June 2006 Mommies - Our Little Angels Are Arriving!!

[maryanne]

smack!!! ;)

i am no expert but......

[Astlrdec]

Our surprise: SHELBY ALYSE! Go the girls! :D

I went into labour the morning of our due date! And then proceeded to labour all day and then had a beautiful waterbirth at 3am Tuesday morning. I'm working on my birth story at the moment with all the details but for now here is my DH's recount of the "facts" in my LJ and a piccy from right after she was born.

Contractions started at about quarter to 5 Monday morning and Shelby came out at 3.00 a.m. Tuesday morning, so I guess we're talking 22 hours from start to finish.

The contracts became intense probably about 2.00 or 3.00 Monday afternoon. (It was basically enough for me to figure that if I kept watching the movie I was watching on TV, she'd get irritated with it.)

At 9.30 p.m., we arrived at the hospital, got checked and was 5 cm dilated.

At about 12.30 p.m., Australia beat Japan in their opening World Cup soccer match at 4-1, but that may not interest you so much . . . it certainly didn't interest Rachel.

At about 1.00 or just before, her waters broke. From there, it was straight into transition (and into the bathtub). I reckon she was then pushing for about an hour and a half.

There were no drugs consumed at any time, and she only got a couple of grazes, so that might be why she's looking so alert and happy.

To say any more would steal her thunder, so I'll leave it at that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/rmhodge/The%20Arrival%20of%20Shelby/DSCN0343.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/rmhodge/The%20Arrival%20of%20Shelby/DSCN0347.jpg

CONGRATULATIONS to all the other new Mummies out there. Isn't it wonderful to have our babes in our arms? And to those are still preggers enjoy your last few days as a couple and remember that your body is DESIGNED to give birth and CAN do it!! :)

Must go feed screaming baby...

[maryanne]

I do know that denial isn't just a river in egypt! :)

[maryanne]

:) :) :) congrats Astlrldec and welcome Shelby!!!!

[shouldaeloped]

thanks maryanne- I needed someone to be a little logical for me. :D

I did end up calling the doctor and since I was laughing between contractions (my dh is quite funny when he needs to be and I laughed most of the time during my miscarriage) she said that they would just send me home and to call the office when they opened at 8:00am. there are 7 doctors in my practice and I only dislike one of them- and of course, she was the one on call. so blah on her. I'll call back at 8 I guess. they contractions are getting worse and closer together. we'll see!

congratulations astrldec and welcome Shelby! she is beautiful!

[jay&erinn]

Congrats Astlrdec!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear the whole story.

Shoulda: I think it sounds like you're in labor. Good luck and keep us posted.

Mrs. Brownie: It's great that Ethan is sleeping so well- Mia didn't sleep that well until she was 10 months old. It was always recommended that we wake Mia every 3 hours at first. I think it's also so that you can establish a good milk supply, not just for weight gain. If you want to let him sleep at night, you could try fedding him every 2-3 hours during the day, and then letting him sleep at night. Maybe check with a LC to see what they think.

I think I'm losing another mucus plug:confused: - Is that possible? I lost one a week and a half ago. Then all of a sudden this morning there was a ton more. I don't know if I should be concerned or not. I don't know if I should call the doc or just assume everything is OK since the baby is moving around just fine. Why oh why can't things just be normal?

[jbenny75]

I don't want to jinx myself, but I've been having contractions since about 1 am. They were 10 minutes apart from 1-4. Then they started getting closer, like 6-7-8 minutes apart. Right now they're getting irregular- 3 minutes, 9 minutes, 12 minutes, but OMG do they hurt. So we're just waiting around to get to every 5 minutes for an hour (when I'm supposed to call the dr.) or for my water to break. I'm so scared that they're going to stop and I'll have to start all over another day! I also had some bloody show.

sunshine Bailey is beautiful! What a gorgeous little outfit!

astrdec Welcome Shelby! What a doll!

shoulda I wish you luck!

[tgr68]

June 2005 mommy here!

Just wanted to congratulate you on all the beautiful new babies!

[shouldaeloped]

thanks erinn! regarding the mucous plug, I have always thought you could lose it in pieces so maybe you are just losing the rest of it now?

jbenny- wow! sounds just like my contractions. maybe our babies will be born on the same day! good luck to you!

I finally talked to my doctor this morning. she said that if I am not 100% certain and I don't feel like I need drugs yet, than to stay at home. it's much nicer to labor at home than it is to labor at the hospital. she also told me to do something active and fun today to keep the labor going and to keep my mind off things. and I have to agree with JBenny- OMG do they hurt! regardless of all that, my doctor has scheduled my induction for June 20th if nothing else happens before than. I personally think that she is going to make her appearance before thna but we shall see!

jbenny- keep us posted!

[jcharley]

MrsBrownie-our ped told us to feed every 3 hours duing the day, and then on demand at night. Zoe will sometimes sleep 4-5 hours in a stretch at night, and sometimes only 2 1/2. But I'm with you- sometimes she's so awake in the day that she may as well get used to sleeping longer at night!!

[kmmommy]

Congrats Astrldec and welcome Shelby! She's beautiful!

Good luck to jbenny and shoulda! I hope this is it for you both.

[jbenny75]

Tell me the truth here...is there a chance that this might NOT be it? I would be so upset, I've convinced myself that it is. The contractions are not letting up, but they are so irregular. Last 5- 6 min., 10 min., 9 min., 4 min, and 4 min. I've had couple that are only 3 minutes apart. Whenever I start thinking it's soon time to call the dr., I get a long period between contractions. Overnight, they were every 10 minutes like clockwork. Weird. I'm also having more bloody show.

[smurf]

Congrats Astrldec and Sunshine!! Shelby and Bailey are beautiful.

Good luck Jbenny & Shoulda! Sounds like you two will be meeting your babies very soon!

I'm still pregnant. Had my 39 week appt. yesterday, and I'm still only 1cm dilated and 60% effaced. My doctor wants to schedule an induction for the 28th. Hopefully baby will come on her own before then!

Work: Tomorrow is supposed to be my last day of work, but I'm thinking about working next week too. I feel like I'd be bored sitting at home just waiting for the baby to make her appearance --am I crazy for thinking that?

[kmmommy]

jbenny ~ It sounds like early labor to me. Some women never have a set pattern of contractions every 3-5 minutes. Bloody show usually is a very good indication of labor.

smurf ~ Hope your girl makes her arrival soon!

[lawyerwifemom]

jbenny It does sound like you are in early labor but it also possible that the contractions won't get regular for quite a while. The bloody show *suggests* that you will go into active labor within the next 24 hours or so. And the number and frequency of the contrax seems like you are well on your way!! With my second pg, I had pretty regular contractions for about 4-5 hours, then a stall of about 4 hours where basically nothing was happening and I thought the contractions were pretty much gone, then everything started again with a vengeance and Wyatt was born about 8 hours later.

Erinn I lost my plug (or at least a large majority of it) last Friday. It was a little pink but not bloody. I am actually expecting that I will see more before labor starts. It is basically just mucous and can "regenerate" itself so I am not surprised to hear you are seeing more. Probably means labor is pretty close!!

shoulda I hope this is it for you!!!! I definitely second your drs suggestion to labor at home as long as you feel comfortable. Once you get to the hospital, you can't eat and you will be subject to all their little rules!! I would be shocked if you make it to the 20th!!!

Astrldec Congratulations and Welcome Shelby! Your DH's recap was funny and sweet. Your little girl is adorable and came with a full head of hair, huh!?

Appt this am I am now 3 cms and 50% effaced, cervix is anterior--so quite a bit of progress from last week (2cm/50%/posterior). Dr stripped my membranes and said my cervix is SO soft that when I go I will likely go fast. I've been having more random, stronger contractions here and there, but nothing all that noteworthy. I'm still hoping, hoping to go a bit early, but certainly not holding my breath!!

We had a birthday party for DH last night. It was a calculated risk since I told everyone that I may call and cancel if I went into labor! Luckily I didn't. DH was surprised and very happy to see all his friends. Rachel picked out a Superman balloon for him and kept saying "Happy Birthday Daddy, I Love You". Very sweet. We had about 22 people--half of them kids. The kids got overloaded on sugar and had a Wild Rumpus all over the house and the house is a disaster today!

I'm thinking about all you new mommies and hoping you are enjoying your little people!

[gina73]

Congratulations Astrldec and welcome to Shelby! She's adorable, and I had to laugh at your DH's accounts...the soccer match comment was too funny, but something that would come straight out of my DH's mouth too.

GOOD LUCK to jbenny and shoulda! Things sound extremely promising for both of you...hope this is it!

feeding and sleeping babies - Brady's usually up about every 3 hours to eat, although sometimes more (1.5 to 2 hrs) or less (that very wonderful 4 hour stretch when we're lucky at night). Since he hasn't even reached his due date yet, I don't let him go past 3 hours during the day without waking him up. I think whoever mentioned milk supply though has a good point, especially if your milk just came in. If he goes for 5-6 hours between feedings, you may want to pump in the interim, at least until your baby has shown consistent weight gain and your milk supply has been firmly established. At least that's what the LC told me...

What are you doing with your babies between feedings? I know this sounds like a rather stupid question, but I'm just curious how the rest of you are spending your time. Brady mostly sleeps between feedings, with very little alert time. And when he IS alert, all he wants to do is suck on a pacifier, so that requires both of my arms. Sometimes after a feeding, I'll bring him back to bed for a little Kangaroo Care, or we'll hang out on the porch outside and I hold him while he sleeps. And when DH comes home, Brady's in his arms the whole time. But we've been putting him down in his crib the other times (so I can EAT, possibly shower, do laundry, etc). Are you spending a lot of time holding your baby? And if so, how are you getting other things done? (I know that last one is something to laugh at, but a girl's gotta try)

[kmmommy]

gina ~ Unfortunately I'm not having the same problem trying to get things done since M is still in the NICU but I used to put DS in his swing or in the Baby Bjorn while I was trying to get things done. Brady might still be a little small for those things but putting him in his crib is no big deal. Soon you'll be able to use the Bjorn or swing and get things done more easily!

[gina73]

KM - thanks. I feel a little guilty putting him down in his crib, but at the same time, I only have so many hands, y'know? You're right, Brady is too small for a Bjorn (and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't get a sling) and his bouncy seat, but hopefully he'll be able to fit in them soon.

[simplicity]

Astrlec, Congrats to you and your DH! Your daughter is beautiful! Look at all that hair!

What are you doing with your babies between feedings?Andrew sleeps so much that I'm able to get things done around the house for the most part. DH has been home with me since the baby arrived which has helped tremendously. DH runs errands, changes diapers, gets our toddler ready for daycare, lets me sleep, gets me coffee in the morning, cooks,...what am I going to do when he returns to work next week?! :eek: When Andrew is awake, I give him a little bit of tummy time and change positions. He sleeps so much that I worry laying supine all the time is not healthy. I don't know about any of you but I feel as if the days go by so fast!

[lawyerwifemom]

gina I second KM with the Bjorn once Brady gets to about 8 lbs. I loved that thing and so did both of my kids.

When my newborns were awake I would put them on the play mat, often on their tummies, and get down on the floor and talk to them, play music, make faces, put toys near their faces so they can try to focus etc. It was really more for me than them at that stage, but I really did enjoy interacting with them. I'd also lay them on the mat in the middle of the room on their backs while I did something in that room or in the connected room. That way, I felt like I could talk to them but still get stuff done.

Mostly though, my newborns sleep so much that we pretty much went from feeding to sleeping in cycles all day. When they got to be about 3-4 weeks old, the awake times started to lengthen but they still sleep so much.

This is also a great time to meet up with girlfriends for restaurant lunches (assuming you are ok with Brady being out) because the baby is portable in the car seat, almost certain to sleep through lunch and you get to have a little bit of a social life!

[ds2003]

Quick update. I'll post pics later and a little more details.

We just got home.

Noah Alexander was born on Monday, June 12, 2006 at 4:26pm via C-section. He was 5lbs 11.5 oz and 19 inches long. I know, he is a tiny thing.

On Sunday my water broke and was meconium stained. N and I got to the hospital around 9pm. The nurse confirmed my water broke and started my loading dose of the antibiotic since I was GBS+ and checked my cervix. I was about 4cm dialated and a little effaced. After 15 hours of unmedicated labor I had progressed to 5cm. I had done walking, the hospital breast pump and all that worked to increase the contraction, but the contractions were not doing anything but causing pain. My cervix was still very thick and he wasn't dropping. The doc suggested pitocin. I insisted on a epi at that point. I was only on the pit for a couple hours and neither Noah nor I was handling it well so the doctor stopped it. The last option was c-section. At that point I was all for it. I couldn't understand why after 17+ hours I was not progressing. We found out why during the c-section. The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, stomach and multiple times around his legs. Poor guy was hung up. Looking back the c-section was the only thing that would have worked. I'll post more details later. N has some great pictures from the OR. Noah was completely covered in meconium. N says he looked like he was dipped in mustartd. Luckily he had only swallowed it and not inhaled it. He had to have his stomach pumped.

Breastfeeding is going well. My milk is coming in now.

Okay enough for now. I need to rest. I never expected to be recovering from a c-section.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

DS- Congrats on your new lil boy!! Wow sounds like you had quite the birthing experience!! I am so glad that he made it out okay and you both are doing so well.

[gina73]

CONGRATS DS and Welcome Noah! From your comments in this thread, I know the delivery was not at all what you wanted, but it sounds like it was the best option at the time. It also sounds like you were flexible enough in your birth plan to realize what was best for yourself little Noah. I know from experience that C-section recovery isn't the most fun, but take care of yourself. If there was ever a time to demand to be waited on hand and foot, it's now!

[excitedbride]

Congrats to all the new mommies! Such cute babies!

Shoulda I was in deniel too when I knew I was going into labor. But know that there are women who can go into labor the next day even if they were only 1cm the day before. Or women who are 3 cm and walk around like that for weeks! I hope this is it for you!

Feedings I have been letting Savannah let me know when she is hungry. During the day I might wake her to eat, but she is pretty good about waking on her own and getting mad every 3-4hours.:)

What we are doing with baby during the day With my toddler it makes things more difficult. I can't just leave her on the play mat in the room and walk away or anything. My DS is all over all her toys. I guess it is something we are going to have to work on.

Gripewater I bought some gripe water this morning. I think I am in love with it! I gave some to Savannah then fed her and she actually let me put her down and she is now sleeping. Of course now that I type this I hear her stirring. But I hope it is working! She is just so gassy and I fel so bad for her.

[lawyerwifemom]

DS Congratulations and Welcome Noah!!! Wow. Noah threw you some curve balls huh?! Poor guy couldn't move with all that cord tangled up. Laboring for 15 hours unmedicated is quite a feat. I'm glad all are home healthy and that your milk is already coming. I am looking forward to pictures of your little man!!

Excited With Wyatt, I set up our second pack n play in the living room and put the play mat inside it. I'd put him in there when Rachel was on the prowl or take him out when she was napping. The pnp has mesh sides so Rachel could see her little bro but couldn't bonk him!

[shouldaeloped]

congratulations DS! what a crazy story. glad Noah's home and doing well.

as for me, contractions have tapered off a bit but bloody show is increasing. now sure what's going on but I am doing as much walking/standing/cleaning that I can as I would really like to go into labor naturally rather than get induced if I can help it.

[simplicity]

DS: Congratulations! Sometimes L&D doesn't always go the way we thought but it sounds like you did the best thing. Glad to hear that you and the baby are doing well now. Hope you get as much rest as you can. Welcome Noah!

[kmmommy]

Congrats DS and welcome Noah!

[Baby Lust]

Hi girls! We just got home from the hospital this afternoon. It's so good to be home!

Here is a quick recap of how the induction went:
7:00 am (6/12): Check in to the hospital - 1 cm dilated - contracting but not feeling them
8:00 am (6/12): Pitocin is started
12:00 pm (6/12): 2 cm dilated
5:30 pm (6/12): 3 cm dilated - water broken by dr
6:00 pm (6/12): contractions are getting stronger - 2 minutes apart
8:00 pm (6/12): need epidural - contractions are 30 seconds apart
8:30 pm (6/12): epidural bliss
12:00 pm (6/12): strong contractions and pressure - dilated to 7 - dose of pain meds - no relief but numbs my legs - great for pushing :rolleyes:
3:00 am (6/13): contractions 30 seconds apart - strong need to push - dilated to strong 9
3:30 am (6/13): started pushing through contractions - slowly making progress
5:30 am (6/13): head is crowning
5:50 am (6/13): dr arrives to deliver
5:57 am (6/13): Lucas is born!

It was a very long, tiring 2 days. Lack of food and sleep are not good when you have such hard work to do!!


And here is a quick picture of him:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34736433%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D326%3B%3E6%3A%3B%3E%3B6 5%3EWSNRCG%3D32338456%3C5%3C6%3Cnu0mrj

He has spent so much time swaddled up that we don't have many pictures where you can see him really well. But Mommy is going to work on that :) Hee hee hee!!


Congratulations to all the new mommies and good luck to those still waiting! It really is an amazing experience and so worth every moment of pain you will endure!

[babylove]

Just wanted to pop in and congratulate BABY LUST on your handsome baby boy....Lucas is just adorable!!! :) Yay! He's finally here!! :D

[lelee17]

Babylust - Congratulations and Welcome Lucas. :D I've been waiting for you to post. He's adorable!

DS- Congratulations and big welcome to Noah! Hope you're getting some rest from the c-section.

