now getting sick as well. Kyle still isn't eating that much but he doesn't have a temp. I am going to see how much he eats today and then decide if I should call the doctor. I fed him at 8:30 this morning and he only ate 1.5 ounces!

[Jane&Andy]

Kopper - my sister bought it at a Patsy Aiken (http://www.chezami.com/was2/bin/wc.dll?ja6~expandscript~&file=pad1TS0NMWOG3772&pathcode=s6shop&subgroup=&sessionid=1TS0NMWOG3772&align=center) sale.

[mel7dog]

Oh my I just wrote a huge long list of replies and now they are all gone :(

Sal - No we didn't get anything new for the crib. Our local stores are terrible so I will most likely order online. We did put the mirror in there and he tolerated the crib a little longer the last few days.

Kopper - What exactly goes on at a LLL meeting? I am thinking of joining next month, but have no idea what to expect.

[Kopper]

Kopper - What exactly goes on at a LLL meeting? I am thinking of joining next month, but have no idea what to expect.

They are pretty informal. We usually have a topic. This month's topic was "What is your biggest challenge right now?" We then go around the room introduce ourselves and talk about the topic. After everyone has had a chance to speak the leader opens it up for questions. It's then a free-for-all and you can ask as many questions as you like. You also can contribute if you have ideas or solutions to what the mom is asking. Really it's like we just sit around and talk and feed our babies. :) There are no meeting minutes or stuff like that. Sometimes the leader goes over group stuff but that doesn't take long at all. It's really fun and great to meet other nursing moms and get support. You don’t have to join at your first meeting either. Check it out and see if you like the group and then join if you do. :)

[Jane&Andy]

hmm, Kopper, that actually sounds like a great way to meet people - I just might have to look into that.

[Sevilla]

I've been to a couple LLL meetings and it was like Kopper said. The moms there were really nice.

[Jane&Andy]

I found a LLL group in my area but the July meeting is listed as "TBD" which means I need to call to find out, I HATE making calls. I'll wait til later this month and hope they update the website!

[Kopper]

QOTD - Has anyone updated their wills or life insurance plans since their DC was born?

We are in the process of starting to do so. We actually don't have wills yet but thought it was important to do now that Jacob is here.

[Sal03]

QOTD we actually just finally did this. we signed our will a few weeks ago. it was weird doing it but I am so relieved to have our wishes in writing, especially for the kids and who their guardians will be and all that.

Hapa where are you?? how was the move?

Yesterday was our anniversary and sweet DH took the day off. :) my mom babysat so we could run out for a quick dinner. Katie refused the playtex bottle so we had to come home right after dinner instead of going for ice cream. that's okay though, I am glad we got out just us. my friend brought me a few dr. browns bottles to try so that is our next step. I have been following the thread MMH started on getting your baby to take a bottle so we'll keep trying every day! luckily I have a lot pumped!
eta funny DH story. we are still co-sleeping and were going to stop at 3 months but lately I have not been getting good sleep because katie is still sleeping great but is moving around a lot so I am not rested. So I said this morning I am moving her out this weekend and DH got all upset and said No! he is not ready yet! we agreed next week! so cute - he loves having her in with us.

[jeeplover]

QOTD-We haven't done this yet and really need to start thinking about it so that we have it down! It is scary to think about but definitely important to do!

[ginandchris]

QOTD--We haven't done it either. We have it on our list of things to do. I know this is really bad, but we don't even have life insurance outside of what our jobs pay for! We looked into it right before I gave birth but never decided on it. We definitely have to get some!

[Sevilla]

QOTD: We both got life insurance policies and we're going to get our will done this summer. We know who DS's guardians (and back-up guardians) would be in the event something happened to us, so we just need to finalize that.

[Sal03]

big warning to all you BFing mommies...DRINK SO MUCH WATER! I knew since Katie was born I was not drinking enough water and sure enough I ended up in the ER with two kidney stones. Just like pitocin contractions but non stop. UGH!

[mel7dog]

Sal - Oh! I'm glad you are okay. Whe did you go to the ER last night?

QOTD - We added life insurance to what the military already has for DH before the baby was born, but I keep forgetting to call about mine :o

#2 - Possible TMI ahead...Is anyone else having issues going #2? I have always been very regular, going every day. Since the baby was born I go maybe once every other day, sometimes not for several days. When I do go it is horrible. I have been drinking lots of water and eating fiber, but nothing is helping yet. Is this a side effect of BF/needing more fluids?

[Sevilla]

Mel: I'm not the best about drinking fluids but i have not had that problem. Do you think it could be related to the csection?

[LittleStar]

Oh no Sal! I hope you are OK~ I definitely need to drink more water. Thanks for the reminder. Glad you had a nice anniversary otherwise.

Mel - I've not had any issues in that area. In fact, I've found that when I need to go, I need to go right away kwim? Are you still taking your prenatal vitamins? Those make me pretty regular.

QOTD - We did our estate docs about a year ago. Because of how they are worded, we don't have to update with each child.

DS was up twice instead of just once last night. Darn! I hope that was just an unfortunate fluke.

[charissa]

Just dropping by to say our professional newborn photos have finally come in!!! So excited... there are a handful more, but these are a few I really really liked :)

http://x03.xanga.com/034a22735373361097384/s40953732.jpg
http://x90.xanga.com/95ba276ad533261096971/s40953495.jpg
http://xe1.xanga.com/980a2b67c7d3261096847/s40953417.jpg
http://x25.xanga.com/b62a22672673361096813/s40953399.jpg my favorite one :)

[charissa]

forgot they only let you do 6 images, duh!


http://x6d.xanga.com/9cba366bd403361096940/s40953475.jpg
http://xc9.xanga.com/f50a0067d343061096901/s40953450.jpg

[mel7dog]

Sevilla - I hadn't even thought it may have been caused by my c-section. Off to do some reading!

LittleStar - No I have been taking the vitamins everyday, so that's no it.

Clarissa - BEAUTIFUL pictures :D I just told DH I am mad we haven't had ones done yet!

[Jane&Andy]

Sal - I am so sorry to hear about your trip to the ER.

Charissa - gorgeous photos!

Joey had one really good night of sleep - only woke up twice! It was heavenly but he hasn't repeated it. We both seem to sleep better if he sleeps in the bassinet instead of our bed but it can take an hour for me to get him to go to sleep in the bassinet so at 3am I tend to toss him in the bed instead - I need to quit doing that. On the bright side he's pretty much off formula. I still want to give him a bottle about once a week just to make sure he continues to take it if the need arises - its nice to have that flexbility. One of these days I'm going to get a haircut which means he'll be left behind with Daddy.

Joey is rolling over pretty frequently now. He held a rattle for a minute. No giggles yet but I think he's close. :)

[charissa]

Jane Isn't it great that we're getting more rest?? :) Awww, rolling over, I want my DS to do that, haha.

Mel - I was getting anxious about pics too, but we arranged a photographer before he was born, good thing, b/c I was totally overwhelmed at first after DS was born. Do you have a photographer in mind already? I definitely wanted to get some newborn pics, DS is scheduled for his 3 month and 6 month sessions already, i can't wait :)

------------

Sleep
DS has been sleeping about 4.5-6 hour stretches a night pretty consistently. Last night he only got up once to feed. He has been a GREAT baby. I hate that I might jinx it, blah. We've been doing the whole bedtime routine and massage... funny, now by the time DH brings DS to his room after the massage, he's already long blinking, its amazing... its all kind of like a science experiment that has gotten out of hand, haha. That's what I tell everyone about pregnancy too... haha

[JenniferEC]

Sal - I hope you're feeling better.

Charissa - Those are some great pictures!

I am running on very little sleep right now. Between Caden and Marin, I'm getting about 4-5 hours a night. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nap today.

[Jane&Andy]

sleep - my DS is not at all consistent about sleep! I'm still exhausted. He had one good night last week. Last night I was up for about 2hrs trying to get him back to sleep in the bassinet and then he only slept 2 more hours. its frustrating but we'll get there eventually. At least he wasn't fussy for that 2hrs he and he was clearly sleepy, he just couldn't stay asleep.

Jennifer - I hope you can get more sleep soon. Thats probably about as much sleep as I get most nights and I'm exhausted!

I have family coming this week for Joey's baptism so I have lots of cleaning and errands to run. Should be fun. :) :rolleyes:

[charissa]

Jennifer - Thanks! awwww, totally understandable though, twins must be SO exciting but completely exhausting. But hey, you'll have twice the love :)

Jane - I actually have been following your sleep questions/answers in the HSHHC thread. Some really helpful ladies in there, and it DOES help to read other mom's success stories, don't you think? Gives me some hope that one day Little Logan will STTN one day, haha. Good luck with the family/baptism, I just got "rid of" family for my cousins wedding that I was in. I was EXHAUSTED, couldn't even wake up to do one feeding for DS the night after the wedding, haha.

[JenniferEC]

charissa - No twins for me. Caden is 2 years old and running me ragged.

Jane - Marin is being baptized in 2 weeks and I'm still trying to figure out what she'll wear. What will Joey wear? Do you have something from the family or are you buying something. Both families have offered dresses, but to avoid a feud, I'm tempted to just pick up a new dress.

[charissa]

Jennifer - sorry, duh, I need to learn how to read... juggling baby, laundry, and life is making me all loopy, hahaha.

[Jane&Andy]

charissa - the sleep thread has been very helpful. Joey is making progress but he's just not consistent about it so I get frustrated. Its getting better, I'm just not celebrating yet. I have family coming this week so his room will be used by various neices/nephews but I think next week I might try shifting him in there. Last night he was just making noises and kept me up til I was in tears from exhaustion - he wasn't crying or anything, just making sleep noises and moving around and periodically waking up a little.

Jennifer - I didn't have a baptism gown from either family for him to wear (I wasn't baptised til right before my wedding and who knows what MIL did with whatever her children were baptised in!). So my Mom offered to buy him a gown - I like the gown better than the little white suit - that way I can pass the gown on and it can be worn by babies of either gender. Anyway, she bought it at Dillard's - just a simple white cotton gown.

[mel7dog]

charissa - Would you mind sharinf your bedtime routine. I would like to start some type of a routine as well as infant massage as well, but most night we just try to get everything done!

Jane - Sorry you're still not getting much sleep. Hopefully the long stretching will continue to increase.

Jennifer - I can't imagine two little one at the same time. I keep busy with just one. Hang in there!

Sleep - Ben has been doing ok in this department. He still wakes 2-3 times a night, but I think it's because he is honestly hungry. He never goes more than 3 hours during the day without eating either. At night he eats and almost always goes back to sleep easily. Luckily I don't need as much sleep as most people!

[charissa]

Jane - :( It only gets better though, right, at least thats what everyone promises, haha. I know how you feel, I was literally at my wits end about 3 weeks ago. The key for us was moving him to his crib and not jumping to soothe him with every sound he made. Our boys will get there. I keep waiting for the day when DS will actually nap for more than an hour, I can handle the once or twice night wakings (for now), but during the day, I can barely get anything done. in fact, its 11:37 and I still haven't been able to jump in the shower.

We actually turned down the monitor so that when we're sleeping we only heard the "real" cries/noises. Logan is a pretty loud sleeper so we discovered if we just turn it down a little more than usual, we still hear the "i'm hungry cry" when he really wanted something. I know its hard not to wake up, I still do it constantly anyway, but DH is finally getting some decent sleep again :)

[charissa]

Mel - SURELY :) Keep in mind, this wasn't being done as smoothly or as quickly as it is NOW haha, it took us a week to get a "system" down that works for us.

Our Bedtime Routine
Ours is pretty much the same as some of the other ladies on CC, I'm so glad I've read all their advice, it REALLY has helped, both DS and me :)

8:00-9:00 pm last feed depending on his feeding cues.
- while DH feeds, I prep the massage area, getting his change of clothes, lotion, and new diaper ready in a dimly lit room

around 8:20 (or 20 mins after whatever time we started) DH burps DS and I prep the bath, then we both help with that - i found that if i put that lavender smelling baby soup from "grins and giggles" he sleeps a lot better... go figure

around 8:30 - DH moves over to the "massage area" and I quickly dump the bath water and wipe up the sink - DH dries DS, new diaper, I put the baby lotion on and DH massages.

around 8:40 - 8:45 we move DS over to his room (walking through dimly lit halls - night lights work and just turning off the lights and using a light from a different room works too, rock him for about 1-3 mins standing in front of the crib, while DH either hums twinkle twinkle little star or we turn on the FP Aquarium. By this time DS is long blinking, it might not happen at first, but trust me after doing this for 3 weeks straight and consistently, it'll happen.
We put him down drowsy but awake, at first he fought it, but now, he goes down so easily.

around 9:00 DS is out and we watch from the video monitor we have hooked up in our network around the house, sometimes we'll have to go in once or twice to put the paci back in, but that's about it.

Sleep training - I don't know if you'd consider that "sleep training" but we've done it, sometimes we've let him cry for 5 mins to see if he's just seeing if we'll come back in, but we always go back in no longer than 5 mins after he began crying to soothe him and let him know we are still there. Some people think its mean, but after you see how some babies just knock out after letting them get it out of their system, you'll be so grateful for having tried it :) DS doesn't really cry ever... so our Ped was like its OK to let him cry every now and then, don't abandon or anything. But all Peds are diff, as are moms and babies. :) So what i've done is read what everyone else has done, tried a few things, and used a combo that works for our family.

Sorry for the novel, but sometimes when I read some sleeping posts, i get all confused b/c some people aren't very specific, hope that helped a little :)

[Jane&Andy]

charissa - I'm pretty good about not jumping up at every sound he makes, he'll often resettle on his own. But those sounds still keep me awake. He doesn't nap well during the day either. But he does go to bed early so I have some time off in the evenings.

[charissa]

jane - aren't those evenings NICE :) - at first I thought DH and I were in evening baby jail forever, until he started sleeping in his crib and earlier :) so nice :) DS doesn't nap very well yet either, I get an hour here and there, but I'm looking forward to those 2 hour naps, I just need the patience to get there :)

[mel7dog]

charissa - Thanks for all the advice. I think I need to stick to a bit of a routine and not be afraid to let DS cry for a few minutes. We'll give it a go tonight!

[Jane&Andy]

charissa - yes, the evenings are nice. on a good night he is down by 7:30! :)

[LittleStar]

So helpful to read about the sleeping recommendations. We are working on transitioning DS from the swing to the crib for sleeping. Any ideas? He doesn't seem to "get" that the crib is for sleeping. In fact, he's been in there for the last 30 minutes just "talking" to himself - even though he was giving sleepy cues before I layed him down. ??? Hmm, and now he's getting fussy so must go.

[charissa]

Mel No problem! I seriously found the advice found on CC and in the book Happy Sleep Habits, Happy Child indespensible. Also, as much as I disliked the book at first, The Baby Whisperer helped some too. I think it'll be much more helpful once DS is REALLY on a set routine throughout the entire day. Naps are still here and there.

The key to everything is consistency, and if you change one thing, they say to give it a few days before changing it again, to rule out what is helpful or not so helpful.

the crying.... I found it difficult to listen to at first, but after a while you learn to deal with it, its not too long, since we only do it for 5 mins at a time, and right after we go back in to soothe, he stops, after a while, it'll definitely get less and less.

Good luck :) Let me know if you have any more questions or are looking for more advice!

[Sal03]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I have been drinking water like a fiend to make sure this never happens again!

Little Star I think consistency is key and just keep trying. Have you tried a sleep positioner? the FP aquarium? swaddling, either full or just the legs? good luck!

Jennifer Hang in there. it is so hard isn't it? And Katie is at least a great sleeper. I can not imagine how much harder it would be if I was getting less sleep. And I am sure you are so torn in two during the day like I am. PM me anytime you want to vent!

Mel I agree with Charissa with all her sleep advice! I love Healthy Sleep Habits... We really use that in our house. Dylan is the best sleeper ever after sleep training and luckily Katie seems to have been born that way. I totally agree there is nothing wrong with letting them fuss a bit when you KNOW they are tired. Sometimes I just shush Katie while she is in the crib and bounce the sleep positioner a little and that puts her out. And as you know, I LOVE the FP aquarium! :) eta one thing though...if you have a gassy baby, like we do with katie, the crying could backfire because it makes them more gassy. So we just let Katie fuss a little but no real crying

Jane that is great he is going down around 7:30. you are setting up good habits by getting him in so early.

Charissa beautiful pictures!

And here are 2 pics of my little 12 week old. She is such a happier baby now. I just love zantac. I get so many smiles out of my sweet girl now :) The one in the dress is from father's day. I just love that little dress!
http://images1.snapfish.com/34739%%3E6%3B9%3E23247677%3A%3A894ot1lsihttp://images1.snapfish.com/34739%%3E6%3B9%3E23247677%3A%3A874ot1lsi

[hapahaole]

Sal
So funny...with those side by side pictures I thought you were going to say that one was Katie and one was you when you were a baby...then I was going to say how you look like twins. Then I read what you wrote a little closer...duh! I love the dress too. And I'm so glad to hear the Zantac has helped Katie's reflux and has helped you have a happier baby. Such great news. But woah, kidney stones? Thanks for the reminder to drink lots of fluids...it's got me drinking more now. Funny, with Jack I would down a huge glass whenever I nursed him, but with Kaylie I haven't been so thirsty.

sleep
I feel for all of you whose babies are waking every 2-3 hours at night to eat. My DS was that way. We did Ferber sleep training around 6 months (I also got rid of the swaddle and pacifier at the same time). It would have worked for us, but since we live in an old apt, I was too afraid to let him scream, so I couldn't stick with the Ferber method for more than a week. He finally slept through the night on his own at about 10 or 11 months.