BIG CONGRATS TO ALL THE OTHER MOMMIES OUT THERE!! It's so great to experience this all with you.
------------------------------------------

Feedings/Breastfeeding - Every 3 - 4 hours. Right now he is getting 1.5 to 2oz of breastmilk..sometimes formula to supplement. Like Jaden, we couldn't get the latch down with Lucas. :( Well, it's not so much the latch. He can do that just fine...it just that he's a "tongue-sucker" (as the LC called it) so while in utero, he would self soothe himself by sucking on his tongue. We are working to see if we can train him so that he brings his tongue down while sucking by using othodontic nipples and pacifiers. Hopefully, this will help so that we can try again in a week. Until then, I've been a pumping maching. Can we say Moooo? haha! I'm actually fine with it b/c he was hurting me more than anything. Everytime he tried to latch on the pain was excruciating!

What we are doing with baby during the day - Lucas has been such an easy baby so far. *knock on wood* He sleeps most of the time and only cries when he is hungry or needs a diaper change. Since I'm not able to breastfeed right now, I try to get some "skin to skin" time with him everyday, where we have both of our shirts off and we just cuddle together. The LC recommended this so that I can bond with him atleast in that way. It's also great for "let down" of my milk. I have to say, I really enjoy that time with Lucas b/c I feel so close to him. :)

Here's a picture of my little man, just a few hours old...

Lucas Riley
http://static.flickr.com/47/166264285_96b3a6d3f9_m.jpg

His cute little feet..

http://static.flickr.com/68/166264215_8ab3378054_m.jpg

Alright gals...that's all for now. I'm off to go pump! ;)

[connorsmommy]

Just dropping by quickly... Can't remember if I posted since our jaundice episode... He spend just under 24 hours under the phototherapy lights. He's doing much better now...

here's a pic of him in his bili-bed:

http://picturemessaging.rogers.com/mmps/RECIPIENT/000_01739a77d1027a83_1/2.jpg?partExt=.jpg&outquality=56&rand=-5437611686238516146&ext=.jpg&limitsize=600,800&inviteToken=gEJr4jJp5mk2Ch6oLLak

[southerner]

Looks like jbenny might be in labor. She hasn't been back since her contractions this morning. I'll keep y'all posted!!

[southerner]

I'm pleased to announce that jbenny had her baby at 7:48 pm tonight. Everyone is doing well.

Huge congrats to Jennifer and Kris and welcome to the world Nicholas Kris William

7 lbs. 11 oz.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Congrats JBenny and welcome Nicholas!!

Babies are adorable ladies.... I think I am over my lil jealous streak and just adoring the idea that soon enough a will have pics to post!!

Well almost 9pm and no contractions so I guess DH's dreams were wrong. I said somethifn this afternoon and he told me that it must be the 25th since he dinstinctly remembers a five. Sure that's what they all say right??

What was weird is that I woke up several times last night and my entire stomach was super tight like a rock and I had contractions... But they only woke me up every couple of hours. It still was enough to freak me out a little. Then I had more random hardening/contractions through out the day but no labor.

All day I have been telling Collin that he needs to listen to his dad and be born already. Anyways it's about my bedtime... I just didn't want to psych anyone out with yesterday's post and then not come in and reply.

[steviem]

I love checking in and seeing how many more babies have been born! Congrats to the mommies and welcome babies! :)

I had my 38 wk appt yesterday. She still didn't do an internal exam. She said they would do one next week. The appt was quite uneventful... same routine.... pee in cup, measure belly, listen to heart beat. I kind of felt let down after I left. I thought I would have a better indication as to when my little guy might show up.

Got my hair done today, brows waxed and a mani/pedi. My bags are packed..... I am just waiting. I am still extremely anxious and nervous for labor to begin so I don't want to rush it. Every one keeps asking, "don't you just want him out," and the funny thing is, I don't! I mean, I want to meet him and hold him and kiss him, but I am so afraid of labor and I am realizing very quickly that our life as we know it will never be the same again. Don't get me wrong.... I am not sad that our life is going to change, I am thrilled. I just get nervous and anxious with change.

So, here I sit with 10 more days until my due date, trying to enjoy this "me" time. I still can't believe I am going to be a mom soon. :) Brings tears to my eyes.

To all of thosw mommies who have already delivered, thank you for sharing yoru birth stories and providing info on bfeeding, pumping, etc. This informaiton is more helpful than you know!!!

[kmmommy]

Hooray!! Congrats jbenny and welcome Nicholas!! I knew this was it for you!

I just can't believe how many of our babies are coming early in this thread. I'll try to get everything updated tomorrow. I've been sleeping while Kaeden sleeps as I'm getting tired out from running to the NICU and still trying to keep up at home.

[shaqangel]

congrats to all the new mothers and welcome to the new babies....i wish i had time to do individual shoutouts, but alas i dont:(

we're doing okay and trying to settle into a routine. my mum says we're trying to hard - Javan is only 11 days old and we need to give him a break, but his dad doesnt agree! we got the medela pump in style on tuesday and its great! dh has been able to help with night feedings so i get a little more rest.

i'll try to be back soon. good luck to those still waiting on your little ones.

[jcharley]

Just a quick one handed post ;-)
Congratulations to all the new moms and babies! I honestly had no idea how I would feel about actually having a baby, since I never really loved being pregnant, but it has been the most amazing experience of my life! Sometimes I just look at her and cry because I can't believe we created a little miracle!
But, enough of that! So far Zoe has been a perfect baby- doesn't cry much, sleeps usiually 4-5 hours at a time at night, and overall very laid back! She still doesnt BF, so I'm also a slave to pumping every 2 hours to get my supply up.
Good luck to everyone still waiting to deliver- it is so worth the wait!!

[lawyerwifemom]

Congratulations Jbenny and Welcome Nicholas!!

Anyone heard from Shoulda?

jcharleySounds like you are enjoying your little Zoe. Congratulations again!

I went out with a couple friends last night and didn't get home til midnight! That is a very late night for me! I was the designated driver of course, and I thought I'd get tired and bored earlier than I did but I actually had a great time. My two friends got pretty wobbly on margaritas though!

My DH told me I couldn't go into labor tonight since he has a poker night with the guys planned. I reminded him that it is the baby making that decision not me!! He said he thinks we are due for a compliant child (our other two are strong willed and opinionated like their parents :) ) and that if she waits til at least tomorrow, maybe there is hope that she's the one.

[Ryan]

Hi girls I know I am so far behind and I give you new mommies kudos for posting photos and checking in so soon.... I just cannot find the time. Emily was born on Saturday, June 10th at 4:41 PM. She was 7 lbs and 9 oz and 20 inch. long. Breast feeding is going well... (I think)... but I have to check to see how often you girls are feeding... depending on the feeding... she may sleep anywhere 3 to 4.5 hours.

My labor was 39 hours long and my doctor was from hell..I had an epsiotomy (sp?) but he managed to cut right thru my rectum as well... so I am having a hard time recovering...getting better by the day. Emily was posterior and I pushed for 3 hours before they vaccumed her out and she had also passed maconium (sp) .... And since i have been home I caught a cold... (does it ever end???)... I want to upload photos for you girls but have to get them loaded and I will be writing my birth story when I get the chance.

love all the photos... and will check back soon

[kmmommy]

Ryan ~ You poor thing! I can't believe the doctor was so incompetent. Hope your recovery goes well and you're feeling good again soon. Congrats again on little Emily!

Mackenzie has been doing well. She was farting last night which is another big milestone for her in regards to her stomach surgery. The leak is still there a little bit but the surgeon wants to give her another week to heal. He is 99% sure it will heal on its own. So she still isn't eating. Poor baby. It's hard to know she isn't getting food but at least they are giving her nutrients through her IV. The doctor made an exception to the NICU policy and let us take Kaeden up there last night to meet her. It was adorable - he was enamored with her and got upset when DH took him out to go home. He was looking into her isolette with DH and he pointed at her. I got a cute picture of the 4 of us that I'll try to upload soon.

[Graffy]

Hi ladies, just checking in to see all the beautiful babies! Congrats to everyone, and patient vibes to all who are waiting. It will happen for everyone very soon.

Here are my stats:
EDD: June 2, 2006
Arrival Date: June 6
Gestational Age at birth: 40 weeks, 4 days
Induction or not?: no
Water broke before hospital?: no
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: First

Micah is doing great. He eats OFTEN, but he was such a big guy I guess it's to be expected. My nips are sore and there are times when I'm like "oh please don't tell me you're already hungry again". He eats pretty close to every 2 to 2.5 hours, and sometimes he'll eat for a good hour so I barely get a break! But he seems to be growing well, so that makes mommy happy. I can't wait to hear how much he weighs at his first ped appt. Tues. I've avoided a paci so far, but I might start using one at night because it's hard to put him back in the co-sleeper after feedings without waking him up. He sleeps great in our bed, but I just get so nervous about that.

I'm recovering well, too. I can pretty much sit without pain, and I wasn't sure that would ever happen again! Ryan: I, too, had an episiotomy, and it stopped just short of my rectum. I hope your healing goes as quickly as mine has so far.

And here's a pic of Micah and daddy. If you can't see it please let me know.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/347373339%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3232%3E434%3E5%3A5%3E232343 4696%3A5%3Bot1lsi

[kmmommy]

Graffy ~ Micah is too cute! I love the look on his face and those BIG eyes!!

[lawyerwifemom]

Ryan OUCH. That dr needs some of his own medicine, I'd say. I hope you heal quickly.

KM That's great that K finally got to meet his little sister.

Graffy He is so cute and cuddly looking already (Micah, though your DH is cute too). I'm glad to hear feeding is going so well.

[shaqangel]

Ryan OUCH:( i'm so sorry you had to go through all that. i hope you heal really quickly....i have a UTI and its my first one ever and its so uncomfortable but i know it cant be as miserable as what you're going through. looking fwd to seeing pics of emily soon. i'm breastfeeding every 3 or 4hrs. his doc asked me to do so every 2hrs cos he lost a lot of weight but he does well going every 3-4hrs, sometimes 5.

graffy love those cheeks on Micah! i hope my little one gets some cheeks soon!

hoepfully i'll upload some pics soon - i've typed up my birth story, just need to post it now.... and i am being lazy, but i'll do it soon.

[ds2003]

I’m way behind. Here is my first attempt at catching up.

Congratulations Ryan and welcome Emily!!

Lilmrs – I was GBS+ and was only on the penicillin for about 15-30 every 4 hours. I was told it was not an issue if I wanted to get into the tub. I hope the hospital can just cover it up and let you in.

Apgar – I forget to mention this. Noah’s Apgar was 2 and then 9. He was much better after they got the mucus out of his lungs and the meconium out of his stomach. He is such a handsome boy. I just love being a mommy.

Congratulations MrsBrownie and welcome Ethan!

Congratulations Amanda and Welcome Lucas!

Congratulations Sunshine and welcome Bailey! Our little ones share a birthday.

C-Section Mom's ~ abnormal swelling – Nothing abnormal. I was told the leg swelling and feet swelling is normal and that over the next couple of weeks my body will reabsorb the fluid and I’ll pass it. My feet and legs are more swollen now then they have ever been. My BP is much much better so it must either be hormones or the saline bag.

Congratulations Simplicity and Welcome Andrew!

EDD: June 21, 2006
Arrival Date: June 12, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 38w5d
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: Yes
C Section or Vaginal: C-section
First child or other: our first child
Labor Time: 17 hours

Did you bring a manual breast pump or did the hospital give/rent you a pump? -
The hospital gave me a manual pump to help relieve engorgement. It is the Medela Harmony. I haven’t use it yet. Noah is great at latching on to my engorged boob, but I may pump a little just to help him out. The hospital does have pumps to rent. I also use the hospital grade stand pump during labor to help with contraction. Wow, that baby has some suction.

Father's Day – so far I just have a card. I’m glad I picked that up last week because getting out to get stuff now isn’t easy esp since I cannot drive myself.

Q for mom’s will slow eaters – What do you do to keep DC on longer? DS sometimes stays latched and does well and other times he gets on just to suck a little and go to sleep. Now that my milk is in he is doing better. We went in for a weight check today and he is 5lbs8oz…from his discharge weight of 5lbs4.4oz. Yeah. He loves to eat now that my milk is in.

Congratulations Astlrldec and welcome Shelby!!!!

Congratulations JBenny and welcome Nicholas!!

Tomorrow we are going to a baby shower for a friend due in Aug. It will be Noah’s first public appearance…not counting the doc office visit today. DH’s family is coming up tomorrow as well.

Right now Noah is knocked out in the Hotsling while I type. I need to finalize and send out some office work so I got to go for now.

[sunshineab622]

EDD: June 19, 2006
Arrival Date: June 12th
Gestational Age at birth: 39 weeks
Induction or not?: no
Water broke before hospital?: no
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: 2nd
Labor time: 18 hours

[connorsmommy]

I forgot to come back and post my stats, so I'll jump in here! :)


EDD: June 19, 2006
Arrival Date: June 4th
Gestational Age at birth: 37w 6d
Induction or not?: no
Water broke before hospital?: no
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: 2nd
Labor time: 5 weeks... LOL! About 17 hours total I think

[Baby Lust]

EDD: June 8, 2006
Arrival Date: June 13, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 40 weeks 5 days
Induction or not?: yes
Water broke before hospital?: no
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: First
Labor time: 23 hours

[lelee17]

EDD: June 8, 2006
Arrival Date: June 9, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 40 weeks 1 days
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: Second
Labor time: 4 hours - He came out runnin'! :rolleyes:

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Ryan- Yikes!! I am so sorry that you are having such a tough recovery. I am really trying to work on getting Colin to flip around before labor he is also posterior.

DS- Thank you so much for telling me about your dosage of penicillin. I will talk to my OB about it Monday if I make it until then. (I don't know why I bother to say if... This lil guy is never coming out!!)