DD on the otherhand...she rocks my world! Last night she slept from about 9 or 9:30 or so until 8am...not even a peep! She has night where she wakes up around 2 or 3am, but she's been having more nights where she goes from about 8 to 6 or so. But, as she's sleeping longer at night, she seems to be reworking her morning schedule some. I've been putting her down for a nap if she's been up for 1.5-2 hrs and she'd go down no problem (she would be awake and I'd turn on the vibration on the pnp and that would knock her out). We use the aquarium toy sometimes too. But she's started screaming the last couple day when I put her down. When I go pick her up, she starts smiling...so I'm thinking that her awake time may be increasing to 3 or more hours. We'll see...

So, just when you think you've got it all figured out, they go and switch it up on you. When do they routinely take just 2 naps? Does that start at 6 months or so? The whole first year with DS is just a blur now...

Oh, we're moving into our first house this weekend. Yahoo!!!!
Our 2 bedroom apt is a disaster zone...boxes everywhere and no where to sit or move. Can't wait to get out of here.

Will have to do SO's once we get into the new place.

Take care everyone.
hapa

[mel7dog]

Sal - Great pictures, the dress is too cute! I am looking for a crib toy right now!

hapa - Wow, hope some of your DD sleep habits rub off on my DS! Good luck with the move!

[Guinness]

2 month stats:

Weight: 12 lbs 13 oz (7 7 at birth) :eek:
Height: 23 1/2 inches (19 at birth)

We had shots, poor guy is cranky today. Reading along with everyone, just not much to post. I am one of the lucky ones with a baby that sleeps 9-10 hrs at night. . . but it is clearly a matter of my baby's temperment, so I am so sympathetic to those of you with light sleepers and nappers. Sorry I can't help - but hang in there!!

[jrsygirl]

Hi everyone!

I have been following along with everyone but with two babies its hard to find time to post. The twins are doing great although I feel like we're going backward on the feeding/ sleeping instead of making progress. They were sleeping/ napping / eating in 3-4 hour stretches and eating from 6-7 oz at a time. Now they are getting up every 1.5-2 hours and only eating 1-3 oz. They are obviously waking up because they are starving but I cannot get them to eat more no matter how long we sit there with the bottle. It is so frustrating! I don't know what happened.

Other than that things are great. They had a ped appt next week so hopefully we can get some ideas.

We did find a nanny with twin experience which is a huge relief for me since I go back to work in three weeks. Luckily my company offered to let me work from home 2 days a week so even though I will have the nanny here at least I'll be able to sneak some time in with them those days. DH will also continue to be home 2 days a week which is great and makes us feel a lot better about me continuing to work. Its the best of both worlds for us right now.

[Jane&Andy]

Sal - Joey doesn't really give me a choice on the early bedtime. I started putting him to be around 7:30/8pm (starting the bedtime routine at that time) when he was about 8wks old and the bedtime has gradually been pushed earlier and earlier. Now we usually get started around 6:40. Cute pictures of Katie. :)

jrsygirl - yay for finding a nanny. :)

Joey only woke up twice before 6am and for us thats a pretty good night. I struggled to get him back in the bassinet the first time but he went back down on the first try at the second waking. So that was really good. At 6 am he joined me in the bed for 2 more hours. I don't mind him finishing out the night with me but if he's in the bed all night he treats me like an all night buffet and wakes me up every hour or so to eat. Keep your fingers crossed for me that he sleeps well this week! My sister's plane is landing in 5 minutes and she's bringing her two kids with her (almost 3 and 1 1/2) - I haven't seen the kids since xmas and I really want to have the energy to have fun with them!

[mel7dog]

jrsygirl - Glad to hear you found a nanny, what a relief!

Guinness - 9-10 hours sleep, that seriously amazes me!

Well Ben is currently sleeping in his crib! He took too short naps in their yesterday (30-45min) as well. I pretty much decided I am just going to put him in there when he is sleepy and see what happens. As long as he has his paci he falls right to sleep. Who knew?!
My latest obsession is Cloth Diapering. I had thought a lot about it before, but was overwhelmed. After Sevilla's awesome breakdown in her LJ, I'm pretty sure we're making the switch soon :)

[Guinness]

Can I just add how great it is to have this thread to refer to!! Thanks threadmistresses for keeping everything up to date and doing such a great job!! I was a little worried DS is just a big huge chunk, but from looking at all the stats, he is right on with other thriving bf babies - not that it matters because every child is different and that is okay, but for the worrying mothers' piece of mind it is so nice to know others are going through similar things, babies have similar rashes, growth is similar etc. Just wanted to come in and say thanks, an invaluable resource!

Okay - on a similar note, How many of your DC have found their thumb/finger to suck on? Elliot is exploring, but really just gets his whole fist. Wondering if he might find a thumb someday, or if he is past that stage - I don't care either way really, just curious.

[MMHinCA]

How many of your DC have found their thumb/finger to suck on? Just this last week Ainsleigh has really discovered them. She usually suck on her whole hand or fingers, but not just her thumb. I can barely keep them out of her mouth! :)

Sleeping We usually get a good 6 hours and then another 3 hours every night. We usually go down between 10-11pm and then up around 5am and then up again around 8-9am. We get a short morning nap in (usually in her swing) and then a good 2-3 hour nap during the day (in her bassinet, but I am going to start putting her in her crib) and then another 1-2 hour nap in the afternoon.

Are biggest issue right now is still trying to get her to take the bottle. We had a little success on Friday when she was with my MIL (while I went and got my hair done), but it was a bit of a struggle for her as well. Our plan is to have DH give her a bottle every night when he gets home from work. Hopefully she will get it down. We know she can do it (she has taken a bottle from DH and MIL) but she fights us on it.

[ginandchris]

How many of your DC have found their thumb to suck on? Deborah has found her thumb but not she doesn't always get it on the first try. if she is really wanting to pacify and she can't find it she gets frustrated. So, i either usually help her or get her a pacifier then when she calms down she's able to find her thumb.

This past week Deborah's sleep has been very good. She usually goes down around 8-9 pm then been sleeping until 3 or 4 am. This past weekend she slept until 6:30!:D Like Charissa mentioned it soo helps to have a routine.

Jane--hope you have enough energy to play with your sister's kids!

Mel--good luck with the cloth diapering let us know how it turns out.

jrsygirl--congrats on finding a nanny. wish I was able to work from home. right now I just look at Deborah and dread going back to work FT. I'll know by tomorrow if I will be able to stay off of work until the middle of August.

[relly]

Hapa - best of luck with your move.

How many of your DC have found their thumb to suck on? Nope not yet, they do suck on their fists though.

Last night was the first time they both slept through the night, but I got up at 3 am since I was expecting someone to be hungry, but nope, both were sound asleep. They hadn't napped well yesterday, it was hot and humid and I think they were still exhausted from Father's Day.

Hope your DH's all had a great Father's Day. Here's a pic from ours.

http://images1.snapfish.com/3473%3A669%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3233%3E769%3E78%3A%3E 232476987%3B737ot1lsi

[MMHinCA]

relly Your kids are adorable! :)

[mel7dog]

How many of your DC have found their thumb to suck on? - Ben sucks on his fist all the time. He asn't started on any individual fingers yet though.

relly - They are so cute! Ben is wearing the same duckie outfit right now :)

[briamcd]

Mackenzie has found her whole fist....she drools and sucks on it most of the time. I actually think she may be teething. I know it's early but she just gets so fussy, and she's always been an easy going baby. And usually rubbing her gums settles her down. soo...my assumption is teething. :(

But, I'm not complaining too much, I'm also one of the lucky ones with a baby that sleeps most nights from 9pm - 6am. :)

[jeeplover]

How many of your DC have found their thumb to suck on? DS has sucked on his thumb or fingers at one point or another but nothing constant. Although when he is hungry he will stick his whole fist in his mouth.

[jeeplover]

[QUOTE=briamcd]Mackenzie has found her whole fist....she drools and sucks on it most of the time. I actually think she may be teething. QUOTE]

I think that Kyle is teething as well since he has been drooling ALOT lately and been pretty fussy too. My ped told me that it could be possible as some babies start teething earlier than others.

[shania0474]

Hi ladies! It's been a while since my last post (started work last week so life has been hectic with managing 2 babies under 2 and a full time job!) but I'm following along... I am dead tired right now (its past 11pm) but I just wanted to drop in and say hi.

sleep Yay, that most of our babies are sleeping longer. G was sleeping for 9-10 hours last week but the past three days, he's been waking up around 4am for a feeding (I'm hoping its a 3-month growth spurt that will go away soon). His older brother was such a terrible sleeper that I can't complain about this!

thumb sucking G found his thumb (he sucks on the left thumb) and it is what helps him put himself back to sleep when he wakes up so I'm loving it right now (though DH hates it because his older brother still sucks his thumb and the skin on that thumb is very dry and scaly)

teething G has started to show signs of teething as well (drooling and rubbing his gums against stuff--mommy's shoulder, burp cloths, etc) but as I learned with D, it will take months before the first tooth actually breaks through

okay I can't sit up anymore... goodnight!