Graffy- Love the pic of your lil guy! We have the same sleeper (actually we have 2 in 2 different sizes received as shower gifts).

~~~~~

I can't believe that Collin is due Wednesday!!!! I am getting used to the idea that he will probably be a late baby but I am still so excited to know that I have made it through my nine months and really any day now I will meet my lil guy. It's so weird I was almost sure that he would come early so it was hard to deal with the fact that I will most likely make it to my due date (if not go past it).

I am just so curious to see what he looks like! In all my dreams all I can remember is seeing his lil chubby cheeks and wide eyes. DH and my mom had dreams and he had white blonde hair but they also predicted that he would come earlier this week... So who knows. I came out a little Indian baby. Black hair and deep brown eyes and lightened up and DH came out a lemon head... So it will be interesting to see...
For those moms that have had your babies... Do your babies look anything like you imagined?? I am just soooo anxious and excited to meet him!!

Well I kept telling him that he couldn't come until I signed my offer letter and guess what just got checked off my list! On Friday we finally signed all the paper work and my promotion is official. My training starts Monday.

I was talking to DH last night about how great it was to finally have that checked off my list and he thought I meant a start to my career as in the long term check list for life. Then we got to thinking about in and in the last year I have received my degree, gotten married, started a career path, and in days/weeks I will have my first child!! I have to admit it has been a damn good year for me! I am just so thankful for everything that I have!

[jay&erinn]

Lil-Mrs: Looks like we're hanging out in the same boat. This baby is showing no signs of coming early, or even on time. Although there's no good reason to want this baby to come out early, I'm still frustrated that I'm a RO and may still be facing induction. I thought second babies were supposed to come earlier than the first:rolleyes:

On an up side- I do like the look of shock in people's eyes when I tell them I'm due Wednesday:D . They panic thinking I could go into labor at any moment. I feel like faking a few contractions here and there just for effect;)

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Been MIA, Troi's godmother came to see us. It was a nice visit and the help was great.

No time for s.o.'s but

WELCOME TO THE NEW BABIES :D

What we do while Troi sleeps: NIKOLAS, NIKOLAS, NIKOLAS. This is usually the time that get the undivided attention. If he happens to want to play alone then I try to do some housework or just relax. When they're both asleep I either shower or sleep too, usually sleep.

How baby looks: I always wondered if he'd look like Nikolas or not. The first few hours, he did but now I'm just not sure. Brian's mom was an only child and he didn't know much of her family so we're wondering if Troi takes after them seeing as we can't really tell who he looks like :/

Labor Time: 5 hours 37 minutes

And 3 quick pix.


Nikolas when he was born
http://images1.snapfish.com/34737%3A8%3A2%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E943%3E768% 3EWSNRCG%3D323384998688%3Anu0mrj


Troi's picture
http://images1.snapfish.com/34737%3A8%3A2%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E943%3E768%3E WSNRCG%3D323384997%3B874nu0mrj


And my 2 favorite men. This picture was challenging :/
http://images1.snapfish.com/34737%3A8%3A2%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E943%3E768%3E WSNRCG%3D3233849986893nu0mrj

[connorsmommy]

How baby looks....

I pretty much guessed that Dawson would look a LOT like Connor (who takes after my DH very strongly), and I was right - he looks almost identical, except Dawson appears to have inherited the "S" family nose O(from my father's side) -- and Dawson also appears to be a dark blond, a contrast to Connor's dark brown hair.

[kmmommy]

How baby looks ~ M looks a lot like K but with darker skin and hair. Her profile is very similar to his.

[shaqangel]

how baby looks we always talked about how our baby would look, but it was interesting seeing him for the first time! he definitely has my eyes, lips, and jet black hair. he has his dad's nose, long feet, legs. we still cant say who he looks like exactly cos he definitely has a look of his own! dh says he kinda looks like my baby photo's but we'll see:)

nikos gorgeous pics:) they are such cuties.

[jcharley]

Everyone say Zoe looks EXACTLY like me!! I think she has a little more of DH mouth, but she does have all my facial expressions:-) She is actually way more adorable than I imagined her right after birth!

[shouldaeloped]

Mallory Burton was born on Friday, 6/16 at 2:08pm.
7lbs 7oz and 19 and three quarters inches long.

she is absolutely the love of my life and totally worth waiting for. full head of dark hair which really surprised everyone in the room and there were plenty of them!

I'll be back with the birth story and pictures.

here are my stats for now:

EDD: June 20, 2006
Arrival Date: June 16, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 39w3d
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: very first
Labor Time: 15 hours

[ds2003]

baby looks - I'm not sure. I can tell that he has my second toe and DH's little toe. MIL says he has my eyes and forehead and DH's nose. He is much cuter that I expected. DH says he looks the way he did as a child. He did come out very light like DHs familiy tends to do. His ears are a little darker on the edges so we know he will get a little more color. I have dimples and I kinda gotten a glimpse of them on him. I sure hope he gets them. They are a dominant gene so he most likely does have them. I'll have to wait until he has more expressions.

[jbenny75]

Hi! Things are great. Came home today. Busy...lots of visitors and phone calls. I love this Baby! I Can't get enough of him. I'm typing one-handed so I will come back later w/ pics and stories. ? for stats....length of labor-when are you counting from?

[kmmommy]

Congrats shoulda and welcome Mallory!!

[ds2003]

Congratulations shoulda and welcome Mallory!

[Baby Lust]

Congratulations Shoulda! Mallory is an adorable name!!

Looks: Honestly, I had no clue how to picture him but he is so much cuter (from the moment of birth) than I could have ever imagined! He definitely has my nose and DH's height.

http://images1.snapfish.com/3473842%3B5%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D326%3B%3E6%3A%3B%3E%3 B65%3EWSNRCG%3D323384%3B8645%3A7nu0mrj

He has a bit of jaundice so we are doing phototherapy tonite. His levels need to be under 17 and he is at 17.1 so he's not too bad. I hope tonite is the only night we have to do this! I miss cuddling him!!! It was so hard to see him get his blood taken today! :( They tried a few times in one arm, then moved to the other arm and tried a few times before they got it. Poor guy. He cried so hard! I don't blame him!!!

Here he is in his tanning bed:

http://images1.snapfish.com/3473842%3B5%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D326%3B%3E6%3A%3B%3E%3B6 5%3EWSNRCG%3D323384%3B874%3C2%3Anu0mrj

Hope everyone else is doing well! Can't wait to hear about more babies! Everyone should be getting very close now!!! :D

[sunshineab622]

3:30 am bottle feeding .... Yawn !!!!!!!

Congrats to all the new mommies ... I love looking at all the pics - I haven't been able to post but I have been lurking on you.

[Baby Lust]

Same here Sunshine! :p Food comes first around here!

[jay&erinn]

Congrats Shoulda!!!!

[Mystikal]

Congrats Shoulda!!
(Did I miss anyone else? If so, congratulations!!!)

Love seeing the pictures and hearing how all the new babies look. I can't wait to meet my little one to see who she looks more like. You can tell from the u/s's that she has chubby little cheeks, and very full lips. You could actually see them in her profile shot!!! (Looks like a little Angelina Jolie...*snort*)

Nothing new from me. 9 days from my EDD so we'll see if I go early. This coming Friday is my last day of work and I absolutely CANNOT WAIT. :D Flooring is almost done in the upstairs bedrooms, and then I guess they'll put up the molding and reattach the heaters next weekend, in addition to putting in the new ceiling fans, and then it'll be done. Can't wait to start putting the furniture in. Yay!!!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Just a fly by post...

My water broke!!! It broke about 1/2 hour ago. I have called the birthcenter and they are expecting us soon. I am in a mad rush to get all the lil shit around our house picked up so that it will be ready when baby comes. Do you think it is insane that I want to stop at Good Will to drop off some things that I have been meaning to drop off there that are still in the nursery??

NIKOS+TROIS MOMMY- I should be calling you soon enough!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

[Mystikal]

OMG!!! Congrats, Lil_Mrs!!!!! How exciting! :D

[Mystikal]

Quick question - has anyone purchased the gingham or linen shades/blinds from the PBK website? I'm curious if they can be lowered or not...

[bottleored]

Good luck Lil Mrs!

Just wanted to update before we take off -

I'm being admitted to the hospital this afternoon to start the cervix ripening/induction process, to be continued tomorrow morning. Tonight is a foley balloon inserted to help soften/open my cervix. Tomorrow morning I get pitocin. Not my ideal situation, but this baby is just too comfortable.

I imagine we'll be home on Wednesday (unless it turns into a c-section), so I'll try to get you all updated at that point.

Congrats to all the new mommies I have missed!

[ds2003]

Good luck Lil Mrs and bottleored!

[shaqangel]

good luck lil_mrs!!!!

[Pink_Converse]

LilMrs-Yes you are crazy! I took a shower and took my sweet time after my water broke ad I would not do that again. Things progressed so quickly for me. Good Luck!

[jbenny75]

lilmrs Good luck!

EDD: June 19, 2006
Arrival Date: June 15, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 39 weeks 3 days
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: First
Labor time: when do I count from?

[ds2003]

Here are two quick pics of our little man. Please do not repost pics.

First weigh in - 5 lbs 11.5 oz, 19 in
REMOVED - I have more pics on LJ.

Off to the doctor for a weigh in. I love his face expression.
REMOVED - I have more pics on LJ.

[Mystikal]

ds what a cutie patootie!! :D

Quick question - my feet are horrendously swollen today. The heat has been awful so I made sure to drink extra water - I'm at about 80 ozs for the day, and I spent an hour and a half on my left side with my feet elevated but it hasn't helped. Now when I walk my feet tingle almost like they are asleep. Is this normal because they are so swollen, or should I call my doc in the morning if they are still like this?

[ds2003]

Mystikal - no harm in calling your doctor. My swollen feet will always "back to normal" by morning. Of course now that I'm had the baby my feet are swollen worse than before and elevation doesn't do much for them.

[jbenny75]

I posted my birth story in my journal if anyone would like to read it.

The baby is amazing. By far, the best thing I've ever done!! I haven't had a chance to download any pics, but will try to ASAP.

My Birth Story (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=803085#post803085)

[sunshineab622]

I was wondering if I was the only one with swollen feet after baby was born - My ankles are kinda back to normal but the tops of my feet by my toes are still swollen.

Things are going ok for us ... good nights & bad nights ... last night was a good one ... she woke up @ 1130, 300 & 8 this morning. she has been sleeping most of the day - she had a major pukefest ... not spit up - I am talking full puke ... I guess the milk did not settle well on her tummy.

Good luck to bottle & lil_mrs.

DS: he is adorable.

How much are your babies eating ... & how often?

The dr. told us to spread Baileys out to 3-4 hours & she drinks between 2-3 oz.

[jbenny75]

Eating Nicholas is starting to stretch out to 2 oz every 3 hours, but was eating 1 oz. every 2 hours.

TMI alertI just passed a pretty big clot, maybe the size of a grape when I went to the bathroom. Does anyone know if that's to be expected? In the hospital, they told me to tell them if that happened my first day there, but they didn't say anything when I left.

[lawyerwifemom]

Good luck lil_mrs and bottleored!!

I had some bloody show and regular, but only mild contractions for several hours last night. I started to think that I might be at the hospital today. But, then they tapered off and stopped at about 4 am and pretty much haven't continued today. I am certainly still having contrax but they are random and far apart. For a brief moment, I thought I might have a hope of going early! Now I am back to resignation that 40+ is just the norm for me. ugh. (If I go 40/3 again that will be next Saturday!)

eta: jbenny my OB says anything smaller than a lemon is no big deal (assuming all else is normal) but bigger than a lemon to call her.

[lelee17]

DS - what a cutie! That expression is priceless. teehee!

Swollen Feet - Mine were swollen but are slowly coming back to normal. They were pretty swollen right after I got out of the hospital.

Eating - Lucas is eating 2oz. every 2-3 hours. I'm afraid to go up to 3 oz b/c he spits up like crazy! I'm told this is normal since his tummy is not used to it.

Good luck lil_mrs and bottleored!!!

[Niko&Troi]

Quick Post...

Lil_Mrs mom called me and I didn't hear the phone ring :mad: but she did tell me that:

Collin was born at 5:22 :D He was 8 pounds 6 oz and 20 3/4 inches long.
She didn't say if April made it to the thrift store or not :D I'll call her tomorrow to find out :D

[kmmommy]

jbenny ~ Totally normal. You will be passing some clots off and on for the next week or 2. I was also told smaller than a lemon is fine - that said, I've never passed any that big. Regarding counting your labor length - you said contractions started overnight - I'd count from then to the time you delivered.

mystikal ~ It's probably fine, but since they're tingly feeling I'd call the doctor. Also, try adding some lemon juice to your water - it's a diuretic (sp?) and will help get some of those fluids out of your body.

Swelling after birth ~ The swelling will increase for most of us for a week or so after birth. It's normal - especially if you had an IV during L&D. It does go away!

Congrats Lil Mrs and Welcome Collin!

Good luck bottle! Can't wait to hear about your surprise baby!

[jay&erinn]

Just a quick update- I'm still pregnant. I thought second babies were supposed to come sooner than first ones:confused:
I've had intermittent contractions, but nothing that sticks around for longer than an hour or two- then they disappear again.

Work will be crazy today, so I most likely won't be on again today. We've gone from a staff of 6 to one of 2 (between vacations, someone was fired, someone quit, and another had a death in her family). It's gonna be a rough day.

[amurphy]

I'm finally emerging from lurkdom to officially congratulate all the new moms and welcome the beautiful babies!

I'm also sending positive thoughts to all of you still pregnant. I really can't believe my official due date hasn't yet passed...but I've had this beautiful little guy in my arms for 11 days!

Declan is doing really well. He lost 1 oz. between checking out of the hospital and his first peds visit. We have another appointment today to check his weight. I have a good feeling that he is on track since breastfeeding is going really well. He eats in 20 minute intervals about 8 times a day. He is a pooper and a farter. Lovely. :rolleyes: I know it is too early to count on patterns but for the last three nights he has had his last feeding at 10:30, woken up at 3:30 for a short feeding and diaper change, and then slept until 7 a.m. It has been wonderful! I even did my pilates tape for the first time post-partum this morning and am hoping to get in a walk before the heat gets too bad.

My Mom was in town for the majority of last week. I didn't really need help with Declan but it was nice to have her company. We managed to do a lot of shopping while the baby peacefully slept in his stroller. It was really helpful to have her with me for those first outings--just to get my confidence up.

In any case, we both shed a lot of tears when she left on Friday. Luckily DH and I have a vacation planned already and will see my Mom in three short weeks.

I could go on and on about this baby but I'll spare you all some details! I'm so happy to hear that everyone is doing well and look forward to sharing this next adventure (parenting) with you all!:D

Oh. Really quickly. Swelling was awful for the first four days. Ugly. Ugly. Ugly. But my ankles made a reappearance a few days ago and haven't swelled despite the 90 degree temps. Yahoo!

Take care!

[jbenny75]

kmmommy Thanks for answering those questions!

Please update my stats:

EDD: June 19, 2006
Arrival Date: June 15, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 39 weeks 3 days
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal
First child or other: First
Labor time: 17 hours

[lawyerwifemom]

ds Cute little boy!!

Congratulations lil_mrs and Welcome Collin!

amurphy you sound great! I'm glad you and Declan are enjoying getting to know each other.

Erinn Yeah, I thought that too, but my OB told me (at the beginning of my second pg) that subsequent pregnancies are usually similar in length of gestation. But once you go into labor, the labor is faster! That was certainly true for me and many other 2nd time moms I "know" from this board and WC. Sorry!!!

[shouldaeloped]

congratulations Lil Mrs and good luck to BottleoRed!

just wanted to drop off a quick photo and I'll be back when Mallory doesn't request to be held every minute of every day. . not that I'm complaining!

here's her one day old getting ready to be discharged picture:

http://images.kodakgallery.com/servlet/Images/photos2052/1/3/80/12/31/5/531128003107_0_BG.jpg?a=0

amurphy- sounds like things are going really well. I am curious though if I have an old fashion pediatrician and OB as I was told no big outings for 4 weeks, no exercise for 4-6 weeks and I am already SO ready to get back to normal!

breastfeeding- how long does it take for the sore nipples to go away??????? ouch!

[amurphy]

shouldaeloped: Our ped said now is the best time to get out of the house with the baby. She said restaurant and shopping outings were fine but warned against letting people stick their faces in the baby's face. She recommended that DH carry the baby--her theory being that people are less likely to approach when the Dad is carrying the child--or to wear the baby when out of the house.

As for exercise, I'm walking and doing basic pilates. I feel fine and the info. from the hospital recommends getting exercise as soon as your body feels ready. Plus, my OB said that because I walked until the last weeks of my pregnancy that I could resume exercise sooner rather than later.

I was walking really slow for a while there...and probably walked a bit too far those first few days home from the hospital. But I've been pacing myself since that painful lesson!

[ds2003]

amurphy - sounds like things are going well. What a great nighttime sleep cycle. Noah wants to eat every 1.5 hours. I'm trying to get him to eat more each feeding at night.

[excitedbride]

Shoulda She is so cute and look at all that hair!

[IzzyJune2006]

I haven't spent much time here in a while, but congrats to all the new mommies!!!


breastfeeding- how long does it take for the sore nipples to go away??????? ouch!

I had a very hard time with the sore, cracked, scabbed nipples. My sis kept insisting to tolerate it until the 2-week mark. She was mostly right. It is now bearable and has healed a lot.

I found that the soothies did not help me. They seemed to make it worst. I use the Lanolin after every feeding. For a while I would walk around with bare breast for a few hours a day. That helped them dry out and heal. They say to leave some breast milk to dry on them to keep them clean and prevent infections. I now have to wear pads all the time. I leak a lot! The Medela ones I find are not soft and rub me sore. The Gerber ones are soft and comfortable but they soak quickly and when they are full, they start to leak. I need to figure out a system for monitoring them and avoiding embarassing situations.

feeding I don't know what amounts Annabelle eats because we are breastfeeding. She is eating like a champ. She gained almost 1 pound the first week. She hasn't been weighed since but she hasn't slowed down. The doc was very impressed and said that I didn't need to worry about waking her if she goes for 3-4 hours between feedings. That hasn't really happened. I think the longest she's ever slept without asking for a feeding is 3 hours.
I try to give her the last evening feeding between 10:30-11:30. She usually wakes up sometime around 1:30, 3:30, and 6am. We are surviving! I don't have much energy for anything else.

[ffanel]

I know it's been a few days, but thanks to those of you who answered my question about stripping of membranes. I'm still hanging in here. Have a bit of discharge here and there that looks mucousy. Did not see a "plug" and the stringy stuff is only in small amounts. Had lots of spotting after last Friday's internal. Am hoping that I'll be making some real progress soon.