[jrsygirl]

What is everyone's evening routine like?

Ours depends on whether its bathnight (every other) but we usually start around 6.
we usually do bottles first
6 start bath for cole
6:10 massage cole/dress/ start Paige bath
6:20 massage/ dress Paige / Cole snuggle time
6:30 read/sing lullabye in nursery till drowsy
6:45 we start putting them in the crib- the first time never works and usually Cole winds up in his swing for a while. Paige will usually go down with a paci after once or twice of us checking on her and shushing her with the aquarium on.

My only complaint about the aquarium is that the darn thing doesn't play long enough. I'm always racing in to restart the thing before they realize it stopped.

I meant to post a recent pic of them- i have a ton on my camera I need to upload.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/hbd511/IMG_1672.jpg
Paige is such a chunky monkey!

[jeeplover]

jrsygirl-The twins are adorable! Sounds like you have a pretty good bedtime routine!

So I feel like a horrible mother! I think that Kyle has conjunctivitis again! This would be the 2nd time in a month! We have a doctors appointment at 2:30 today. I feel so bad and I don't know where he got it from. We haven't gone out too much in the last couple of days because he is still congested and I just started feeling better myself after being sick last week.

[Sal03]

Thumb so funny - katie has been trying and trying and finally found hers today. it is so cute! Dylan is still such a thumbsucker and was always able to self soothe so I am so happy katie found hers too. they can't loose a thumb like a paci!

night time routine I am embarassed to say we have none! We have got to get on this

Jeeplover ugh again? hope he is better soon

jrsygirl adorable! My only complaint about the aquarium is that the darn thing doesn't play long enough that made me laugh because I have to run in to turn it back on too!

Hapa good luck with the move!! you will be so happy to have more space. hope jack adjusts okay!

Relly adorable! love their coordinating duck outfits!

quick post to say we moved katie from our bed to her crib two nights ago which was sad and we miss her. But she was keeping me up all night. She was sleeping through but kicking me and I was exhausted so I had to do it. I had a feeling she would do well since she naps so well in there. I am thrilled to say she went right in and has slept from about 9pm-9am each night! I know...don't hate me...:o

[JenniferEC]

jrsygrl and relly - I love those pics. Very cute!

Hapa - Good luck with the move. I don't envy you, but I'm sure it will all be worth it.

bedtime - We have no routine. I'm still nursing whenever Marin wants and she's not on a schedule. She's usually asleep by 10.

thumb - Marin has found it a few times but doesn't seem interested. She doesn't like the paci either.

[MMHinCA]

Question: How often does your baby do tummy time? Ainsleigh is not a big fan of being on her tummy so I don't do it that often. How often should we be doing it?

[mel7dog]

I am embarassed to say we have none! We have got to get on this

Oh good Sal I thought I was the only one!

Jennifer - Marin looks so cute druing TT. She seems to be saying "what am I doing here again?"

Ben rolled over for the first time today, three times back to back!! It was on the bed so I'm not sure if it;s counts as much due to the softness, but I still got very excited!!
Here's a pic from yesterday. We found this carrier on sale at Ross for $9 and DH was SO excited to sinally carry ben around :)
http://images1.snapfish.com/3473%3B793%3B%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55% 3EWSNRCG%3D323385429%3A9%3A3nu0mrj

and one from TT
http://images1.snapfish.com/3473%3B793%3B%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55%3E WSNRCG%3D32338542%3B297%3Anu0mrj

[jeeplover]

Question: How often does your baby do tummy time? I would love to say I do it daily but I don't. Although Kyle does alot of his tummy time laying on our chests as that is how he prefers it. He is not a big fan of lying on his tummy on his activity mat or over his boppy! I read somewhere that you should try to do it for 15 minutes each day but like I said that is not usually what we get in.

[Sevilla]

I love seeing the pics of how all our babies are growing!

Tummy Time: We flip DS to his tummy after every diaper change to give him time to air out and have done this since birth. We also put him on his stomach on top of us to play (he likes to roll off of us, have us catch him, and put him back on top). So i'd say he gets at least 1/2 hour to 1 hour of tummy time a day. It's so cute to watch him push up on his arms and look around :).

[KB57]

Such cute babies!!! i love seeing the pics.

I am back to work, which isn't so bad...it's nice to get back into the swing of things....don't get me wrong , I HATE leaving Abby, but she is either with my mom or mother in law so I know she is in good hands, I just miss her like crazy!!!! But its nice to get a break.

Sucking: Abby has been sucking her fists and drooling like crazy --so much that I think she might be teething...don't know if its possible at 10 weeks old but we gave her a teether and boy was she biting on it like it soothed her gums..I'll have to ask the doctor.

Sleeping I really feel for you ladies whose babies aren't sleeping. Abby takes her last bottle around 9:30-10 and usually conks out on the last ounce. I put her in the cradle and she is OUT until 6am. Some mornings I have to WAKE her up, bc we have to leave the house by 7. She has been so good with sleeping, she's had a couple of rough nights here and there but overall I can't ask for better. During the day she sleeps a total of maybe 3 hours. She catnaps, 20 minutes here, 30 minutes there.

Tummy time I do try to put her on her tummy at least once a day, but its usually not for long. She's rolled over from her side onto her tummy and last week she actually pulled her arm out from under her and lifter her head up and held it up for awhile. She doesn't like being on her tummy though, she fusses after like 3-4 minutes.

Question: What can I expect @ the 2 month checkup?She goes on Saturday and I've been reading that she may get up to 4 vaccinations: the DPT, HiB, Polio and pneumococcal....EEK!!!!!

Recent pic:
http://images1.snapfish.com/3473%3B%3C3%3B2%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3257%3E%3B43%3E%3B% 3A6%3EWSNRCG%3D32338657%3A2834nu0mrj

[MMHinCA]

Tummy time question... when you do tummy time do you use the little pillow on the playmat or just lay them on the mat?

[mel7dog]

Tummy time question... when you do tummy time do you use the little pillow on the playmat or just lay them on the mat?

We use the little pillow on the "Surf Mat" we have or put him on his tummy in the boppy most often. Sometimes we also out him on his tummy on the bed or changing pad fr a bit.

[Jane&Andy]

tummy time - a few times a day and usually just on a blanket on the floor. Now that he is better at rolling and holding his head up he doesn't seem to hate it as much.

sleep - he still wakes up 3-5 times a night BUT he's started sleeping in the bassinet every night until about 6am (instead of in my bed for most of the night) and then he joins me in the bed. The good news is that he's started going back to sleep in the bassinet after a feeding faster (instead of it taking an hour or more). He's still a lousy napper too.

What can I expect @ the 2 month checkup?

Joey got 4 shots. I filled out a sheet answering yes or no to various milestones and she did the usual physical exam

thumb sucking? yep, he enjoys a good thumb sucking.

cute pictures everyone. :)

My sister has been here since Tuesday with her 2 kids and I am exhausted. More family arrives tomorrow (for Joey's baptism). I'm having a lot of fun but VERY tired too.

[Jane&Andy]

here's a recent tummy time photo
http://images1.snapfish.com/347425%3B7%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433% 3EWSNRCG%3D323386725586%3Cnu0mrj

[charissa]

Jane Joey is a DOLL!!!!!

2 month check up - DS had his a week and a half ago, and did just what Jane described. I gave DS a dose of tylenol before his shots and he did well the rest of the day, no fevers, no crankiness, etc. He even slept like a dream that night.

update on sleep DS slept from 8:45 - 4:45. I was amazed. The night before he slept 6.5 hours, then before that 5.5, so it just keeps getting longer and longer. Hopefully it'll just keep getting better and better, till he hits that next growth spurt, then we'll just start over, but at least I know he CAN sleep long :)

thumbsucking - DS found his fist/fingers a while back, but now doesn't seem interested. He's a pacifier boy. But only when he wants to sleep, otherwise, he just kind of lounges and can entertain himself. Maybe when we start to unswaddle at night, he'll be more interested in his hand since he can't put back the paci on his own yet.

[Kopper]

It's been awhile... We've had a couple of rough days with Jacob not napping well and not going down well at night.

QOTDs
sleep - He had been going down really well in the evenings but this week has been horrible. I started his bedtime routine at 6pm last night. He was asleep by 7pm but as soon as we put him in the bassinet he woke up again. We didn't get him down for good until 10pm. :( The past three nights I have not been able to get him to sleep in the bassinet. He has been napping badly too. I can get him to sleep very easily he just doesn't like to be transferred to his crib or bassinet. He will sleep for 2 hours on me but he is up w/in 20mins if I put him down. I've tried the "drowsy, but awake" and that doesn't work at all. He will just cry and cry. I put him down in his crib at 3 so we will see how long he stays. He did 25 min in there for his 2nd nap and then woke up.

thumb sucking & teething - Sometimes if he can find it. I think he may be teething too since he has two white spots on his gums and is drooling a ton. He also will gnaw on anything.

tummy time - He gets at least 15-20 min every day. Now that he can roll over about 1/2 the time tummy time doesn't bother him that much any more. He can lift his head and chest up enough to look around so he doesn't really mind being on his stomach.

[amygrrl]

drooling and teething - i've been wondering if malin might be teething since she too started with the major drool and is wanting chew on her hands. also, she suddenly decided that she only wants her bottles ice cold. i was thinking it was b/c of the heat, but now i'm wondering about teething.

tummy time - we suck at tummy time so now i'm making a huge effort to have her do tummy time on the boppy several times a day. of course she'll only tolerate it for 3-5 minutes at a time.

sleeping - malin has primarily slept in her bouncy chair with no vibration or her swing b/c of reflux. over the last week, she has decided that if you put her in her swing swaddled and wide awake, she will go to sleep on her own in 5 minutes. once she's totally asleep, we either move her to the bouncy chair (at night b/c she seems to sleep better and longer in it although if it's a middle of the night feed we can usually get her back down directly into the bouncy chair without much work) or during naps i just stop the swing from swinging and let her sleep there. we LOVE it b/c she was colicy before and used to spend HOURS everyday bouncing, rocking, etc to get her to sleep. so we are going to enjoy her going down easy for 4 or 5 weeks before we start with the hardcore sleep training to allow us a bit of a break. at that point, i'm going to start letting her swing for 10 minutes then move her to the crib and then gradually reduce the amount of time she gets to swing until hopefully, we can put her down in the crib drowsy but awake w/o any swinging and she'll go to sleep on her own.

we finally caught malin smiling in a picture...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/amygrrl/malin7.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/amygrrl/malin4.jpg

[jeeplover]

Well we are leaving tomorrow morning to head up to Boston/Cape Cod for 10 days and we won't be back until the 5th of July! Should be an interesting trip since Kyle has been sleeping through the night from 9:30 to 5:30-6:30 am! I am hoping it won't stop but we will just have to wait and see!

Oh the NP told me that he either has a clogged tear duct or conjunctivitis again-they are treated the same way with the lovely ointment in the eye!

Oh here are his stats:
At 12 weeks:
weight: 11 lbs 10 oz.
length at 2 month visit was 23 inches

Well I am hoping to get back in here while we are away but if not I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!

[relly]

MMH - thanks.

Mel - thanks. How cool that Ben happened to have the same outfit on just then. That's a great pic of your DH with Ben, such a proud papa with his adorable baby. I love his hat.

Jrsygirl - they are precious!

Jeeplover - hope you have a fabulous trip, its been very humid up here.

Sal - congrats on a successful move from bed to crib

Jennifer - love that pic of Caden and Marin

KB57 - Abby's a cutie

Jane - that TT pic is adorable.

amygrrl - she's precious

Tummy time - not daily, but we're getting better at it - they used to hate it, but seem to tolerate it now. I just hated to put them down to do it only to have them cry, that's why I'd let it slide even though I knew I shouldn't. I put them up on the little pillow after a while, just to change it up a bit.

[jrsygirl]

amygrrl I love Malin's giggy-giddy hair clip! You're lucky she has so much hair! Paige has 8 clips so far from them (they are on sale now BTW) but she has no hair yet so its kind of hard for me to justify my baby hairclip addiction!

[Sal03]

Jane I love the tummytime picture. Hope you are having fun this weekend!

KB so cute! I love the bib too

amygrrl malin is such a doll. you are so lucky you can play with her hair already!

Kopper Hope Jacob turns a corner soon with sleeping.

Charissa yay for good sleep!

Katie continues her good sleep. She goes down around 9 and sleeps until about 9. One day she got up at 6:30 but most days she sleeps 12 hours. We had Dylan's 2nd birthday party yesterday. Cuddle your little ones as much as possible. It just goes SO fast!!! Speaking of, we are about to put my little chubbo in size 3 diapers! :eek:
Here is Dylan, he turns 2 on thursday and Katie in her bumbo!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3E767%3E764%3E2324767855%3A54ot1lsihttp://images1.snapfish.com/3474474%3A%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E486%3E%3B37%

[JenniferEC]

amygrrl - I love those clips. I thought about ordering some, but DD has no hair to attach them to.

Sal - Happy early bday to Dylan. He looks so grown up in that pic. They do grow up so fast. It seems like yesterday Caden was born and now he's going to start preschool in the fall.

We finally DTD the other night. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but with how tired I've been, who knows how long it will be before we attempt it again.

Marin started STTN 2 night ago, which is great, but I've been waking up with rock hard bbs. This morning I had to switch out the bottles because they were so full. I got 7 oz on one side - a record for me. I'm too tired to get up and pump so hopefully this will regulate soon.

[Jane&Andy]

cute pictures Sal and amygrrl. :)

Joey's baptism went well although it poured all day so everyone had to squish inside our house for the BBQ afterwards. I am exhausted. Having all of my neices and nephews here was fun but chaos. Plus I was cleaning and cooking for the BBQ instead of getting to play with the kids.

Joey has had a major sleep breakthrough! He is finally sleeping very well at night. He goes down at 7ish and has been sleeping til about 2 and then until 6. Then I toss him in the bed to get 2 more hours of sleep. I'm thinking I might try sticking him in the crib tonight if I'm feeling brave. Although one of my sisters is still in town and not leaving til tomorrow night (but is in a hotel tonight). So I may put that off a night b/c I don't want to have a bad night when I still have family in town tomorrow night.

Anyway, after all the stress and work of this BBQ I am so not looking forward to throwing a first birthday party. I think I'll stick with something simple for that, like pizza.

[Sully130]

Hi all! I enjoy reading along and looking at the pictures, it just seems I never can find time to post. But right now, since my frustrations pushed me out of my schedule, I have a little time while T is asleep in the swing.

Ever since about 4.5 weeks, T was sleeping great. Going down 9:30-10 and sleeping until 3-4 (with a few times until 5-6) and then up again at 6-7, and usually down until 930. Thursday was our anniversary and my parents came to sit, ever since then, he's been a horror at night. That night we didnt' get him down until 1145. Friday night it was 11. Last night it was 11 again. And I'd think he'd stay alseep for his usualy 5-6 hours. Nope. He's up anywhere from 2-4 hours. He's back to being a newborn again and it's driving me crazy! He falls asleep nursing, then wakes up when I burp him or as soon as I put him down. It means I'm up for 1.5 hours to nurse him for a total of 20 minutes. Agh!

Tonight he was acting sleepy at 6:45. So we've been talking about moving his nighttime routine up an hour (from starting at 830 to 730), so we decided to try to put him down. He went from hardly awake to, as soon as I put him down, WIDE awake. And his mobile used to work to put him to sleep. Now it's playtime until he gets bored and then he fusses and screams out (not cries). So finally tonight he was acting like he might be hungry, but I knew he was full (he was just spitting up tons), so I gave up and brought him down and put him in the swing. Within 30 minutes he was asleep and that's where he still is. I'm just leaving him there until he wakes up...then I guess I'll nurse him and try to put him down.

It's so frustrating! And he's really quite a chunk and I thought that would mean it would be easier for him to sleep longer. Yeah, not so much. He's 9 weeks old, and at his appointment last Monday he weighed 13 lbs., 2 oz.

ANYWAY, sorry to come in here and ramble on so long. I guess I just needed to vent. My husband doesn't understand why I get so frustrated but I just really want to get him in some sort of a routine. I don't have the first book though so maybe I just don't know what I'm doing? Who knows.

Tummy time - I'm terrible at encouraging this. I try to once a day, but it's hard. Seems like it's never the right time. I can't do it when he's fussy and I can't do it within an hour after he feeds or he just spits up like mad. It's hard to find a time that isn't one of those two! And he doesn't enjoy it unless he remembers it makes it easier for him to stick his hand in his mouth. :)

2 month WBV
He had his appt. last Monday and it went well. We were both traumatized from his shots, but we made it through it. Luckily the nurse gave him a dose of Tylenol before we started and I'm sure that helped a bit. His latest stats are:
8 weeks
Weight: 13 lbs, 2 oz.
Length: 23.5 inches

I'm going to try to do better at keeping up in here!

[Jane&Andy]

here's Joey sporting Panda ears (at the Smithsonium museum gift shop)
http://images1.snapfish.com/34744%3B%3B84%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433%3E WSNRCG%3D32338754%3B3533nu0mrj

Sully - I'm sorry T is having sleep issues. I wish I had some advice for you but my boy doesn't have a great sleep history.

[Jane&Andy]

it sure is quiet in here! just bumping us up from page 2!

[LittleStar]

Jane - What a cutie Joey is!

Sully - I can totally empathize! We're having our own sleep issues. I hope it gets back to normal soon.

[KB57]

Hey ladies...hope all is well
Abby had her 2 month WBV on Saturday and had two shots...she was actually OK, a little cranky, but nothing major. She goes back for 2 more in 2 weeks.
Stats:
10 weeks
Weight 13lbs 1oz
Height: 25in
Head Circ: 41 cm
I asked the dr to take a look at her bellybutton, something told me it didn't look right...it turns out she has an umbilical granuloma--basically the cord didn't break off totally and there's still a piece of skin left in the bellybutton..so he cauterized it with silver nitrate, now its all black and should fall off in a few days...he says its not very common but it does happen every so often. Otherwise, she is doing fine, gained enough weight, progressing normally, so it was a good visit.