I love hearing about/seeing all the new little babies. Congrats again-

[Baby Lust]

Congratulations to the new mommies!!! Good luck to those still waiting!

Lucas did amazing with the bili lights! His bilirubin levels went from 17.1 to 6 overnight! Amazing! So he is completely healthy and happy as a clam! And I am so relieved!

Here are a couple of updated pictures!

5 days old getting ready for our daily outing:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34739944%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D326%3B%3E6%3A%3B%3E%3B6 5%3EWSNRCG%3D323384%3C3578%3B%3Cnu0mrj

Doing what he does best! :)
http://images1.snapfish.com/34739944%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D326%3B%3E6%3A%3B%3E%3 B65%3EWSNRCG%3D323384%3C357944nu0mrj


Hope everyone is doing well! Can't wait to see more babies popping up (or out! :p)

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

We're back!!

Thank you so much for all the well wishes! Collins has been the absolute perfect baby!

I am still in complete shock at how great he is! He latched on the 2nd try, has had 7+ poopy diapers, and is even holding his own head up! He is so alert!! Also he came out looking like a real baby not an alien! He has the most adorable lil white patch of hair on the top of his head!

Doctors said I have full bragging rights... I went from no contractions, put on pitocin then fully dilated and in transition within an hour! He also came out in just 5 sets of pushes! I have a lil star shaped tear but I was up and walking Collin around the room just a few short hours later.

He is doing so great guys!! I am so excited to have my li guy and DH is soooooo good with him! He positions him to help me latch and will even check and make sure he has suction. Then when I am done feeding him he burps him and puts him back to sleep. He was also amazing during labor... He was getting a dozen cold rags for me and coached me through every single contraction.

We are just so damn in love with him. I will post pictures as soon as my mom is done taking more pics... Poor Collin is going to know her as flash because of all the pictures she has been taking.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/lilmiss_n_mickey/Collinsfirstweek-24.jpg
__________________

[sunshineab622]

awwww lilmrs ... what a handsome boy

babylust: glad to hear that the levels are better :)

[Dan's*Girl]

Hi ladies! We FINALLY got our home computer up and working and I've FINALLY caught up on all 30 pages or so I've missed.


CONGRATS to all the new mommies and all the pics are so great to see!! I'll have some probably tomorrow or wednesday.

Things are going well, i'm much less weepy now that I've gotten used to napping when he does so I'm less tired, he sleeps most of the day, eats like a piggy and gets up every 3 hours at night. We are still breast feeding during the day and formula feeding at night, but its getting harder for me to satisfy him during the day so every now and then I've supplemented with formula. I really really don't want to go all formula, so I'm going to try and pump enough to feed him during the day with a bottle of breast milk, but we'll have to see how long that lasts.

Question Is anyone else having trouble with their DH not understanding that life is different now?
Mine is doing great with the baby and all, but he still thinks we can just up and go out whenever we want, take him wherever and that he can go to his friends houses for hours on end while I stay home, or that they can all come over every other night to bbq and watch the ballgame. I said something to him the other day and he got all defensive about it saying that life doesnt have to stop because we have a baby, and my counter to that is that it doesnt stop, but it changes and that I need his help more now than ever. Ugh, MEN!

Ok, well now that i'm back online I can come back tomorrow and post again, hopefully with pics.

Hugs to all!



EDD: June 10,2006
Arrival Date: June 1, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 38 weeks, 5 days
Induction or not?: no
Water broke before hospital?: no
C Section or Vaginal: c section
First child or other: First
Labor time: 15 hours from admission to hospital to surgery time

[maryanne]

just an update copied from my journal....sorry that it is so depressing but there are some baby updates hidden in there...I can't believe that I am 38 weeks as of today!!! I have a doc's appt today too!

****
Well, today was the funeral. We had to be out the door by 7am. We hit traffic on the way there since the road also heads into the city but luckily we made it on time. The service at the funeral home was so well thought out. There were pictures from their recent trip to puerto rico and various family events. There were bowls full of ben's favorite candy and more flowers than I have ever seen.(So much so that it felt like we were on a tropical island like Puerto Rico) There was even a floral display of dried flowers that was about five feet tall and in the shape of a guitar.

It was heart wrenching to watch all my friends to carry the casket into the church. So surreal. I kept thinking back to our wedding...these are my guys. The ones who stood beside us, who have loved and supported us through everything and now everyone was hurting so and there was nothing that I can do...and it was even worse to realize that one of them is missing. It just feels so wrong.

During the Mass, I started to have pretty severe crampings and contractions. We were sittting in the front of the church and I was so uncomfortable that I was fighting myself from doubling over in pain. I could tell that my breathing was getting labored and all the boys were looking over at me with concern. I kept trying to sneak looks at my friend's watch to check out the timimgs. I decided to waddle to the back of the church to find a bathroom and get some air. When I went to the bathroom, I lost some of my mucous plug!!! The Mass was almost over by the time that I got back to everyone. After the ceremony ended, it took a while for the boys to load Ben back into the hearse, so I sought refuge in the Jeep in the airconditioning. Luckily, I started to feel better while I was in the car; the contraction's slowed down some and lessened in intensity...I started to feel more secure that it was only BH's and that it was not yet time.

Then the day got worse. As we were driving to the cemetary, Josh got another phone call...I don't know how much more he can take. I feel so helpless knowing that his entire world is collasping and there is nothing that I can do.

He was told that his old roommmate Big Nick is in the ICU. and he is not doing well at all. He probably won't make it through the week......This is his third friend in a week that has been hospitalized.

Then as we approached the tolls, a car decided to rudely break into the line of cars going to the funeral. Josh almost lost it. He pulled up beside him and started yelling at him. I seriously thought that he was going to get out of the car and kill the guy. All the aggravation and pain of the last week, was unleashed on this poor guy. Needless the guy apologized and pulled over to the side to let the rest of the designated funeral-bound cars pass.

The cemetary itself, was beautiful. It looked as green as a golf course and it appeared that the cemetary is very liberal about the ways that families celebrate people's lives who are buried there. I saw balloons and stuffed animals on graves and windchimes hanging from trees over plots. There was a funeral happening right near where Ben was to be buried and they went longer than expected, so we all pulled over our cars and tried to relax for a few minutes. Josh told the others about Nick and tried too regain some composure as we walked over to the tent that Ben was at.

The military ceremony was beautiful. Just as the serviceman started to play Taps, a flock of doves flew overhead...and then to add some whimsy and surrealness to it, one of the guest's cell phones went off playing the Circus themesong over the end of The Taps.

Afterward, we drove back to Bayonne for the afterparty which was at an Italian restaurant. I was still having intermittant contractions and was swelling up uncontrollably in both my thankles and wrist. Eventually, I had to ask Josh if we could leave.

We came home and both took a nap. Later we went to our favorite restaurant for dinner. Josh got silly drunk. While this might not be the best method of relaxing, it worked. He definitely needed some sort of release after the week he has had between his boss and his wife being very pregnant, and three of his his friends being rushed to the hospital.

[MrsBrownie]

Well, I'm back after a little bit of an absence...it's been a little crazy (in a good way) around here the last couple of days.

First, Maryanne ~ I'm so sorry that you and Josh are going through all of these horrible things, especially this close to meeting your baby...I hope things get better from here and no more bad news comes for you guys.

DS ~ Congrats on the birth of Noah...he is so cute, love the pictures. Your labour sounds very simillar to mine...not ideal, but the end result makes it all worth while.

Lil_Mrs ~ Congrats on the birth of Collin. I love his picture too and sounds just like my Ethan. It's amazing when they are so alert and so strong...but watch that head, we keep getting head butts cause he lifts his head so much.

Shoulda ~ Congrats on the birth of Mallory. Can't wait to see some more pictures.

And a big CONGRATS to all the new mommies that I might have missed and a GOOD LUCK to all the mommies still waiting for their babies...won't be long now!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ethan is now 10 days old...I can't believe how quickly the time goes or how quickly he is changing. His hair, eventhough it's starting to fall out, is now turning a much lighter colour. His eyes have also started to change and I've even found THREE dimples that come out when he's nursing or smiling (I know it's gas, but like to pretend he's smiling at me.)

We took him on Saturday for his circumsicion. He slept through the whole procedure and the doctor told us that he was a wonderful little guy and did amazingly well. He actually really didn't fuss much and I think we are now passed the worst of it.

We took him for his first outings this weekend. WE spent Saturday with my parents and Sunday with my in-laws. He did great at my parents, considering he had just had his procedure...but Father's Day at the in-laws was pretty awful. We spent most of the time in the house nursing and he was inconsolable for about 2 hours. My sweet little boy turned into a monster. Not sure if it was the procedure and being sore, if it was cause we were outside (noone wanted to come inside but it was windy) or if he just didn't like it there...we will see this coming weekend when we go back.

Breastfeeding is going amazingly well *knock wood* and I'm sure he's gaining. We have a midwife appointment tomorrow and will learn his weight. Ethan is feeding about every 2-3 hours during the day, but we are getting about 6-7 hours at night. His last feeding is usually at 11:00pm (during his fussy time) and then he gets up anywhere from 4:30 - 6:00am. It's wonderful!

I'm doing pretty great. Recovery has been better than I expected, my swelling has gone down completely and the best news of all for me...I'm down 2 pound below my lowest weight from last summer. Now I still have a large and jiggly tummy, but I'm fitting into most of my old clothes and even got my wedding band on. I was a bigger girl to begin with, but have shed about 37 pounds total so far...I know, hard to believe (I wouldn't believe me either, but I swear it's true.)

EDD: May 30, 2006
Arrival Date: June 10, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 41 Weeks, 4 Days
Induction or not?: Yes (although labour did begin on it's own)
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: C-Section
First child or other: First
Labor time: 22 hours from arrival at hospital

And sitll working on my birth story, hope to have it all written out today and will type it shortly. Spending the day with my MIL today (again) as she's coming to 'help' me out. I do love her to pieces, but she has a cold and a bad knee and I feel she is in worse shape than me...it's going to be another long day.

[kmmommy]

Maryanne ~ Hugs to you and DH! I'm sorry you're dealing with so much right now.

[maryanne]

Hi everyone--we are still hanging in there :) I think that all the chaos is literally happening so I don't have time too get freaked out on the unknown of giving birth! lol!

Got a 38 week doc appt in 50 minutes.

[shaqangel]

congrats to all the new mothers!!! love the pics of the babies:)

i agree where is the time going....my little Javan is now 15 days old :eek: seems like i just delivered him!!!

maryanne i'm so sorry you're going through all of this.

[jay&erinn]

My doc appt was a bust today. I'm still 1.5 cm- no change for the past 3 weeks. They scheduled my induction for next monday. Hopefully my body will get moving before then. Looks like I'll be one of the last June mommies.

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

No time for s.o.'s :(

Troi had his one month WBV. I can't believe he's a month old already :eek: Time has flown by. Anyway, he's up to 9 lbs, 7.5 oz and now is 23 inches long. For weight he's in the 45% and for height the 90th%. I'm still amazed how tall he's gotten :eek: We keep saying that he's going to be our basketball player and Nikolas our football player cause he's solid.

Anyway, I have to pump. Then again, when don't I pump :/ Take care and hope to be back soon.

[jcharley]

Congratulations to all the new Mommies and babies! Zoe had to get her 10 day PKU yesterday- she was pretty good, cried but didn't scream, and went right back to sleep afterwards! I'm sick of the no driving- I think by Friday I can convince DH that 2 weeks from the day of delivery is good enough to drive! I've lost about 25 lbs, bust still feel like a big blob belly:-) I am starting to fit in some normal clothes, so I guess I'll keep pumping! The good news is my supply is really increased, I'm pumping roughly 2x the amount she is eating right now, and already have about 60 oz frozen in the freezer! I'd like to feed BM as long as possible, but might start adding formula at night at 1 month to help her sleep longer and s-t-r-e-t-c-h out the BM supply!

Gotta go- Zoe is waking up and ready to eat!!

[Pink_Converse]

Congrats all the new mommies. May/June mommies make pretty babies :D !

Today is my due date and here I am with a 1 month old, crazy!

Hayden is now 7 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long.

I'll drop off new pics when I get a chance.

[June06Mommies]

Updated to here!

Congratulations to all the new mommies and welcome to all the new babies!!

Our front page looks great!! :D

If any stats are wrong or missing and you would like them updated or a picture included,
feel free to post away!

[smurf]

You're not alone, Jay&Erinn. I had my appointment yesterday, and I'm only 1cm dilated. Doctor won't schedule an induction until July 3rd, so it looks like I may be a July mom.

I'm cleaning like a mad woman today though, and taking 2-mile walks every night to see if I can get things moving.

Congrats to all the new mommies!!!

[lawyerwifemom]

Erinn and Smurf I'm still here too. Last week I was 3 cm/ 50% effaced . I actually thought I was in early labor on Saturday night 'cause I had some bloody show and mild contractions for several hours. But NOT. I have an appointment on Thursday am that I hope I won't make. I won't consider an induction until I am close to 2 weeks post dates. I sure hope it doesn't come to that!!!!!! My daughter says her sister is coming out on Saturday. :)

I am definitely in nesting mode though.

Maryanne, I am sorry you have so much dumped on you right now.

I am loving all the newborn updates and pictures!

[sunshineab622]

This is my fave pic .... thought I would share it with you.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/sunshineab622/P1011121.jpg

[kmmommy]

Sunshine ~ That's too precious! You need to blow that picture up and frame it! :D

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Things are still going great. Last night was a lil rough, he had been held all day yesterday and refused his crib last night. We had to take shifts last night and this morning but I think we are back on schedule and we are making sure all of his naps are in his crib. DH is so great and is preparing bite size snacks and drinks for me at each feeding. He even made me finger sandwiches so that I could snack and feed. He is also taking all the diaper duty and burping so that I am not overwhelmed.

My dad is watching him right now so that I can play and take a break.

EDD: June 21, 2006
Arrival Date: June 18, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 39w4d
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: Yes
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal- No Epidural!!
First child or other: First
Labor time: Just shy of 9 hours from when the water broke

Birth Story-
8:45am- Attempt to DTD and instead a trickle that was my water broke. I went to the bathroom to make sure and clean myself up then called the birthing center.
We showered and cleaned the house for the next hour.
10am- Got to the hospital and checked in at 10:30 I was 3cm dilated and 100% effaced. They put me on the monitors and I had absolutely no contractions. They also hooked dme up to my IV and started my peniciliin for the GBS.
They allowed me one hour to walk around and see where nature takes me. Ironically, I saw my old OB in the halls and about flipped out. I could feel my blood boiling when I saw her. She was the insensitive B@@@ that had the nerve to tell me that I had m/c my last child over the phone while I was in class and then try to set up a D&C for the next week(very very long story). I made sure to talk to the nurse and the on-call dr to make sure that she is to never step foot in my room for any circumstance.
12:30- Checked again for contractions. I had a blip on the radar in the 15 minutes I was hooked up. The oncall dr had the nurse page my own dr and they warned me about the risks of being in labor too long in my condition. Since I was GBS+ and my water had broke they wanted to avoid any unneccesary internal exams and wanted to put me on pitocin to indue labor. I told them I was fine with everything and ready to start to the pitocin whenever they were.
1pm- My OB showed up and again warned of the risks of a long labor and reassured me that he agrees with the other OB and we should start pitocin ASAP. I had also already been warned that pitocin makes contractions more intense and told them I wanted to fill out the paperwork for an epidural just in case. At that point I still had only blips on the radar for contractions and they were not picking up. We also decided to start watching Chicken Little that my dad brought for us.
1:30- Started the pitocin and strapped me to the monitors. They upped my dose every 15 minutes for the next hour. By the third dose I was feeling contractions but they were still not really showing up on the monitors.
2:30pm- contraction had gotten really intense yet were still only showing blips on the radar. We were timing them at about 4 minutes apart. Called the nurse in and she realized that my straps were loose and not properly measuring my contractions. I went to the restroom and came back and got strapped back on. I remember between contractions all I wanted to do was sleep. I layed on my side and dozed off inbetween contractions.
3pm- the contractions were getting even worse and my body started going through hot flashes. I had the nurse bring in some towels and wash cloths and Shannon got them all wet in cold water. I had one on the back of my neck, forehead, and Shannon was massaging my feet and calves with the other one. I told my family that it was time for them to leave the room.
3:30pm- My contractions were getting really intense by this time and I was starting to want drugs. When I talked to the nurse and on-call they said that I should still have a couple of more hours and wanted me to hold off on any drugs to avoid any unneccesary doses. I then told them that I wanted to use the bathroom (#2) and again got unstrapped. i am pretty sure that that nurse was just clueless when it came to strapping on those monitors. When I got back to the restroom there was another nurse that hooked me up and introduced herself.
3:45-4:30 shannon and I were really working through the contractions. The belts were finally hooked up right and my contractions were a nice even curve of about 45 seconds- 1 minute on and off. I was feeling that same pressure like I needed to poop again. I took myself off the monitors and went into the bathroom. I spent about 10 minutes on there and told Shannon that he needed to call the nurse ASAP for soem drugs or something. I just didn't feel right. There was this battle between the OB's plan and what was going on. The plan was to slowly put me on the pitocin and check me for dilation in about 2-3 hours after my last dose since they wanted to avoid internals. I was feeling immense contractions asking for drugs. Finally the nurse said F# the plan and felt me for dilation right there on the toilet. She barely put her hand down there and told me no wonder I felt the overwhelming urge to poop. He was already crowning! We paged for my OB who was about 10 minutes away at church.
4:30- I finally left the bathroom. I remember at one point DH was telling me that I was being irrational and that if I didn't move I was going to have Collin on the toilet. the nurse instructed me to hold on to Shannon and if I felt a contraction that I needed to hang from his neck and squat through it and then continue to the bed. I got on all fours by my own instinct and worked with some of the contractions.
5ish- My OB showed up and everyone gloved up and got ready. My parents just got back from shopping and wanted to check on me. We yelled for my bro and Dad to stay out and yelled for Mom to come in and help me push. I remember that the staff was telling me how good I was doing and I just kept saying Thank you.
Finally pushing time!! My OB told me, Shannon, and Mom what to do and we went for it! After the third push I asked if they could see his head. The nurse pulled my hand down and it was so amazing!! His head was out about as far as his eyebrows I would guess. I knew he was right there and I just had to go for it!
I was completely in my zone and had him out after another 2 sets of pushes! I heard his cry and I remember looking up at Shannon who was such a great coach through out the whole thing and he was just glowing with tears and pride as he cut the chord. I looked at Collin and I was absolutely in love! They told me I had my choice to hold him up to me or to get him cleaned off. I let them clean him while I delivered the placenta and got stitched up. I had just one difficult star shaped tear that my OB needed to cut into to restitch straight. I knew I would be too distracted with what was going on down there to really admire him and establish breastfeeding. His cleanup/vitals only took about 15 minutes and Shannon held him until the Ob was done with me. I then got to hold my precious lil boy!! Soon as everyone left I kept the nurse, Shannon, and Mom in there and I tried to feed him. The nurse gave some great pointers and he was latched on the 2nd attempt to bring him to my breast! He has been such a lil champ since!

[steviem]

A big congratulations to all the new mommies!

Still here and still pregnant. I am convinced this kid will never come out. Up until a few days ago, I was totally fine. But now, I just want to get the show on the road. I want to meet my baby and hold him in my arms.

These past few days have not been so fun. I don't feel well at all... my body just aches. I had major periodish cramps yesterday and lower back pain. It lasted about 5 hrs but then went away. I do not think I was having contractions because it wasn't a tightening then release- inteadk it was constant cramping. I haven't been able to sleep at all these past 2 nights either.

Today, I was hoping "something" would happen, but nada. No cramping at all. In addition, I am pretty sure my plug is still completey intact. I haven't noticed anything mucousy.......I go to my OB tomorrow and she will do my first internal exam. Hopefully I will know more after the appt. So until then.... I wait :)

Thank you so much to all the moms who have shared your birth stories. I love reading them... :)

steviem

[Mystikal]

I have another OB appt tomorrow morning, followed by a NST, so we'll see how that all goes. I'm pretty sure that even though I've had some pretty uncomfortable BH contrax she's going to tell me there's no change. *sigh*
I've been walking like crazy, and eating fresh pineapple every day. I'm peeing so much more than before so it makes me wonder if she has dropped more than she was. I haven't seen a hint of the mucous plug yet, so I still have a feeling it will be a while.

I'm loving all the baby pictures! So much cuteness, I can hardly handle it! :D

[Baby Lust]

Sorry to all those who are still waiting! I know how you feel! :rolleyes: I hope these last few days/weeks go by super fast and you are able to relax a bit before your bundles of joy arrive!

Mystikal, Don't get discouraged! I was peeing a ton more in the week leading up to birth and didn't see my mucous plug until I was more than halfway through labor! Julia will be here before you know it!! Hang in there!

Sunshine, Adorable picture!!!

[maryanne]

well, my 38 week appointment was a bust...still nothing happening. It kinda surprised me since I was feeling so much activity and cramping yesterday--
I thought that I would have seen some sort of progress---oh well.

Doc wants me to schedule an U/S as soon as possible. I am going to try to make it for today.

My hands have been off the chart bad...think its a combo of hormones, stress, and weather. I think thatit is finally time to use the massage gift certificate that I have been hoarding. I'm also long overdue for a hair appt...so I think that hopefully today will be a good day --i'll get to see my baby and get pampered--:):):)

love to ya all---I hope the new mommies are doing great and managing to get some sleep and heal painlessly and that all the babies are doing well!

[Dan's*Girl]

Hello :)


Peyton had his 3 week appointment today and my little guy isnt so little. He is 10lbs 8oz and 22 in long already! It's the 90th percentile so he's doing great the dr said. He is breastfeeding every hour to hour and a half which is getting harder and harder to take and dr said may mean my milk isn't satisfying him enough so he has to always eat. We are still formula feeding him at night and its working well, he sleeps in 3 hour increments and sometimes longer if he's just pooped out. Today he's fighting sleep so hopefully tonight he'll sleep well.

I'm doing ok. My c section is healing fine I guess. It hurts when I breastfeed (dr said thats normal too since the feeding makes the uterus contract) and since i'm a bigger girl its hard to keep the area dry and not sweaty, but i'm trying. My back has been hurting but gets better everyday, guess my ginormous boobies and hauling around a 10 pound baby all day everyday is taking a toll.
I've lost all 26 lbs I gained being pg and have lost an additional 5, so I'm happy about that. My normal clothes fit again, and now that the nausea has gone away and ive gotten my appetite back i need to start being careful what I'm eating so I dont gain it all back. I've been thinking about doing the Weight Watchers program for breastfeeding moms, but not sure if money wise that would work right now. I'm going to look at that EDiets website and see what it says might work for me.

Work says I have to come back on August 3rd and I'm ok with that. We were hoping it would be around then so we can get a schedule set with our babysitter (who is coming to our house daily, yay!) and that's when the saved up money will already be gone and I'll need the other 40% of my pay. I'm going to be looking for other jobs in the next month to see if I can get something closer to home making the same money. If not then it's ok, but it can't hurt to look right?

Gotta run, pictures coming tonight!

[maryanne]

WOW---where is everyone today????? I hope everyone is having a great day with there babies!!!

guess what? I just slept for ten hours straight!!!!!! ME!!! the one who hasn't slept more than 2 hours in a row in months!!!!!

[kmmommy]

Mackenzie had her upper GI today and unfortunately there is still a leak. We're waiting to hear from the surgeon on the next steps. He is going to order a u/s of her stomach tomorrow and unless he sees an urgent need for surgery it appears we'll be waiting another week. I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm frustrated and angry that my little girl is almost 3 weeks old and still can't eat. I just wish she could catch a break.

[gina73]

KM - I'm so sorry to hear that Mackenzie still has a leak. It has to be so upsetting for you, and I can bearly imagine what it must be like to not be able to hold your sweet little girl and take her home. Hopefully the surgeon will have some answers for you and that a solution can be acheived very soon. I continue to send good thoughts your way...

CONGRATS to all the new mommies and I hope you're enjoying time with your little ones!

Things here are good, I think. I'm a bit run-down today, and I think I might be coming down with a cold, which stinks. So, I'm not kissing my little guy, and basically putting him down as soon as he's done nursing so I don't get him sick. Feedings are going a bit up and down. One feeding will be calm, about 15-10 minutes where he'll take both breasts, and everyone is comfy, and the next will be this squirmy struggle where he'll only eat for 4-6 minutes and either pull away frustrated, or get bored and fall asleep. I can't wait for my little guy's system to catch up to his eating habits, and for everything to flow smoothly instead of making him uncomfortable. His due date is this Saturday, and hopefully after that, things will balance out a bit. At any rate, I went to see a LC yesterday, which helped a bit. While there, we put him up on the scale...and he's now 6 pounds, 4 ounces! That's up 2 whole pounds from his birth weight 4 weeks ago, and 10 ounces from last week.

Now that his due date is approaching, DH and I are feeling like we can start to take him out in public a bit more than just our walks or doctor's offices like we have been. And I'm itching to get out of the house. So, my question is How soon after your baby was born did you go out in public? And where did you go (besides doctor's offices) on your first few trips?

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Quick Post...

KM Just wanted to send some good thoughts and prayers your way. I'm so sorry Mackenzie is having all these problems. It will all work out. Just think, in 16 years your biggest problems will be boys calling for that sweet little girl. Her problems now will seem like a drop in the hat.

Outings with baby: After Troi's dr appt at 4 days old, we went to a restaurant to eat lunch. I take them out everywhere as often as possible. I'm just careful not to let strangers near his face or even close for that matter. We did the mall yesterday.
I keep the handle on the carseat up and cover the whole carseat with a light blanket. This way no one can stick their face in his. Thankfully no one has lifted the blanket cause I'd be in prison.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Completely forgot, when we were at the dr yesterday I weighed myself and I'm down to 160. I was 172 when I got pg so I'm happy. My clothes are still large from last summer, but I'm not getting rid of them just yet. My weight fluctuates big time.

Ok, gotta run. I'm finally getting the birth announcements out :/

[jay&erinn]

Gina: DH and I took Mia everywhere when she was a baby. When she was 4 days old we took her to her doc appt, out to lunch and then shopping. I think the sooner you get into the habit of taking them with you, the easier it gets (it won't feel like you need an hour to get ready to run a 10 minute errand). A lot of women I've been talking to at the pool took their babies when they were just days old- usually the first day home from the hospital. They had toddlers or preschoolers at home and couldn't imagine sitting inside all day with them. Instead, they took them to the pool and the babies slept while the moms sat around the baby pool watching their other kids play.
The only acception I'd make is a baby that may have a reduced immune system.

kmmommy: I'm sorry things didn't go well. Is the hole smaller? I hope you get some good news soon so you can start your life at home with your family.

maryanne: Yea for a good night's sleep- maybe that's a sign that labor is approaching.
I'm right there with you with the lack of progress. I've been having intermittent contractions for a month now. They're doing absolutely nothing. Yesturday afternoon I had two hours of contractions every 5-6 minutes. Then they just stopped. It's very annoying.

Dan's girl: Holy big baby:eek: Of course, compared to my peanut, anything is big:rolleyes: Sounds like a really heathy little boy.
He is breastfeeding every hour to hour and a half which is getting harder and harder to take and dr said may mean my milk isn't satisfying him enough so he has to always eat. We are still formula feeding him at night and its working well, he sleeps in 3 hour increments and sometimes longer if he's just pooped out.
I can't remember why you're formula feeding at night. I'd call the LC about the BFing though. I think babies have to work harder to BF, so maybe he's just getting lazy and isn't putting in the effort to nurse long enough or efficiently enough during the day to stay full longer, since he knows how easy a bottle is. Maybe she can give you some pointers to smooth things out a little more. He may also just be cluster feeding during the day to get longer stretches of sleep at night (definately a good thing).

Well, today was my EDD. I tried to talk my boss into paying me double time for working today- after all, there were 2 of us working, me and the baby;) The only fun part about being there was freaking out all of the patients that asked when I was due. Their mouths just drop open when I would say today. I guess if I'm still pregnant Friday, it'll be even more fun to tell them I was due 2 days earlier- Gotta look for the silver lining somewhere.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I am so sorry not to be responding to everyone. I promise I will catch up tomorrow or at a night feeding!

He had his first dr. appointment today and he is doing fabulous! Also my milk is coming in. Other than that nothing else to really report.

I know I am biased but isn't this the absolute cutest picture ever? If anyone knows how I would like to put this as my avatar.
http://myspace-607.vo.llnwd.net/00854/70/65/854345607_l.jpg

[steviem]

KM- Sending good thoughts your way.

I had my 39 wk appt today. She did an internal and man did that hurt. I was not expecting it to be so painful. She said my cervix is soft and thinning but that I am not dialated. She said it could happen at anytime. My actual due date is Monday, 6/26. She said she thinks I will go into labor before then but just in case, she made an appt for me at the hospital to be induced on Wednesday, 6/28 at 4am! I really do not want to be induced and I hope that I go into labor before thenm which leads me to my question: I've heard that BD'ing, drinking castor oil and walking help you go into labor. Do you know of any other methods which are supposed to help?

For now, I continue to wait. I am trying to be patient but this is getting old. I have had a great pregnancy so I know that I will miss being PG, but for now, I just want my body back and to hold and kiss my little man!!! Patience steviem, patience............

[maryanne]

steivie,

SEX! Spicy foods!Pineapples! and Reflexology by a certified therapist can help induce labor ;)

[Baby Lust]

Lil_Mrs, That is an adorable picture!!!! To make it your avatar, go to CP, Edit Avatar, then either pick up the picture from your computer (Browse) or use the url from the photo sharing site (Flickr, etc). You may have to play with it a bit because the picture is so big, but CC might take it and resize it for you. HTH! :)

[April1234]

*hi-jacking for a moment*

Kmmommy, I dont know your hole story or how premature your DD was but I was lurking and read some of your posts. My DD Lily was born prematurly and ended up getting an infection on her 3rd day of life. Because of this she all of her gastrointestinal organs got "burned" She was in the NICU for 116 days and 103 of those days was on IV nutrition because she had to go NPO for WEEKS at a time. We went through central lines inher neck,surgeries, many many upper and lower GIs etc. Anyway, I just wanted offer some suppourt and to feel free to PM me when you have the time. (I know it must be busy being at the hospital and having a little one at home) My DD is 19 months old now and she still doesnt gain weight sufficiantly but she is healthy and doing great.

Just wanted to let you know that someone is here that has "been there done that" (((hugs))) to you and your family. I will be praying you guys.

Congrats to all you June mommies!!!!:D

[kmmommy]

*hi-jacking for a moment*

Kmmommy, I dont know your hole story or how premature your DD was but I was lurking and read some of your posts. My DD Lily was born prematurly and ended up getting an infection on her 3rd day of life. Because of this she all of her gastrointestinal organs got "burned" She was in the NICU for 116 days and 103 of those days was on IV nutrition because she had to go NPO for WEEKS at a time. We went through central lines inher neck,surgeries, many many upper and lower GIs etc. Anyway, I just wanted offer some suppourt and to feel free to PM me when you have the time. (I know it must be busy being at the hospital and having a little one at home) My DD is 19 months old now and she still doesnt gain weight sufficiantly but she is healthy and doing great.

Just wanted to let you know that someone is here that has "been there done that" (((hugs))) to you and your family. I will be praying you guys.

Congrats to all you June mommies!!!!:D

April,

I remember you well from WC. I was blueyedbride - we used to post in each other's journals. Congrats on your little boy!!

Mackenzie wasn't a premie. We found out while I was pg that she had duodenal atresia (blockage from stomach to intestines) and a heart defect. After she was born we found out she has Down syndrome which is the cause of the atresia and heart problem.

I'm glad to hear Lily is doing so well! I may PM you sometime as it's nice to know someone who's little one was NPO for so long. It's heartbreaking - especially since she never cries - she's so good and patient.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

[April1234]

OMG I remember you!!!!:)

Wow, it sounds like your sweet girl has been through so much already. I remember the no crying days oh so well, not being able to hold her was the WORST I think. Lily had major bleeding in her colon and some small blockages that we saw when they did a colonoscopy. You mentioned she is leaking..is she leaking as a result of the surgery? Im assuming if theres a leak they arent trying to feed at the moment? UGH, my heart is aching for you because I know exactly what your going through and all the ups and downs of the 'start the feedings...big probelms occur...stop feedings...' lather.rinse.repeat.:(

I see your over on LJ, I am April1234 there also if you want to friend me. I dont want to hi-jack your mommies group. ;)

[kmmommy]

April, I PM'd you! :D

[Dan's*Girl]

Just wanted to post a few pics...hope they aren't too large. More in my journal!

Nursery
http://static.flickr.com/78/172439306_f0edecad9f.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/53/172439307_b1dd1bd3d5.jpg?v=0

Last belly shot, day of induction 38wks5dys
http://static.flickr.com/45/172439308_6abb520a2b.jpg?v=1150953617

In L&D on induction day
http://static.flickr.com/76/172439309_7be58bd943.jpg?v=0

Finally a family
http://static.flickr.com/62/172439310_e637c55e3e.jpg?v=0

Mom and her boy in recovery (look at his expression, haha)
http://static.flickr.com/69/172439311_0b092d06df.jpg?v=0

[Baby Lust]

Ramona, Great pictures!! Your blue chair looks SOOOO comfy!!!!

[maryanne]

love the pics--you look so happy!

[Dan's*Girl]

Amanda~Yes, the chair is the most comfy thing ever. Not too soft, but not to hard and when you recline it....heaven I tell ya! It's the best $350 I ever spent, other than my digital camera of course :p

So what am I, the thread killer? I'm gone for 2 weeks, come back to have missed 30 pages and now I'm posting 2 times on the same page, the HORROR!!!!:p :rolleyes: :eek:

[kmmommy]

Ramona ~ Peyton is so cute! I can't believe how big he is already! The nursery is looking good! Thread killer...LOL! I don't think so! :)

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Sorry that I have been so MIA ladies.

KMMommy- I am so sorry that you can't be with your lil angel 24/7. hang in there it looks like she is making some real progress and should be home soon.

April- It was so nice of you to come in here. Feel free to hi-jack at anytime.

Taking Baby Out- After yesterday's appointment we went to my mom's office to show him off. It was a nice test run to see how he handles being out. She works in a really small office and I was suprised that really only 2 women wanted to hold him and they washed their hands before they touched him.

I'm going to wait another couple of days to take him out in public just because I am still getting used to b/f. I am not discreet at all. I go in the back room and just take off my shirt. I know that I could probably get away with a button up shirt, nursing bra and a blanket but I absolutely love our skin to skin cuddle time after I burp him. I just sit there and take mental pictures of those moments and bawl like a baby. I'm bawling now just thinking about it.

Well an update on me. We have worked out a really great routine to where I feed Collin, eat dinner, and nap until Shannon goes to bed at about 1 or 2am. So far he has only need to wake me up once to feed him. It gives me a nice 5-6 hours stretch of sleep. Then I take care of him when he wakes up so that Shannon can get a full night. I love it because his wake periods through out the night are only 1 hour 2 max and then I get to go back to sleep. By 6am I have had my full night's rest and everything else is just much needed bonus sleep.