[Sal03]

It IS slow in here.
I really have no right to complain because of katie's amazing night time sleep but I am bouncing her like crazy right now even as I type this. I HATE days like this where she took two lousy 45 minute naps and is just FUSSING the rest of the time and will not give me a break. And now I know she is going to finally crash right as dylan wakes up and I will have no break and DH is not going to be home from work until probably 8:15 so I seriously, SERIOUSLY may lose it by then. I just can not listen to the fussing and whining anymore and I am TIRED. I do not feel like bouncing her every second. If I have another day like this I am calling the ped because I can't take it. I have heard the Zantac needs to be watched pretty carefully because when their weight goes up too much it needs to be upped. And she is getting so big so fast that may be happening.
Sorry to rant, just needed to vent because I am just losing it today.

[JenniferEC]

Sal - I hope your day gets better. Hopefully upping the Zantac will help. I feel for you. Marin has been having crappy naps lately and it seems as soon as Caden goes down for a nap, she wants to be held. The past two nights I've got 5 hours of sleep and then go all day without a break. DH let Caden watch the Nemo movie and now he's having issues going to sleep. He keeps saying he's scared and I think it's because of that movie. I'm so mad DH thought that movie was appropriate for a 2 year old. It's been taking forever to get him to bed at night. We are having Marin's baptism this weekend, so I'm trying to get the house in order and get NOTHING done during the day. It's great Marin is sleeping till 5, but I actually started crying when I got up with her this morning because I knew that was my last sleep until tonight. The next time someone asks me when we're having #3, I'm might seriously consider punching them! I never thought I could exist on this little sleep but it's taking it's toll. Poor DH gets the brunt of it. Hang in there!

[Sal03]

Jennifer oh no! that is such a shame about Caden. you need his sleep to be great right now. hopefully he forgets about nemo soon. I think sometimes these men think anything is fine just because it is a cartoon. ummm...NO. And yeah, the thought of #3 is laughable! ugh and thanks to Dylan, our bathroom door is closed and locked - WITH NO ONE INSIDE. I mean thank goodness he did not lock himself in but now we will have to unscrew the doorknob later and hopefully get back in without breaking the door down. :rolleyes: Good luck with the baptism this weekend. hopefully it all comes together smoothly!

[JenniferEC]

Sal - I did take Caden to see Cars this past weekend, but it was too long so he was bored about 30 minutes into it. I have never seen Nemo, so I wasn't aware that someone dies 5 minutes into the movie. DH should know better! I hope you can get the door unlocked without too much work. It would be a shame if you had to take the door off! We had to put those plastic knob things over our door knobs to keep Caden from locking doors. They seem to work.
Hope your day is going better. Does Katie go in her swing? I hope you can put her down for a bit to get a break.

[amygrrl]

malin is napping like a champ right now in her swing. i swear i will keep her in that swing until she's 30 if it means she sleeps and i get a break. i spent way too many colicy days early on to not take advantage of something that works.

my mom called this morning and was asking all kinds of questions about malin that made me feel like the most craptastic mom ever...

her: she's STILL sleeping in the swing?
me: yeah. well, after 8 colicy weeks, we need a few weeks of easy sleep in order to prepare for sleep training. and besides she won't be in the swing forever. at some point, she'll be too big for it.
her: is she rolling over yet?
me: just once on the bed.
her: oh. is she reaching for things yet?
me: no. i think that's something for more like 4 or 5 months.
her: oh. is she pushing up on her arms yet?
me: no. but we haven't been so great with tummy time. it's something we're working on.

arggg... i had to actually get out my book and remind myself that malin is right on track developmentally and that i shouldn't start freaking out just b/c my mom is asking about developmental milestones that she likely won't hit for another month or 2.

i also took her to the club today and signed her up for the kids programs so i can start going back to the gym and taking her to swim. yeah!

giddy giddy - we HEART the giddy clips. it's so fun to put them in malin's hair. however, all that hair makes her super hot in the sun and she can't really wear any hats. :(

JenniferEC - i hope the napping gets better. are you swaddling?

[mel7dog]

Wow this thread is slow, guess we're all just busy busy!

Sully - I feel you on the sleep thing. I have a little chunk baby of my own (about 14lbs now) and I figured they woke up more to eat during the night. Who knows!

Jane - Cute pic of Joey! Reminds me to upload some!

KB - Glad the belly botton problem got taken care of.

Sal - Sorry about the rough day, hang in there! I get frustrated w/one baby and you have 2, super mom!

Amy - Urrg I hate when people ask all kinds of questions. People have been asking me if he sleeps through the night since he was born :rolleyes: Hello people, why don't YOU read up on what the baby should be doing at this age!

I spent much of last week and the weekend ordering everything we need to swtich to cloth diapering. It should be here Wed/Thurs and then we'll start full time. And as if that wasn't enough shopping, today I bought a carrier from MeiTaiBaby (http://www.meitaibaby.com/). I got the chocolate starps w/the blue retro panel for me and the gecko camo for DH. Speaking of whom, DH has been away since Sun and I am not enjoying time alone. Ben has been a happy little guy, but I have been a lazy Mom. Conbined with the rain, I have been feeling a little down. DH will be back late Thurs night though and Friday we head to TN for 5 days to visit the inlaws. Maybe I need a little treat to cheer me up!

[Jane&Andy]

Sal - I am sorry you are having a rough day. Joey has been very high needs today so I can sympathize, although I know its a thousand times harder when you have a toddler to take care of too.

Jennifer - good luck getting ready for Marin's baptism.

amygrrl - sorry about the stressful conversation with your Mom. My Mom doesn't really hound me about milestones but she still likes to tell me what I should be doing differently. :rolleyes:

Joey is in his crib tonight for the second night. Last night he only lasted til midnight which is earlier than he had been getting up. But his nights haven't been super consistent so its hard to know if that was b/c of the crib or night. It took me an hour to get him back down so he finished off the night in the bassinet. He's in the crib now so we'll see how it goes. if he wakes up early I may try just shifting the bassinet to his room.

He now only naps on the boppy after I feed him or in my bed if I lay down with him. Its ok for now, I enjoy the time to relax with him. But I would kind of like some free time for myself. My sister used Ferber's method with her kids and it worked well so I need to research that.

[Sully130]

The other night after I posted my no-sleep tirade, I took T out of his swing at 930 and put him in the crib without fuss. He slept until 400! It was amazing. Of course my boobs were rivaling Pamela Anderson's at that point, but it was worth it. Then last night he was up at 2:00 after going down at 9:00. So I just can't figure him out. Right now I'm waiting to see if I'm going to have to put him in the swing to sleep. I don't know how he goes from sleepy to wide awake during his night feed. It's odd.

I just had to go restart his mobile and he's still wide awake. Ugh. Oh well, I leave him alone as long as he's not crying. If is fusses, I stick his paci in. Off to do that now...

Anyway, gosh it's tiring. I don't see how you mothers of more than one do it. I'd go insane. I love him to death and I'm so thankful to be a mom, but geesh. This past week or two I've had more 4-5 hour nights of sleep than I want to try to count. I'll be up with him at 330 for 1.5 hours to feed him for 20 minutes and change him twice. He'll go to sleep and then wake back up.

KB - Good thing the bellybutton issue is being handled now. Good for you for getting it checked out.

Sal - I hope your day got better and your knee got a much deserved bouncing break.

Jennifer - I forget that just because they are Disney movies (or cartoons) that they aren't necessarily harmless in their messages. I hope Caden starts sleeping better soon. And good luck with the baptism and accompanying events. We finally scheduled T's and I don't want to even think about planning yet!

Amy - THe questions drive me nuts. Just this morning a lady asked me about solids and I said that those aren't until he's six months. She said something about how babies these days are just starving (b/c they don't have rice cereal the day after they are born or something). Yeah, my kid is around 14 pounds at 9 weeks. I don't think he's starving one bit. :)

Mel - THe doc said it has something to do with their ability to store fat. And when they are bigger, they can store more. So that's why bigger babies SHOULD sleep through the night easier. Yeah right. Tell that to my kid! :) Good luck with the CD'ng. I think we are going to spend the college fund on disposables!