Oh- My milk came in throughout the day yesterday. I am a little over inflated and I think I will try some pumping to prevent engorgement and to get my supply up. I am loving it though because it fills Collin up for longer periods of time and it is only taking about 10-15 minutes a side. With just the colustrum a feeding could take 2 hours. He would do 20 minutes a side and after both sides he would want to go at it again!

I forgot to add- Nikos&Troi's mommy- I had the absolute cutest dream last night! I had a dream that I took Collin over there for a lil playdate and you were cleaning the house and Niko had a damp washcloth and was just helping by wiping random walls and cupboards in the kitchen. Then when you introduced me he gave me the biggest hug. He was such a lil heart breaker!

[sunshineab622]

threadmistress: please change my age to 31 :(

Ramona: Peytons room is sooo cute - Love all the pics.

[Dan's*Girl]

Adrienne~ We missed your birthday?? :( im sorry honey.

http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/images/birthdaycake.gif

[sunshineab622]

Thanks ... you didnt miss it - It was today ... 6/22

[maryanne]

well, then HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUNSHINE!!! :) :) :)

I hope that you had a wonderful day!

[maryanne]

I have something fun to share...I just preordered the baby announcements since it will take me forever to address and assemble with my useless hands

The Moondance reference is to the theme of our wedding--and the frog princess is also the theme of her bedroom.

http://www.invitingsmiles.com/Happily%20Ever%20After%20web.jpg

Once upon a time...
It was a marvelous night
for a Moondance.

Maryanne and Josh
proudly announce that
Melody Arenal K------

joined them on TBA at TBA
TBA pounds,TBA inches
TBA ounces

...and they lived happily ever after.

[jcharley]

Here's a quick question along Maryanne's topic- how long do you have to send ot your birth announcements, and also Thank -You notes for non-shower baby gifts?

[IzzyJune2006]

I need to find more time to catch up here! I'll just enter this info for now.


EDD: June 14, 2006
Arrival Date: June 5, 2006
Gestational Age at birth: 38w5d
Induction or not?: No
Water broke before hospital?: No
C Section or Vaginal: Vaginal- all natural!
First child or other: First
Labor time: First labor contractions ~8pm, birth at 12:12am -> ~4 hours

Sorry if this picture is large... here's my sweety. She takes mostly after her daddy.
http://jawknee37.home.comcast.net/sleeping.jpg

[maryanne]

Hi jcharley, From my understanding thank you notes should be done within three weeks after the birth or actual shower. ( I only wish that I was able to get them out in that time frame. I just finshed my thanks yous and my first shower was six weeks ago OOOPS!)

As for the announcements, I don't think that there is a suggested time. I plan on taking photos within the first week and downloading them to snapfish and having wallets made. As soon as they arrive back- I am sending them out with the announcements. I estimate shippping them by the end of the first month.

(but then again....pay no attention to me, I am anal about stuff like this and I am trying to get everything done ahead of time, so I don't have to deal with it later)--I am sure that most people don't even care.

[maryanne]

OMG (((izzy)))) She is beautiful!!!!

[maryanne]

*****

I have been absolutely exhausted the last two days....It is so wierd, while I didn't have a marathon rip van winkle sleep today like I did yesterday--I couldn't really get my lazy butt off of the couch. I kept napping on and off. I never made it to the massage therapist or the hairdresser's.

I swear that my body is forcing this hibernation on me!

I am stressing over getting stuff done--but have no desire to actually do the work :rolleyes: So that means that I start stressing over what poor josh *SHOULD * be doing...lol! Thank god this is almost over, b/c he has to be hating me by now!

I had a momentary break down earlier tonight. I just found out that we are being displaced out of our home over the weekend while they finish the work in the bathroom. We hired our friends to do this work last February and it kept getting pushed off for practically every feasible excuse, so now in my 38th week, I have to leave my house to stay at the inlaws...

The good part of it is that I can spend the weekend at the pool--but the bad part is forced socialization with everyone. There will be no where to escape--lol!

I think that I should schedule the massage over the weekend, so I have at least one valid escape plan. Oh yeah, I also have my friend's baby shower to go to on sunday

Other than that, there isn't much to report. I am waiting on several last minute shipments to arrive so I can officially finish the nursey. I am waiting on the shades, curtains, and quilt hanger. Once they arrive, I will take lots of pictures! I am pretty pleased with the results!

Another awaited shipment includes my diaper bag, which I want to pack as part of the hospital bags. It has taken them forever to ship it and I am getting to be very impatient....

why doesn't the rest of the world realize that the clock is ticking???:rolleyes: lol!

[maryanne]

I just opened a new journal! I would LOVE some company! Come visit!

Moondancing with My 'Lil Bear

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=21313

[lawyerwifemom]

Finally, I am in labor! It is 3:30 am here and I have been having regular, uncomfortable contractions for the past hour and a half. They have been about 5 minutes apart for the past 45 minutes. So of course, I had to come downstairs and get a brownie and a glass of milk! I've been trying to "sleep" between them but I am just as excited as if this was my first baby.

I will likely wait about an hour or so before calling my OB since the contractions, while pretty close together, are only uncomfortable at this point. I'd like to hang out at home until 6 or 6:30 so I can tell the other kids that I am leaving to go have their baby sister!

Izzy She is so serene and sweet looking!

Maryanne Sorry you are having forced IL socialization!!

[maryanne]

Congrats, goodluck, and painfree labor vibes lawyerwifemom!

[ds2003]

Good Luck lawyerwifemom!!!

For those who are nursing I wanted share something that I love...nursing camisoles from Target. I love them because my belly stays covered. I really do hate to unhook the snap it is sometimes impossible..so I just hook it over but don't snap it down. It has never popped off.

[kmmommy]

Good luck lawyerwifemom!

x-posted from my journal:

I spoke to the surgeon last night and he has decided that he will do another upper GI on Monday morning. If the upper GI shows she still has the leak he will do surgery on Monday afternoon.

He mentioned that if all goes well she should be eating 5 or 6 days after surgery so hopefully she'll be eating in a week at the most.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers - we really need this leak to heal over the weekend.

[Baby Lust]

Good luck lawyerwifemom!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!


Saying extra prayers for MacKenzie! I hope she heals so she doesn't have to go through surgery again! {{HUGS}}

[maryanne]

Ok...I am a little friggen pissed right now...I just got a phone call from my OB-GYN's office. His nurse left a message that "he has been called out of town for the weekend"

and

"that they didn't realize that I wanted to use St Joe's until the other day. They thought that I wanted to give birth at PBI...and b/c of the short notice there is no one to cover for my doc at st joe's and I will have to go to PBI despite my prference."

WTF????

The way that the entire process of choosing a doc and hospital went like this....

I found out that I was due on the 4th. The threat of delivering on the holiday made it so my dream hospital in The City would not be a good choice b/c of holiday traffic etc. (This killed me b/c the hospital would have been perfect for me b/c it had an intergrative alternative medicene program-brand new birthing rooms and pools-and a world reknown midwive program) ..but I know how crazy traffic will be pretty much all next week through the holiday and moved quickly onto plan B.

So, I called our good friend, Dr John, the pediatrician, and asked him where HE wanted me to deliver the the baby, since he will obviously be our ped. He said "hands down, St Joe's." Then I asked who he thought I should go to for an OBGYN and he checked who had delievering rights at St Joe's and a good reputation. The entire selection process around St Joe's...lol!

Then Josh dared to question why I am so frustrated with EVERYTHING...grrrr.

So I figure that I since I am temporarily homeless---not speaking to my husband---don't have my doctor----or my hospital that I surely will go into labor this weekend :eek: :rolleyes: :eek: :rolleyes:



ARRRGH geez I sound like a pissy pregnant woman don't I?

[Baby Lust]

Ugh!! Sorry about your frustrations Maryanne! Sending Baby stay-put vibes until next week! ;)

[connorsmommy]

Hi everyone!

just checking in - I somehow unsubscribed myself from here several days ago and didn't realize it until today.... so much to catch up on...

KM - I hope it works out and macKenzie can start eating next week. Sending up thoughts and prayers.

Maryanne - I'm sorry to hear about all the stress you've been going through with eveyrthing. I hope and pray you get a break from it all...



*********

things here are finally on the upswing -- Dawson is looking great - his jaundice is totally gone now. His thrush is gone. His snotty cold-turned-sinus-infection has somehow miraculously cleared up in the past 48 hours w/o antibiotics. His circumcision was two days ago and he seems to be doing well with that - we're still waiting for the plastic "bell" to fall off, but he's taking it all in stride. And most importantly, Dawson is finally on his 2-3 week growth spurt. He gained 8 oz between Monday and today - now he weighs in at 7 lbs 9 oz, which is 10 oz above his birthweight, so he's FINALLY on the upswing and the public health nurses will finally get off my back (I hope - lol!)


But on another topic, anyone wanna buy a 3 year old? I'll even throw in free shipping and a suitcase full of clothes. :(

[smurf]

Good luck LawyerWifeMom! Can't wait to hear about it.

KMI'm sending lots of prayers up for little mackenzie. i can't imagine how hard this must be for you.
Maryanne that really stinks about your doctor's office. You'd think they could be a bit more organized! Sending stay put vibes to your baby this weekend.

I hope all the new mommies are enjoying your time with your precious babies. I can't wait until my little one arrives!!

[Baby Lust]

Connors, Glad to hear everything is going well! Lucas had jaundice too and spent 12 hours under the bili lamp and it cleared right up. Poor thing! He loved the bed though! :p You know, you could probably auction Connor off on ebay. :p Hope things get better with him so you can save your sanity! :)

Smurf, Sending your labor vibes!! Your little princess needs to come out and play!!

[Pink_Converse]

Just wanted to check in. H is now 7 lbs 11 oz and getting huge compared to his 4 lb 14 oz birthweight. He is very fussy lately but I think that's typical around week 6. We had to go to Texas Children's Hospital yesterday to have an ultrasound and x-ray on his tummy. The ped. thought he was starting to get reflux. The muscles in his tummy are fine according to the ultrasound and they didn't discuss the x-ray with me. I guess our regular ped. will when she gets the results. I think he may just be REALLY gassy. He won't burp alot of times now after a feed and then he chucks most of it up thru his nose and mouth afterwards. He also projectile vomited in my face, hair all over the bed, etc. twice in one night, that's when I decided to go ahead and have him looked at. I'm really hoping it's not reflux but if it is we will deal with it. I don't think it's *that* big of a deal.

Thinking about you all...

[Baby Lust]

Pink, {{{HUGS}}} on H's tummy problems!! I hope they are able to do something to help!

[Dan's*Girl]

I need some advice from you wonderful ladies.

Peyton is not sleeping well. He will eat 4 oz of formula, fall asleep and snooze for 20 to 30 minutes then he is awake. He hasn't slept more than 30 minutes at a time for the last 2 days and its killing me. He is also spitting up more than half his food after he burps and I'm wondering if it's reflux. The dr said not to feed him more than every 3 hours with formula, but with him spitting it up he's screaming to be fed again after a hour. I'm pulling my hair out with how to get him to sleep longer than 30 minute stretches and why he is eating every hour and a half when formula is supposed to be more filling than my milk.

Thanks for any advice you all can give.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Wow this thread has really slowed down!!

Good luck lawyerwifemom- Sending you lots of easy labor vibes!

Maryanne- I am so sorry about your doctor's office. That really sucks.

KM- Best of wishes to your lil girl through the surgery.

Izzy- Annabelle is absolutely gorgeous! Okay so honestly.... Did any of you go to the online nursery of your hospital to compare your baby to the other ones? I have to say that there must be something in the CC water because our babies are so much more adorable than the ones I saw there!!

Pink- What other symptoms does your lil guy have? Collin started spitting up yesterday (my milk just came in) and only does it on my right boob. I think it may be that my let down is too much for him on that side.

Pumping adventures!!! So first off let me say that the Avent Isis is my absolute best friend. My bbs were so engorged that I leaked all over the bed last night in my sleep after they filled up the pads I was wearing. They felt like rocks this morning.... That said my first pump session was quite the experience...
So I am pumping away and I am doing absolutely great. I actually had the cup about 3/4 full after just 10 minutes. Well I pulled it off for a second to let the milk down since it gets a little backed up and the top came off the cup and it dumped all over the place!! I almost cried! I wiped it up with a towel and sat there and pouted for about ten minutes then Shannon walked in and I told him all about it. After I was done he asked "What's that smell?" It was my poor sour milk!

Figured I'd give you all a good laugh.

[kmmommy]

connors ~ I'll trade your 3 yo for my 22-month old whose 2-year molars are coming in! He's been a little bear the last few days. Glad Dawson is doing well!

Pink ~ Hope Hayden feels better.

Lil Mrs ~ You sound like me on the pumping. I have TONS of milk too. It's a good feeling. Collin is so adorable!

Mackenzie is having a good day. I visited her and she was wide awake. I love giving her bath every night. She loves bath time and just stares at me. Then I hold her and rock her to sleep. She also loves her music and CDs that they put in her bed for her. So sweet!

Pumping is still going great. We need to buy another freezer because our fridge/freezer and our chest freezer are overflowing already between EBM and food. I've taken of 1/4 of the NICU freezer now! At least having a nice supply of frozen EBM is the plus side of her not being able to eat yet. :)

[jay&erinn]

Hi Ladies. Looks like I'm finally in labor. I've been up and down most of the night and got out of bed about an hour ago. Contractions are about 3-6 minutes apart. Mia must sense something. She woke up calling me about 30 minutes ago so I went and laid with her for about a half hour. I'm going to try and hang in here at home for awhile- at least until I need pain meds. I'm a whimp, so that shouldn't be long;)

[Baby Lust]

Good luck Erinn!

[Mystikal]

Good luck Erinn and LawyerWifeMom (who has probably already had her little one!)

I feel like I'm practically the only one left...aside from Smurf. I guess we're going to have stubborn little ones, huh? ;)

[amurphy]

Just swinging by to check in on everyone!

Good luck, Erinn!

Gassy baby?! Anyone else dealing with a gassy baby? For the last two days, DS seems to be having trouble with his tummy. I'm breastfeeding and wondering if perhaps he is just swallowing too much air when he eats? I've "pumped" his legs toward his tummy and that has worked a few times...but when it doesn't work he is simply inconsolable. Any tips?????

[smurf]

Pink--sorry to hear about H's tummy troubles. hopefully he'll feel better soon.

I'm glad to hear that you like the Avent Isis LilMrs. That's the one I have too. I have heard mixed reviews on it, so I'm happy it's working for you.

Good luck Erinn!!

Is it really just you and me left, Mystical? Geez, at this rate, half of the July mommies will probably deliver before me! I was having contractions about 20 minutes apart all night last night, but they seem to have tapered off this morning. Oh well, I guess this little one will come when she's good and ready.

[jay&erinn]

Well, I'm still here. I had contractions for about 2 hours that were 3-4 minutes apart. The next hour (just when I started getting things ready to go to the hospital) were 5 minutes apart, so I waited to see what would happen. The next hour they spaced out to 8-10 minutes apart. They haven't quit entirely, but now I just have a few an hour. I was finally able to go back to sleep around 6 this morning. My back is so sore from all of the contractions last night. I've also had spotting on and off (mostly on) since yesturday morning. Guess I'll just wait and see what happens.

[Pink_Converse]

I am wondering if my milk is just coming in full force and he is getting more than I think he is. He won't feed for long and then he spits it all up (I think it's all of it) but then he's hungry again like an hour later a lot of the time. He's really gassy too. Also he doesn't really latch on correctly, I don't think he takes enough boob in, looks like mostly nipple, it hurts on one side but as long as he's getting milk I will tolerate it til his little mouth gets big enough to accept more, maybe he's getting air because of this?

[Baby Lust]

Sorry your contractions slowed down Erinn. Hope your little one makes an appearance soon!!

[sunshineab622]

ramona: Bailey does that during the day ... 20-30 min cat naps & then wants to eat every 1 hour 1/2 to 2 hours. She used to eat 3-4 oz & alot of times spits some of it back up. So we started trying to feed her 2-3 oz. every hour 1/2 & it seems to help ... at night she is drinking 3-4 oz but she is also sleeping 3-4 hours at a time. I am sorry you are going through this - I hope it gets better for you soon. By the way ... I've had several people comment on how cute the pic frame is today - the one you made :)

[steviem]

[B]Mystical & Smurf,[B]

I think there are only 3 of us left and I am convinced I will be the last one.

I had my 39 wk appt last Wedensday and I wasn't even dialating yet :(

They scheduled me for an induction on Wednesday, 6/28 but I am hoping this little man decides to make a grand appearance before then. My body does not feel like it is anywhere near going into labor. I had major cramping and a bad backache last Monday, but NOTHING since then. Everyone says I am still "carrying high," and there are no signs that my mucous plug is breaking down. Fun stuff..... I feel like I will be pregnant forever!! I got my "weekly" update from Baby Center. The title was "At home with your newborn." I was like, "yeah right.... what newborn!!!"

Anyway, hang in there ladies. It can't be much longer now.

:)

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Hope everyone is doing good.

Wanted to hopefully help by answering some questions from my experience and do some S.O.'s...

LilMrs First off, LOVE the dream. Come by anytime :D It's funny you dreamt that, Nikolas actually will take tissues from the box and go around and "clean" for me. He also likes to help push the vacuum with me. You also would have gotten the biggest hug ever. He loves giving hugs.
I spilled milk one day too and balled. That is liquid gold there. Do you have the hand Isis or the electric?

Birth announcements/thank you's: Announcements: Niko's were out in 2 weeks, Troi's have been going out in increments, but the first batch didn't go until this past Wed.
Thank you's: I'm not sure of the "proper time" but I do know after the baby comes, people will actually thank you for the thank you and make comments like, "you didn't have to send one, I know you're busy". As long as you get them out eventually people do understand if they are late. Better late than never.

Dan's Girl IMO, if Peyton is spitting up, then he's eating too much. Try giving him and ounce, burp him, and then let him fuss for more. If he does, then do another ounce, burp, etc. Babies have a need to suck so he may just be trying to comfort himself. Are you using a pacifier? If so, give it to him in between the ounces. If no paci, then your pinky finger upside down in his mouth works too. Either way, it will slow him down, and will give his brain time to know if he is hungry or just wanting something in his mouth.
As for the sleeping, he just may need to be rocked or held close to you. He wants that close comfort. We also let Troi nap on his belly when we're in the room with him. There are times that he'll fuss on his back but as soon as we put him on his belly, he's out w/in 1-2 minutes.
There are also plenty of times that I've had to rock him just to get him to stop whimpering when nothing else has worked.
The other thing is Mylecon drops for gas. Those do work.

km So glad you're holding Mackenzie now. I often think of her.

amurphy Try mylecon drops.

Pink IMO, I would say the same for you that I said for Dan's Girl. Sounds like eating too much.