Jane - Good luck on the crib transition!

~~~~~~~~

I was reading along in the May moms thread and they had some QOTDs that interested me and they help the thread move along a bit. So I thought I'd do something similar.

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

T just moved to size 2s! We love the Pampers Swaddlers. I'll hate it when he outgrows the 2s and they don't make them in any larger sizes. I tried some Huggies Supremes the other day and hate, hate, hate them. He has a huge gap between his backside and legs so leaking is unavoidable. Not sure how I'm going to use that package. I'm also not a big fan of the Pampers Baby Dry either. Too stiff.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?

T is wearing mostly 3 months sizes. A few 3-6 months. The 3 month onesies are starting to get a bit snug!

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?

We were going with 930, but have tried to move it up to 800-830. Not with much success though. Must run and comfort him now!

[Jane&Andy]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Size 1-2. Will switch to size 2 when we run out.
I've been buying BJ's brand or target brand

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
3-6 month

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?

typically get started at 6:30 and he's down sometime between 7 and 7:30

[cagey]

Haven't been in here much to post, but am reading along (hard to type when holding a baby, right?!)

Ben had his 2 month WBV today and here are his current stats:
weight: 11.5 lb (up from 9lb 4 weeks ago)
lenght: 22.5 inches (1/2 inch from last time)

I swear he weighs more than that, thought!

It was also shot day, and he was abnormally shreiky when getting ready for bed. I've never heard him yell so loud/hard that it sounded like he was gurgling! Poor baby! :(

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

We're in Pampers swaddlers size 2, about to either buy more from Amazon (they've got a spend-$99-on-diapers-get-$30-back special going on now) or Costco.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
3-6 month

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
Usually between 7:30 and 8:30.

oho, and amygrrl and Sully, I hear ya on the questions. I want to get a onsie printed up that reads "100% breastfed....no rice cereal needed!" or "I'm not SUPPOSE to sleep through the night!!!" I want a shirt for myself to wear when Ben's in a sling that reads "No, I'm not sufficating him, and no, its not uncomfortable"

[Sal03]

Jane we used the ferber method with dylan at 6.5 months. It took less than an hour and he is now the best sleeper ever. So when the time comes if you need help/advice/support let me know!

Sully I know - don't you just wish they would get on a schedule and get into a pattern already?? but your pamela anderson comment made me chuckle

Annoying questions Don't worry, it never stops and they just get more annoying. I am a slave to my kids naps because they are nightmares when they don't sleep so I get a lot of crap for that. My grandma made SO many comments about me nursing dylan for 13 months and was probably horrified. I just try and tune them out!

Mel those carriers are ADORABLE! you are going to be such a cool looking mama! I may have to get one.

Jennifer we got the door open without breaking anything luckily. :) Katie only tolerates the swing or bouncy for a few minutes. I have gotten her to sit in the bumbo for a little longer so maybe that will save my sanity! And good idea about the knob covers. Now I am terrified he will lock himself in somewhere.

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Huggies supremes. about to go into 3s with the next pack

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
3-6 months

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?

around 9

[Kopper]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Pampers Swaddlers size 2s for now.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
3-6 month

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
We shoot for 7pm but he doesn't end up going down for the last time until around 8 or 8:30pm

---
Speaking of sleeping we have started putting him down in his crib and DH brings him to me when he wakes up in the middle of the night and then he stays in our bed. I think we will do this for awhile and then we will start putting him back in his crib. I try to get him in his crib for naps but a lot of the time he ends up sleeping in my arms b/c he wakes up. I can usually get him in his crib for 25-30 mins for each nap and then he naps another hour or so in my arms. At least I am getting a lot of reading done. I am almost done with HSHHC.

[Sevilla]

QOTD1: I think DS would be a size 1 still, but we use cloth and he's still in smalls.

QOTD2: Both 0-3 and 3-6 depending on the brand. Carter's and Gymboree still fit in 0-3 months. I love one-piece rompers but those seem to run small in all brands so he's in 3-6 months only with those.

QOTD3: Eh, usually around 9pm. I have him take a late nap around 4-5ish so he's awake when DH gets home and they can play. DH also takes him for a walk around 8ish. By 9pm he's ready to really go down for the night, i just nurse him and he's out. We're still cosleeping and happy with it. He currently does one marathon 3 hour nap sometime during the day and then shorter cat naps the rest of the time. At night he eats every 3-4 hours (he's never slept longer than that) but he doesn't 'wake up' fully so i don't really mind. In fact, most mornings i'm not even sure how often or when he woke up during the night.

[JenniferEC]

amygrrl - If the swing works, then use it. We finally got ours back out and use it all the time now. Sorry about your mom. Malin will reach those milestones when it's time. It sounds like you're doing a great job. I'm going to have to look into ordering the GiddyGiddy clips if Marin ever gets hair. They are so cute!

mel - I hope the next couple of days go quickly for you and you have a great trip to TN.

Jane - I hope sleeping gets better for Joey. One of these days he'll surprise you and sleep in the crib the entire night.

Sully - I hear you on the engorgement. I've been having to pump at 5am before Marin wakes up because the boobs are rock hard.

Sal - I'm glad you got the door taken care of. Caden locked himself in our bedroom at 15 mo and I freaked out. I was worried what he would get into. It took forever to find the key to get in and ever since then we've had the plastic knob covers. I may have to look into the bumbo seats. How much head control do they need?

Kopper - How are things going with BF?

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?
We just moved to Swaddlers size 1. Cagey - You'll be glad to know Costco will start carrying Pampers again this fall.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
0-3, although they are too big.

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
Between 9-10, depending on when and how long she nurses.

[jrsygirl]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Size 1 Swaddlers. Everything else we tried either leaked or started giving them rashes.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
they are both still in 0-3 although they fit well so I think we might start breaking out the 3-6's.

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
typically get started at 7ish and they are down sometime between 7:30 and 8:30

************************************************** ********

Paige and Cole are doing great. I need to keep repeating that over and over right now. I am incredibly blessed that I have two healthy beautiful happy babies..

I am a basket case however. I go back to work on the 10th and on Friday our "perfect" nanny bailed on us because her curent family needs her to stay so the mom can go to yoga and shop because "she just needs her time". So now we are scrambling trying to find daycare and I am unbelieveably stressed about it.
I really wanted to enjoy my last few weeks with the babies and now I'm so worried about finding someone we like to stay with them.
On top of that Brian is about to start a great new job (which is good) but its just one more thing that is going to upset the balance of our schedule. I have a feeling we are going to have a rough few weeks ahead!

[Jane&Andy]

jrsygirl - I'm sorry about your nanny dropping out on you. Good luck finding a new one!

Sal - I'm glad to hear Ferber worked for you.

Joey slept in the crib again last night - he woke up at 12:45 and 5am. Thats not too bad. At 5am I put him in the bed with me but before that he was in the crib all night. I must say the FP Aquarium is my new best friend, that thing works miracles! (as far as putting him to sleep)

[Sal03]

jrsygirl oh no! that is so annoying for you. I really hope you find another solution soon so you can relax and enjoy this time with the babies

jane I could not live without the FP aquarium. that thing is the BEST

Jennifer I can't believe he locked himself in!! so scary. that's what I kept telling myself...even though we were locked out - at least he was not in! The bumbo says 3 months I think. We put Katie in it last week and we could tell she was getting tired pretty quickly. She did much better in it this week. I think once they can hold their heads up it is fine, but just monitor how she is looking and how long you leave her in it. I thought of you this morning. I was up at 5 and almost cried that I was not going to get more sleep for the day!

[briamcd]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Wal-mart brand<Parent's Choice> size 1

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?

0-3 are just starting to fit her good. They've always been big on her.

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?

We try for 9:00 and usually succeed.

And here some pics: The I'm a happy baby pic, & I'm bored with you pic.
http://images1.snapfish.com/3474755%3B%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E538%3E7%3C 2%3EWSNRCG%3D323387%3B%3B%3C67%3B5nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/3474755%3B%3A%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E538%3E7%3C2% 3EWSNRCG%3D323387%3B%3B%3C7%3B%3B%3Anu0mrj

[amygrrl]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

pampers swaddlers size 1 and 2... we're just switching her over to size 2 this week.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
mostly 0-3 months, but she's starting to fit into some of her 3-6 month stuff (mostly the gymboree stuff which seems to run a bit smaller than some of the other brands)

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
between 7:30 and 8:30. we start the bedtime routine between 6 - 6:30. it goes like this... bath, bottle, swaddle, dancing to favorite songs, rocking, and then in the swing. however sometimes the dancing and rocking parts take a bit of time b/c she just won't settle down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
when will this kid stop crying/ screaming in the carseat? we switched out the infant carseat for a big plush britax boulevard thinking that would do the trick, but she's still screaming and crying. arrgg... it's so bad we've decided if/when i go back to work i need to work from home rather than drive. any ideas on how to get her to chill out in the car? we've moved to the convertable carseat, put up a little mirror w/ fun stuff for her to look at, have tried cracking the windows open slightly, have tried taking her in the car when it's naptime, have tried taking her when she just finished her nap, have tried on a full stomach, have tried on an empty stomach. arrggggg.....