Both the boys had a bad latch. They didn't take in enough areola and that's why I'm just pumping with Troi now. He only takes nipple and it feels like he's grinding on my nipple. Can we say OUCH :eek: Try to see an LC for help. I'm thinking of going back to mine cause I think Troi can be helped, as Nikolas couldn't.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We've been super busy. Today we went to a local museum where they encourage kids to touch, it's called Please Touch Museum - imagine that :D Anyway, Brian had told me originally to go alone, glad I didn't - no stroller allowed. Could you see me carrying Troi in the carrier and chasing Niko around? I couldn't!! We thought for sure that Niko would fall asleep in the car but he didn't, so we went to IKEA :D Of course we got some stuff there :D Nikolas fell out cold on the car ride home from there.

So I LOVE my pump. I purchased an Ameda Purely Yours and I've already used it 3 times in the car. It came in handy cause I didn't feel like I had to rush home or not be out longer than 3 hours cause I had to pump. It was great.

Troi is doing good on sleeping at night. Brian wakes him up between 10:30 & 11 to feed him. He usually only gets up once during the night, it's so cool. He then gets up any where between 6 & 7.

And lastly: Brian & I have come to a decision about his vasectomy. He's not getting one, just yet. I'm going to do an IUD until we decide 100% sure which direction we want to go. So we're protected, but not cut off completely, no punn intended :/

Ok, I'm off to finish the announcements. Hope I helped some of you and didn't sound like I was preaching. Have a great weekend.

[Niko&Troi]

Two Quick Pix...

Lil Mrs In relation to your dream. This was taken today at the museum.
http://images1.snapfish.com/34744396%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E943%3E768%3E WSNRCG%3D323386%3C3435%3A7nu0mrj


One of those awesome belly naps. I love the legs under the body too. I think that's adorable.
http://images1.snapfish.com/34744396%3A%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E943%3E768%3EWS NRCG%3D323386%3C352935nu0mrj

[lawyerwifemom]

A quick drive by to announce that Meredith Jayne arrived last night at 7:22 pm Colorado time!

She weighed 8lbs 4oz and is 21 1/4" long!

Delivery was smooth with no tearing and only about 30 minutes worth of pushing. (this would have been shorter but for a minor drama with an epidural that basically turned into a spinal--not my favorite delivery experience!) The doctor let Richard deliver (well catch) her!! And I watched it all in a huge mirror behind their heads. She is nursing and pooping like a champ already.

I got home about an hour ago and am headed to bed. I'll be back tomorrow with more details and some pictures!!

Thanks for all the well wishes! I am not up for SOs right now but I am wishing you well Erinn and those of you not in labor yet!

[Baby Lust]

Congratulations Lawyerwifemom!!!! Welcome Meredith!!!

[smurf]

Congratulations Lawyerwifemom!

Stevie-If they're inducing you on the 28th, you won't be the last one to go. They won't induce me until July 3rd, and I don't see this little one coming before then. I thought I had prepared myself mentally for the fact that I would deliver late, but I'm feeling very frustrated these days. It doesn't help that my phone is ringing off the hook with people asking if the baby is here yet. I've pretty much stopped answering it.

Nikos--the boys are adorable. I love the picture of Troi all curled up--so sweet!

[kmmommy]

Congrats lawyerwifemom and welcome Meredith!

[IzzyJune2006]

Gassy baby?! Anyone else dealing with a gassy baby?
She seems to be doing better now that I consistently burb her. Sometimes during the feeding, when shepauses to catchher breath, and after.

Nursery I don't think our hospital had a nursery. So I didn't get to check out the other babies. I have to admit that I was expecting Annabelle not tobe so cute after a vaginal delivery. I'm happy! I hope she changes a luttle because right now she is all daddy. It would be nice to see a little bit ofme in there.

Pumping I have been following recommendations from the books. I just started pumping today at 20 days pp.I have been dealing with a lot of leaking (almost through my second box of pads already). They say your milk production will eventually adjust to baby's needs. Mine are getting better (not as rock hard as often). This morning DH gave her the bottle for the first time. It felt good to know that I am slowly getting some freedom back!

My neighbor offered to take baby pics... I just love this one of Annabelle. I am guilty of being a proud mommy. Hope noone minds the pics.
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/347433899%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3236%3E452%3E%3A68%3EWSNRCG %3D32325974%3A8%3A59nu0mrj
Ok, one more... :D
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/347433899%7Ffp5%3Enu%3D3236%3E452%3E%3A68%3EWSNRCG %3D32325974%3A8%3A55nu0mrj

Nico's Your boy is adorable. It's so cute when they try to act like grownups!

[bottleored]

Evening ladies

No time to spare, but wanted to leave you my news -

Jackson David arrived on Tuesday, 6/20 at 12:31 am weighing 9 lbs, 7 oz, 21.5" long.

A few highlights -
* checked in for cervix softening with foley balloon on Sun 6/18
* pitocin started at 8:00 am Monday 6/19
* got to 10 cm (finally!) at 9:00 pm Monday 6/19
* pushed for 2.5 hours, but he was a little sideways and wasn't even past my pubic bone ( I think she said I was still at stage +1? - whichever is not quite 0)
* I was running 101.3 fever
* we decided on a c-section because he just wasn't coming out
* born 12:31 am Tuesday 6/20

He was dehydrated in the hospital, so we are currently supplementing my breast milk (he weighed 8 lbs, 5 oz when we were discharged yesterday - more than a 10% weight loss). We have a ped. appt tomorrow.

We are SOOOO in love and so blessed. He is a happy, quiet baby so far. Will come back with photos and to catch up.

[Baby Lust]

Congratulations Bottleored! Welcome Jackson!! Can't wait to see pictures!!

[ds2003]

Congrats bottleored and Welcome Jackson!
Congrats lawyerwifemom and Welcome Meredith!

Gassy baby - Noah looks that way sometimes. He has this look of excruciating pain. It is sometimes followed by a poopy so I sometimes think he has problem passing his bowels. He poops in every diaper so I'm not really worried.

Naoh's 2 week appt is Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing what the scale has to read.

Things are okay here for the most part. Nights are tough. My mom keeps suggesting a pacifier but for now we don't want to introduce one. Maybe in the future..maybe never. Right now I don't want anything to interfere with nursing. I'll introduce bottle feeding in 2-3 weeks. Which reminds me that I need to sterilize my pump and bottles.

[excitedbride]

Gassy baby We haven't had much luck with the mylicon, but we have with gripe water!

Pink I think you were the one having some concerns, it sounds like you might have too much milk or a fast let down. I have that issue, check out this article, http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/toomuchmilk.html. Mainly the last paragraph.

CONGRATULATION'S to all the new mommies!:D

[maryanne]

hI EVERYONE!!!

Congrats to the new mommies and welcome to the babies!

*****
well, the remodeling is done and we are back in our house...the baby stayed inside me so I did not have to deliver doctorless and hospitaless...lol!

I didn't even kill anyone over the weekend , although that was a challange and I still have a couple of contenders..lol! My DH being one of them....we are definitely cracking under the pressure...:rolleyes:

I have an ultrasound this afternoon so we'll get to see Melody one more time, before she makes her official appearance.

I hope the new mommies are getting some sleep and that the few of us who are still hanging in there get to meet their sweeties quickly and painlessly!

[Pink_Converse]

Thanks for the link excited. I'm off to read it!

[connorsmommy]

hey everyone!

poppin in to say hi.... and hope everyone had a great weekend! :) We took Dawson (and Connor, of course!) on his first big outting yesterday - to Heritage Park, which is an old fashioned village place. Connor had a blast. Dawson slept in his travel system all afternoon. :) Me.... was amazed that I could walk, walk, walk for hours without pubic bone pain, hips going out of joint or any of the other things that affected me during pg. :)


I have a question for everyone here.... did anyone else bruise or break their tailbone during delivery? And did anyone get a hernia from pushing?


I'm suffering from those two ailments (I think). It's 3 weeks now and my tailbone isn't getting any better. I either bruised or broke it during delivery b/c of Dawson facing upwards. I thought it was bruised but now I'm thinking iit was probably broken or cracked, and I recently remembered a moment during pushing where I felt/heard a "pop" like a champagne cork down near my tailbone. I remember being puzzled at the sound/feeling that I looked at my OB and she looked at me and told me not to worry about that and keep pushing. I'm thinking that that was when I did something to my tailbone. It started feeling a bit better after a week, but in the past 7 days I think it's getting worse. Now, the slightest movement while sitting (leaning forward, shifting my weight, etc.) has it crunching/crackling and making the area sore again. I try sitting on pillows, icing it, taking advil, etc. and nothing is helping.


As for the hernia, we're actually not sure taht that is what it is anymore... it is a hard (and moderately painful) lump the size of a walnut that showed up on the right side of my vagina a couple days after delivery (that's when I noticed it, anyway). My Family Dr. thought it was a hernia from pushing so hard. But I had an U/S on Thursday at which the technician and the radiologist both agreed that they didn't think it was a hernia b/c it wasn't moving the same way a hernia would. But I'm not totally convinced yet -- will be meeting with my Family Dr. later this week to go over the results. I'm still thinking it's a hernia and if there is no plausible explanation with these results, I may as for a second u/s at a different place.


Anyway, I just wanted to know if anyone else had any of this happen to them with delivery? or if you know someone who has had one of these things happen to them during delivery? I found some info and personal stories on the internet on broken tailbones during delivery and I'm freaking out now -- some of the stories I read told of people in pain for 15 years or more after giving birth...

[jay&erinn]

Just a quick post- Our surprise baby ended up being a girl:D Ayla Elizabeth arrived Sunday morning at 12:19 am. I'll be back when I have more time to post.

[Baby Lust]

Congratulations Erinn!!! Welcome Ayla!!! :D

[lawyerwifemom]

Sorry these are so huge! I will try to resize. Please don't repost

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/lwm_2006/IMG_0211.jpg


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/lwm_2006/IMG_0185.jpg


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/lwm_2006/IMG_0142.jpg


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/lwm_2006/IMG_0197.jpg

[Baby Lust]

Awww!! Lawyer, those pictures are great! You all look amazing!!

[kmmommy]

Congrats Erinn and welcome Ayla! What a beautiful name!!

laywerwifemom ~ What a gorgeous famiy!!

Mackenzie had her upper GI this morning and the leak was smaller but still there. Surgery will be at 4pm central time today. Please say some prayers for our little girl to make it through this okay.

[lawyerwifemom]

Kelly I hope M's surgery is a success today. My thoughts are with your family.

Congratulations Erinn and Ayla!

Karen Sorry, no experience with the tailbone or hernia issues but I wish you QUICK good luck getting rid of both. Ouch!

Thanks for the well wishes and compliments everyone!! I tried to resize the photos at photo bucket without luck. Ugh. Sorry. I'll take them down in a day or two.

[Jenzen01]

Jan. 05 mommy delurking to say congrats to lawyerwifemom! Your family pic is just adorable ... and you look great! Congrats!

[lawyerwifemom]

Thanks Jenzen! I hope you are feeling great in your pregnancy! I'll head over to our Jan '05 thread soon with a birth story and a pic or two. Wyatt is doing great with the baby and I am sure Gabe will too with yours!

[maryanne]

Well, she is measuring 8. 8 lbs :eek: :eek: :eek:


Our pediatrician friend just called us and we told him the results
of the ultrasound. His reply was...."You better have your bags packed and ready to go when you go to your appointment tomorrow. I think that you will be having that baby really really soon --I already started prepping the hospital for your arrival ":eek: :eek: :eek: "

He continued to say that neither he nor my obgyn want me to deliver over the holiday week, b/c it is all new residents as of july 1st and that the quality of care is hard to keep up since so many traumas and accidents come in over the 4th. It would be harder to get people like the anethesiologist to be at my beck and call..lol!

so I guess that I will know more tomorrow!!! YIKES!

I might be a June mommy after all---ironically tomoorw is the date that I measured at 2 ultrasounds sounds!

[kmmommy]

x-post from LJ and my CC:

It's one crazy thing after another with our baby girl.

First things first...her upper GI this morning showed a big improvement. The radiologist had to move her and wiggle her around for the barium to leak. The surgeon said we could wait and see or proceed with the surgery. We opted to move forward.

The surgeon came out after surgery and told us that they had been mislead. Then told us that was the bad news. He said the good news was that there was no leak. We were stunned and confused. They have done 4 upper GIs in 2.5 weeks and they all showed a leak. 7 neonatologist and NNPs, the radiologist, the surgeon, several nurses, myself, etc. all looked at the X-rays and saw the leak. It was a little tail-looking thing that came out of her stomach when she had the barium. When they opened her up Dr. Monson found no leak. He didn't need to do anything to her so she was basically opened up and closed up. He told us that she can start eating tonight but the neonatologist and I opted to wait until tomorrow and let her rest tonight. She may be able to BF if she's no longer on the ventilator. If she still needs the vent she'll feed through an NG (nasal gavage) at first.

I'm so glad it worked out okay so far. I'm not upset that they thought she had a leak and did the extra surgery. Medicine isn't an exact science and we got good news today. We weren't anticipating her to eat until Saturday or Sunday so we're several days ahead of schedule. We're finally on track to get her home.

Please pray that she continues to recover well and also tolerates feedings well. Thanks to you all for your support. :)

[excitedbride]

Pink I hope that article was able to help some!

Kadens That is great news! I am so glad that she will be able to eat tomorrow. I honestly don't know how you have handled it this far without her eating. I was freaking out when Savannah couldn't eat for the day and half! I am so glad that she doesn't have a leak and that things are starting to look up for you guys!

[ds2003]

Congrats Erinn and welcome Ayla!

Kmmommy - That is wonderful news.

maryanne - I hope your little one is here soon.

[Mystikal]

kmmommy that's great news! :D I'm so happy for you. :)
maryanne :eek: crazy! Good luck today!

[Dan's*Girl]

Ok, I'm going crazy here so please if anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Peyton is not sleeping well. He will fall dead to the world asleep on my chest but when I lay him down he wakes up and starts crying, and wont go back to sleep even back on my chest. This is frustrating and I am not getting ANY sleep unless I snooze while he is on my chest asleep. What can i do??

Thanks

[Mystikal]

Induction is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:00. I'm going in and they will ripen my cervix and we'll see where we're at Thursday morning. They want to use cytotec but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with that after the research that I've done. It hasn't been approved by the FDA for obstetrical use and can cause uterine ruptures and placental abruption so I'm going to say something tomorrow night to see if they can use cervidil or something else...

[excitedbride]

Mystikal How exciting! I hope they are able to use something else for you.

[Baby Lust]

Ramona, Do you let Peyton fall into a deep sleep (30 minutes or more on your chest) before you put him down? There are times when I will put Lucas down when he isn't in a deep sleep and 5 minutes later he is wimpering for me to hold him.

Rachel, Yay for the induction!! Did your dr check you at your appt? My dr was going to use Cytotek as well but when I came in for my induction, they didn't need to use anything. I hope the same goes for you, or you are able to use Cervadil instead! Good luck!! :)

[maryanne]

I am still here for TWO more days (unless Melody decides to make an appearance on her own before then). My doc has two procedures scheduled for this afternoon, so I need to wait and seewhat happens on Thursday, but he told me to bring my bags with me to that appointment.

My blood pressure was sky HIGH though, 168/96. He put me on complete bedrest (thank goodness I am almost done with everything) and he took my blood again to test for preeclampsia :(

Still NOTHING is happening..no dilation..no effacement! ARRGH!

But it looks like Thursday MIGHT be the day!


Thinking about (((klav))))

Good luck tommorrow Mystikal!

Why does he want to use cytotek versus something different?

(((((peyton))))) get some sleep so mommy can!

[babylove]

Just popping in to wish Mystikal GOOD LUCK on her induction!!!!! :D

[MrsBrownie]

Good evening everyone!

First, I wanted to say CONGRATS to all the recent mommies! Lawyerwifemom and Jay&Erinn are the two that are currently ringing a bell, but my mind is a sieve lately. So if I missed anyone, I'm sorry.

Also, GOOD LUCK to our THREE (I think that's all that's left, isn't it?) Mommies-to-be. Wishing you all the best with your inductions and labour...the last of our June Babies are soon to arrive!

KMMommy ~ I just wanted to wish you and Mackenzie all the best as she recovers from her latest surgery. Hopefully you were successful in feeding your baby today. I also wanted to say that you are an incredibly strong woman and I have the utmost respect for you. I can't imagine going through all that you are going through and still maintain such a wonderful and positive attitude. You are an inspiration to me and I just wanted you to know that. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!

Maryanne ~ Just so you aren't too freaked out by the Big Baby Measurements, Ethan was estimated at my last ultrasound to be 10lbs 14ozs and was only 9lbs 8ozs...so they usually estimate much larger at the ultrasounds, especially this late in the pregnancy. I think Dan's Girl had the same thing happen, they estimated a VERY BIG baby for her, but Peyton was somewhere between 8-9lbs (IIRC) Good luck though, wishing you the best.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update

Things here are great, although thanks to my MIL, I'm suffering from a horrible cold. Not fun right now, especially when I'm coughing and sneezing all over my sweet baby boy. I knew last week, when she was so sick yet insisted on coming to help me, that I would get sick. I'm cursing her now...eventhough I really love her.

Ethan is doing AMAZINGLY well. Last Thursday, he was weighed and had returned to his birth weight. He lost 9.3% of his birth weight when we left the hospital, went from 9lbs 8ozs to 8lbs 11ozs, and was back up to his original weight in 9 days. The M/W said I must be doing something right.

I'm also EXTREMELY PROUD to say that he is exclusively breast fed and has not required any supplementing to date. This is a huge accomplishment for me, as I was terrified I wouldn't be able to breast feed at all after my breast reduction. Thankfully I inherited something good from my mother, who always had an overproduction of milk with all three of us.

Ethan is also a terrific sleeper and besides a fussy period at night (usually around 9-10) he is sleeping anywhere from 5-8 hours a night. And, despite what the M/W originally said about waking him, she now agrees that since he is gaining weight so well, better to let him sleep. So I'm able to get plenty of rest, which is nice.

Tomorrow we are headed to meet with a new doctor. Hoping that she will take us both on as patients, especially since I have a bunch of questions and things I want her to look at.

We have a family reunion this weekend and Ethan will meet all of my family. It should be an interesting day and I'm looking forward to showing off my beautiful baby.

Anyways, enough out of me, really must get on here more regularily, so my posts aren't so monstrous. Hope everyone has a great night!

[Orange]

I've been totally MIA on this thread, such is life with a newborn and a toddler. I've been trying to at least read along, but I know I've misseda bunch. Anyway, we're doing pretty well. I can't believe that Sam is going to be 1 month old tomorrow! He's been a pretty happy, calm baby up until yesterday when he turned into a big crankpot. Not sure what is up with that, but I'm suspecting the lasagna I started eating on Sunday night. I know that experts say that it is actually quite rare for what you eat to affect the baby, but his behavior change was so sudden that I wonder. Anyway, no more lasagna for me for a while.