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

Glad everyone is doing ok. I just put Deborah in her swing for her nap. She should be good for a bit so I can do some chores. Anyway, I'll answer the QOTD's.

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?

Deborah is in size 1. We got a bunch of Huggies for our baby shower but I DON'T LIKE THEM AT ALL! They leak like crazy. I just want to use them up I have a little less than 1/2 a pack left then we are back to Pampers Swaddlers. I really like them.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?

Deborah is wearing 3 month sizes and some 3-6 clothes.

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?

We usually try for 8-9 pm every night it may be a little later on weekends since we tend to be out and about. But she is very very good, she goes right down after her last bottle, I just stay for about 5 minutes putting her paci back in. After it falls out after she's asleep she'll sleep fine without it. She's found her thumb and can pacify on that.

[Kopper]

when will this kid stop crying/ screaming in the carseat? we switched out the infant carseat for a big plush britax boulevard thinking that would do the trick, but she's still screaming and crying. arrgg... it's so bad we've decided if/when i go back to work i need to work from home rather than drive. any ideas on how to get her to chill out in the car? we've moved to the convertable carseat, put up a little mirror w/ fun stuff for her to look at, have tried cracking the windows open slightly, have tried taking her in the car when it's naptime, have tried taking her when she just finished her nap, have tried on a full stomach, have tried on an empty stomach. arrggggg.....

Jacob was the same way until very recently. He still cries a lot in the car but some trips he doesn’t cry at all. He used to scream bloody murder though. I do find that he is best in the car when he has a full stomach and is a bit tired. Sorry you are going through this I know it is not fun when there is nothing you can do.

----
I have a question. When is throwing up/reflux something to be concerned about? DS has always thrown up but it is never large quantities and it doesn't seem to bother him at all. I know it is not just regular spit up because it stinks like vomit. He usually does this 3-5 times per day lately but some days he doesn't at all. It also happens if I've only nursed him and when he has a bottle so I don't think it's a formula thing. Since it is always small quantities and he never fusses or cries because of it I haven't worried. He is also gaining weight just fine. TIA! :)

[LittleStar]

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?
H is wearing Huggies Supremes size 2. He used to leak a lot at the beginning in the newborn sizes, but these are working well now.

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
Some 0-3 month, some 3 month, and some 3-6 month (just depends on the brand). I need to go through his stuff and take out what's too small (to save for the next baby - ha, ha don't even want to think about that yet)

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
Around 10, 10:30. I feel like it should be earlier, but when we put him down earlier, he wakes up earlier for his middle of the night feed. I guess we're hoping that if we "top him off" later in the evening, that he'll stay full longer and won't need to get up as early during the night to eat. Right now, we're "working" on cutting out the middle of the night feeding, and then we'll work on earlier bedtime - or should they be done in conjunction? It's not so much working on, as it is hoping that he'll just miraculously sleep all night. My lack of sleep hasn't been too big a deal, but I know it will be once I return to work. I have a feeling I won't be able to continue to go on 2 to 3 hour stretches of sleep, so I would really love H to sttn.

I'm going back to work on 7/19 and just found out we got into the daycare we wanted. Jrsygirl - I hope you find another nanny soon - I know that it's stressful worrying about it. You have a lot going on! Hang in there.

H is sleeping in his crib at night, but still taking naps in the swing. I try to put him in the crib during the day, and sometimes he'll lay there peacefully for 10 minutes or so, but eventually he'll start crying and won't stop til I pick him up. With the swing, it's almost always a sure thing that he'll get in a good nap - so the swing usually wins out. But I still try to lay him in the crib once a day, just to see if it works this time.

[Jane&Andy]

Kopper - when I talked to my pediatrician about reflux (my Mom suspected he had it but I think it was just fussiness during a growth spurt). She asked about projectile vomit and if he pulls away upset while feeding. I would think if he doesn't seem bothered by the spit up/vomit and is gaining just fine then its not something to worry about. But if you're worried then there's no harm in contacting your pediatrician. I know one of my neices was prone to spitting up but didn't have reflux - but I don't remember the details of just how often she spit up.

briamcd - cute pictures. I just put Joey in his exersaucer for the first time this morning. He seemed to like it ok but doesn't quite have the head control he needs yet - I didn't think to stuff it with a blanket like you did.

Joey normally naps on me - its just a temporary solution til he's old enough for something like Ferber - not ideal but it works better than DH coming home to me in tears every day b/c the boy won't nap. Today he wasn't falling asleep on me and was driving me up the wall. I put him in the swing and after a little fussing (maybe 2min) he's out cold. I love how he keeps me on my toes - lately he hasn't been able to nap in the swing but today he decides to throw me for a loop.

[LittleStar]

Kopper - H does the same thing. He does it whether I nurse him or if he takes a bottle (of breastmilk). It doesn't seem to bother him at all - he is smiley both before and after. I can't tell if it's vomit or spit up (not sure what the difference is) - sometimes it's very liquidy, sometimes it's chunkier. I'm not worried as long as he seems happy and what comes out is clear/white and not projectile.

[Sully130]

Y'all, I'm seriously in love with the FP Aquarium swing. It makes my life so much easier. I wish he could fit in it forever. :)

Kopper - I've asked my doc about spit up/vomit several times because T does this a lot. He's even projectile vomited a few times and vomited so much I was sure it was his entire feed. She asked me if he arches his back after feeding and gets fussy. He does sometimes. She said he definitely has a reflux issue, but he's gaining weight so well, so not to worry. She said she'd only be concerned if he was projectile vomiting on a regular basis and/or started losing weight or dropping signifcantly in his rate of growth. It's definitely worth asking your ped about at the next visit, but from what you've described, probably no reason for worry. But it sure does make for a stinky baby, doesn't it? :)

brianmcd-- Precious pictures!

Amy - Sorry about the carseat troubles. I wish I had some advice. T is okay in the carseat as long as he's asleep or willing to take the paci. Otherwise, he's very fidgety and fussy. Not sure how to fix that but I'd love to know!

[Sal03]

Kopper I have seen both! Dylan used to spit up a ton and he did that for a long time and was happy and gaining so it was fine. I mean sometimes he used to soak himself or me but was fine so there were no worries. Katie on the otherhand is a miserable spitter and arches quite often and clearly has reflux problems. I need to talk to her ped tomorrow about her zantac dosing actually. So I think the difference is obvious. It sounds like Jacob has typical newborn reflux and he certainly looks happy in all his pics :)

[LittleStar]

And going along with the spitup posts - H has gotten a rash of sorts in his neck folds - I think from my not keeping him clean and dry in there after he spits up :confused: Anyway, the area is red. Anything I can put on it besides soap and water?

Sully - that's the same swing we have and it's absolutely been a lifesaver.

[bctoledo]

I've been following along and finally have the time to join.

CC name: bctoledo
DS name: Benjamin Robert
Real name: Carrie, 25
DH name: Brian, 25
Married: May 24, 2003
EDD: April 22, 2006
Birthdate: April 21, 2006
Time of birth: 1:51 am
Weight: 8 lbs, 9 oz
Length: 22 inches

We go tomorrow for his 2 month appt and shots. I'm not looking forward to that! At his 1 month appt, he was 12 lbs, 2 oz and 23 1/2 inches.

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?
Huggies, size 2

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
Mostly 3-6 months and some 6-9 months

QOTD3: What time do you put your baby down for the night?
We start his routine at 8 every night, and he's normally in bed around 8:45. Last week he started sleeping until about 6:30, so I'm finally catching up on my sleep. At night we can put him down awake and he'll put himself to sleep. For naps he will very rarely put himself to sleep awake. I've heard that is something they need to do before going to daycare. Does anyone know if that's true? I'm not going back to work until September, so I have some time.

[Kopper]

Welcome bctoledo!

Thanks everyone for answering my spit up/vomit question! It seems a lot of us are dealing with this to some degree. It can be projectile at times but since it isn't large quantities and he doesn't seem bothered by it I won't worry. DH is complaining though that all of his shirts are getting stained. :( I have noticed that when it is vomit rather than spit up it leaves a stain. I guess it's due to the stomach acid? :confused:

JenniferEC - I forgot to respond to you. Thanks for thinking of me. BFing is still touch and go. Jacob does really well my supply is really the only issue. Now everything is really just in my head. I have a hard time not constantly being worried that he eats enough every day. At this point it is safe to say that I will always have to supplement him. Since he is getting bigger he is now taking 2-3 bottles per day. It works out to 6-9oz per day or so. I'm trying to just relax and enjoy the BFing relationship I do have with him though and it is working. It helps me to set mini goals for myself so BFAR for 1 year doesn't seem so daunting. Friday is 3 months! :) So how is it going for you? I'm hoping that when I have my 2nd I will be able to EBF since they say your supply is usually greater with each additional child.

[Sal03]

Welcome bctoledo! :)

[JenniferEC]

Sal - Happy Birthday to Dylan! Do you have any special plans?

bctoledo - Welcome!

[mel7dog]

Cagey - LOL about your shirt suggestions! I would so buy one of those shirts!

bctoledo - Welcome! Happy to have another Benjamin in the thread :)

QOTD 1: What size diapers is your baby wearing now (assuming they are disposable)? And which brand do you prefer?
DS is size 1-2 in Huggies Supreme, but I am currently washing our size M cloth diapers :)

QOTD2: What size clothing is your baby wearing now?
Ben still fits in a few 0-3 month, but 3