Sleeping is OK, he wakes up 2-3 times per night but sometimes has a hard time getting back to sleep after a feeding. I'm trying to keep everything dark and quiet, but it doesn't always work for him, I guess.

I'm not even going to attempt shout-outs, but congrats to all the new mommies!

I will do just one though, to Dan's Girl, that I agree about the 30 minutes to a deep sleep rule. We always did this with my DD - we'd put her in the Bjorn and rock her and then always wait 30 minutes after she fell asleep before moving her to her bed. If I tried sooner than 30 minutes, she'd wake up.

[jesvet]

Dan's Girl, both my babies are/were like that. Any chance he has reflux? Eats small amounts more frequently, gassy, spits up a lot, uncomfortable after eating, likes to be upright?

[kmmommy]

Mrs Brownie ~ Thank you for the kind words and compliments. It's nice to hear that what we're going through as a family could be reassuring and helpful to others.

Mackenzie did get to start eating today. She's been fed through a tube to her tummy because she's still on the ventilator. As soon as she's strong enough for oral feedings we'll move forward with BFing. She's tolerating her feedings very well thus far. :)

[Baby Lust]

Kelly, That is excellent news!! Go MacKenzie!!! :D

[maryanne]

orange- nice to see you around! Have fun at the reunion!

mrs brownie- it not just the size but the ENTIRE birthing process that has me freaked lol!Congrats on a sleeping baby.

:D :D :D Yea Mackenzie!

[Mystikal]

Kelly that's awesome news!! I'm so happy for you, you must be so excited! :D

Hard to believe in 12 hours I'm going to be in the hospital getting ready to have my baby girl. I'm so excited and at the same time terrified. Terrified of labor and delivery, and terrified of the stuff that comes after - you know, being responsible for another human life. How long does it take for that fear to go away?

[kmmommy]

Good luck tonight Mystikal!

[Pink_Converse]

Had my 6 week pp visit yesterday. I am down 16 lbs! Dr. said I'm all healed and ready for sex which I am totally scared of and so is DH. I wasn't put on birth control because I am breastfeeding. The Dr. just said to use a condom and he wrote me a script for Yaz when I am weaning. Anyone ever heard of it? He said it's supposed to shorten your period. The 16 lb weight loss is a shock because I've been eating so bad lately and never exercising. I am now motivated to start tho so I can continue this weight loss. I guess breastfeedig really does make you lose weight.

Hayden is still throwing up and I haven't heard the results of his tests yet. I put in a call to the ped's office and I'm waiting on a call back to see where to go from here.

excited-The article was helpful, I tried reclining when he ate and it seemed to help some, but I don't always remember to do it. I would not doubt if this is part of the problem. But he also coughs up and sneezes curdled milk or spits up way after a feeding so I don't know.

Pretty new babies!

kmommy-Thinking of you and following along as best I can.

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

WELCOME TO THE NEW MOMMIES & GOOD LUCK TO THOSE STILL WAITING!!

How many are left? We're almost at the end and ready for our new thread aren't we?

KMMommy So glad Mackenzie is doing better. She'll be home before you know it.

It is so hard to keep up here with 2 little ones :/ They are doing good though. Although last night Troi cried for almost 2 hours straight no matter what we did. It was heart breaking cause he didn't want to be held by Brian, only me and then he whimpered when I had him. He also had my breasts leaking from it. I felt bad for Brian, he kept saying "he doesn't like me, only you". I know it bothered him that Troi didn't want him to hold him. I told Brian it was either the fact that he doesn't have a boobie to rest on like I do, or his cologne, deoderant or something. It didn't make him feel any better though :/ He finally calmed down when we gave him warm water in a bottle :confused:
We also said we wouldn't cosleep but that's been happening more than we'd like. It makes it really hard for us cause we don't go into a deep sleep cause we don't want to roll on him. We're both walking zombies during the day, however I can nap when the boys are napping, Brian can't :(

Anyway, I'm still pumping. I'm so torn cause I really like the fact that Troi is only getting bm, and we're saving a ton on formula - HOWEVER - I can't really do too much too far from the house alone cause I have to pump. When I'm with Brian, I usually pump while he's driving so it's easy. Alone is what I can't figure out. I want to give him breast milk, but also don't want to be attached to this pump 24/7 :/ It will all work itself out.

One last thing... Ok, I can't give the whole story cause I don't want to jinx it so here's the around about version. If you read it carefully you may be able to figure it out, but please don't say you know cause that will jinx it too :D
Something may be happening in the next few months that I've wanted since the day we moved here from VA. I say "I" cause although Brian wants the same thing, he's ok where we're at for now. If this does happen, I would be so happy as would the rest of our family in VA.
So, please keep your fingers, toes, arms and any other body parts that can be crossed, crossed that this thing does happen for us and soon :D And that's all I can "say" about it for now.
THANKS FOR THE THOUGHTS :D

Gotta run, Troi's awake.

[ds2003]

Things are going pretty well here. Noah is still waking up about every 1.5 hours at night. He had his 2 week check up yesteray and he is 6 lb 2 oz (up 7 oz from his birth weight). My LC said that breastfed babies gain about an ounce a day. At this rate he should be just under 9 lbs when he turns 2 months at my family reunion in August. I had my 2 week c-section incision check this morning. All is good. I have no restrictions, but was told to take it easy on the ab work.

I just love staring at Noah. It still doesn't feel like he is ours.

[sunshineab622]

I took Bailey in for her 2 wk checkup today .... she is 10 lbs & 22 inches long. wow :eek: Doctor said that she is great not overweight cause of her length - when we go back for the 2 month check up in Aug. she will get shots (OUCH!)
The dr. told me to keep her on the same formula - I thought they might change it cause of her being gassy several times a wk but she said to give her some gas drops. I took her by my work after the appt so my coworkers could see her - sooo many people complimented on how cute she was ... awwww I'm such a proud mommy.

Hope everyone is doing well.

(((hugs))) to everyone still waiting ... those babies will be here before you know it & it will be sooo worth it.

[gina73]

I'm soooo far behind, so I apologize for the blanket comment here, but CONGRATULATIONS to all the new Mommies out there. I hope you're enjoying your time with your new family!

And GOOD LUCK to those who will be having their babies soon. I know that time can't get here soon enough for you!

Can a new mom vent here for a minute? Or better yet, have a pity party?

I don't recall if I posted this here last week, but I went to see an LC last Tuesday to get some help. Brady was an awesome BFer at first, but in the last two weeks has gotten fussy at the breast, only going about 5 minutes or so, gulping, crying, Brady slipping out of his latch and not wanting to go back on, and every feeding felt like a struggle. After the consultation, we had a day or two of things going great, then they started going bad again. I'm not overly concerned that he's not getting enough to eat - the boy gains over an ounce a day and last Thursday was up to 6lbs 7.5oz - a whole 2lbs 5oz from his birth weight 4 weeks ago.

The LC called Tuesday during a really bad feed where I just felt like giving up, and suggested I take a couple days off and bottle feed EBM while pumping. So that's what we're doing. In a way, it's been a nice break. But I'm exhausted from feeding him, then pumping, then cleaning up. By the time I'm done all that, I barely have enough time to scarf down a snack before the whole cycle starts up again. Last night was really rough, as DH was gone all day for work, and Brady wouldn't go down for a nap after his late afternoon feeding. Which meant I didn't get to eat dinner, I was exhausted from getting hardly any sleep the night before (because DH needed to sleep and be rested for his presentations the following day), so in the end, I totally lost it. Crying along with Brady and feeling like a failure as a mom, putting him down in his crib and stepping out on the porch to regain my composure. When DH got home, he forced me to go sleep downstairs in the guest room while he took all the feedings for the night.

Today is going much better - it's amazing what a good night's sleep can do for the soul. I'm going to bottle feed for the rest of the day and start up BFing again tomorrow. Wish me luck that Brady still remembers me, remembers how to BF, and that things go smoothly.

I just don't know what's going on with him. Lately he's been wanting to eat all the time, but when he does eat, he grunts and squirms halfway through, like it's too much on his GI system and he needs to burp, fart or poop. So when I burp him, he falls asleep, even if he hasn't had much to eat. Poor fella. And he grunts and squirms ALOT still in his sleep, but of course, not as bad if we hold him. I don't kwow whether to attribute it to the IUGR, being a preemie, or something else like reflux.

Anyone else experiencing these things, or is it just me? I had NO IDEA that feeding an infant would be soooo difficult. I mean, I knew it would be work, but I had no idea it would be the confidence-shattering experience that is has been...

Thanks for letting me spew this here...

[amurphy]

Gina, I completely understand your frustration. Declan will only nurse for about 10 minutes and then either fall asleep or start fussing. He is good for most of the day, but after his 5 a.m. feeding he grunts A LOT and finally we have a big poop fesitval and things are okay for a while. I haven't stopped breastfeeding b/c he is gaining weight and he doesn't refuse to eat...but it is getting difficult to deal with the grunting and red-faced crying. I drove all around town yesterday to find gripe water. It seemed to work well last night and early this morning...but he has been unusually fussy today. He just let me put him down for the first time all day (it is nearly 2:30).

Do you Moms think it is fair to attribute Declan's fussiness and constant feeding today to the "three week growth spurt" I've read so much about??? He'll be three weeks tomorrow.


KMMommy: You, your family, and your darling girl are constantly in my thoughts. I pray things continue to go well for you all.

Pink_Converse: I'm actually looking forward to the six week appointment--hoping to get the "go ahead" from my OB to have sex again. I miss the intimacy with DH.

Nikos and Troi: Hope whatever it is works out for you!

Mystical: GOOD LUCK!!!!

Sorry to cut this short. Baby is crying.....

[Mystikal]

Y'all, you can't believe how frustrated I am right now. I just want to cry. I'm sure you've all heard about the rain in the northeast. Well, DH and I live in a valley that is in the middle of two rivers. One of the rivers is rising at 2 feet and hour and is expected to crest tonight. Sooooo, a state of emergency was declared. I got a call from my doctor this afternoon informing me that due to the state of emergency and the fact that induction is an elective procedure (even though she decided it had to be done) the hospital won't perform one. Now I have to wait until tomorrow morning and call to see if I can come in and get started. I can't believe what a mess this is turning out to be. Just as I get myself used to the idea that she's going to be here tomorrow I'm told no. I wish I would just go into labor on my own tonight so that I can get it over with.
*sigh* I just want to meet my baby girl. :(

[MrsBrownie]

Maryanne ~ Although I didn't end up having a vaginal birth, I did have a 'less-than-ideal' labour and deliver (which I still need to post about, will do that soon) and after all was said and done, I would do it all over again in a second to get the same results. He was worth every scary, painful, exhilirating, exciting moment that we went through.

Try not to let the birth process freak you out. Just remember that one way or another, your sweet baby girl will be coming out and no matter what happens, she will be worth whatever you have to go through to have her in your arms. At least that was the case with Ethan. Good luck though, I can completely relate to what you are feeling.

KMMommy ~ That's great news about Mackenzie...seems you have a very determined little fighter on your hands. Hoping that today is a better day for everyone than yesterday and tomorrow is better than today!

Dan's Girl ~ Sorry, I don't really have much advice to give you on Peyton's sleep problems. Ethan has a fussy period right before his bedtime (usually around 11:00) and no matter what we do, we can't seem to get him to settle. We have tried a few things though, and maybe they might help you (although the comment about Reflux may be worth looking into.)

Have you tried him with a pacifier yet? ~ Ethan is such a quick eater that his need to suck wasn't being satisfied and he was using me as a pacifier. Once we introduced the pacifier, he's done much better and it seems to really calm him down when he gets riled up.

Have you tried Gripe Water? ~ We've been using this for awhile, and while DH was against it, it really does work wonders. I've usually been giving him a 1/4Tsp. at night (during the fussy period) and then we dip his pacifier in it during the day, when he gets riled. It helps calm him very quickly.

Also, I somehow managed to get onto the Dr. Sears web-site one day, that has some great tips for soothing and calming a baby (or putting them to sleep.) It might we worth looking into, if you are desperate. I found the following page very helpful for understanding the sleep pattern of a baby http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070200.asp and this page was helpful for tips on getting the baby to sleep http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070300.asp. Hopefully it might help, even a little.

[Baby Lust]

Rachel, I'm so sorry!! I hope you are able to go in tomorrow, or even better, that Julia decides to come on her own tonite!! {{HUGS}}

[jay&erinn]

Just dropping off Ayla's birth story. It's long, so feel free to skip it.

Friday night I had contractions on and off for about 5 hours. They just went away. They started up again on Saturday around 2:00 pm. They got closer and closer together, but were never unbearable. We called my mom and she took Mia to her house for about 2 hours while DH and I napped. They came back and DH gave Mia a bath and got her ready for bed. By this time my contractions were 3 minutes apart, but still not horrible. We were trying to put Mia to bed and she was having a hard time settling down- sensing something was going on. I was lying in her bed when my water broke. I yelled for DH to bring towels and went to clean up. Mia told DH that I peed her bed. She then came into the bathroom to tell me it was OK- It was an accident. It happens. My next contraction was a big one so we took off for the hospital. It was only 5 minutes away, but by the time we got there I was crying through the contractions. They were about 2 minutes apart and very strong. I had to wait to be registered for 15-20 minutes in the ER, and DH was getting angry. They finally called me back and a paramedic was hanging out and told the girl that I needed to go up to the floor immediately. She told him I had to register first, and he said to call the floor, that I was coming up now and DH could register me. He walked me up and I was put in a room and hooked to the monitors. I told my nurse that if I was only 2 cm I was going to cry after all the pain. She checked me, but said nothing. I took that as a bad sign and asked for pain meds. She left to call the doctor and IV nurse. When she came back she started pulling out the basinet and all the instruments. I was a little confused since they only did that when it was time to deliver Mia. About 20 minutes later the IV nurse got there. She said I had to lay down to have my IV put in. We waited out a contraction and I laid down. She missed the vein the first time and by the time she was putting the second one in I was in the middle of another contraction. I wasn’t happy. They gave me Stadol, but it didn’t help- just made me feel very lightheaded. About 20 minutes later my doctor came in, checked me and said I was 6 cms. They called anesthesia and we waited. My contractions were measuring between 50 and 100+ on the monitor and were sometimes on top of each other, not giving me a break. The doctor and my nurse were hanging out in my room which confused me. With Mia they were hardly there at all until the end. At one point it was just me and DH in the room and I asked why there were so many people around. He told me that they didn’t think anesthesia was going to make it on time and that I may have to go without an epidural. I looked at him and told him that if they thought I was giving birth without drugs, they were all crazy. About a half hour later anesthesia showed up and I got my epidural. The doctor told me that if I could just make it through 20 more minutes I’d probably be finished. Since I was too afraid to try pushing without drugs, I declined. The contractions had me overwhelmed enough at that point. After the epidural kicked in, they checked me again and I was 8 cms. They let me sleep for about an hour and had me try pushing. I pushed through 4 contractions and Ayla was born. She has a bunch of dark hair and looks just like her big sister. Part of me is a little disappointed that I didn’t try to deliver her naturally, but I had never considered a natural child birth and couldn’t even imagine it at that point in time. If we ever decide to have a third child, it may be something I consider.

[shouldaeloped]

great birth story Erinn. I can't believe how close you were to natural! I still need to write mine up and post it. will get to that soon.

mystikal- I would be so frustrated too and I'm sorry you have to wait. sending labor vibes your way!

kmmommy- keeping Mackenzie in my prayers! it sounds as thought things are looking up and that's great news!

update on me- Mallory and I are doing well and are adjusting pretty nicely. I took her in for her first pediatrician appointment last Tuesday at 4 days old due to elevated jaundice levels and she was down from 7lbs 7oz at birth and 7lbs at discharge to 6lbs 13oz. the pediatrician told me that if my milk wasn't in by the next day then I was going to have to start supplementing. I wasn't very happy as this bf thing is quite difficult and time consuming and I really didn't want to supplement if I didn't have to. thankfully, my milk came in the next day and I took her to the LC to be weighed last friday and she was up to 7lbs 1.5oz. we have the 2 week visit this Friday so we'll see how she's doing then. the sleeping thing feels like a nightmare although I know it's not as bad as it could be. she is pretty much wide awake and fussy from 10pm until 2am. then she will give us a good 4-5 hours stretch of sleep. the awake period is very difficult but I am grateful for the long stretch after that. DH helps out and lets me nap in the afternoon. My MIL is here and to be honest, I can't wait for her to go home. I am really looking forward to some time alone with my DH and my daughter. I am totally rambling here but it feels good to post again. I am pretty much healed with the exception of light bleeding so I am feeling very lucky in that department. with a total weight gain of 39 pounds at delivery, I only have 13 left to lose. nothing fits me thanks to the complete body change but I am happy to only have 13 left to lose.

curiosity question- what are all of you doing with your infants during the day. right now I am just watching her sleep and I feel like I should be doing more. am I missing something???

congratulations to all the new mommies and good luck to those still waiting!

oh- one more question. I really want to get a thank you gift for my amazing OB. something more than baked goods or a card. anyone have any ideas or suggestions???

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Hey Ladies-
Sorry that I have been so MIA lately. It seems like whenever I get a moment someone either calls, or a diaper needs to be changed or it's bed time.

Congrats to all the new mommies. It seems like everyone is doing great.

Dansgirl- Maybe your lil guy likes the warmth of being held. A trick that I read (I haven't tried it yet) is to heat a rice bag, wrap it in soemthing you have recently worn, and place it in his crib while you feed him. Then when you put him down remove the bag and clothing and he will have a nice warm place to sleep that feels close to Mom. Also make sure that he is bundled up enough. I noticed that our lil guy will not fall asleep unless he is swaddled with another blanket over him.

Mystikal- I am sorry about the flood situation. It must be very frustrating to have a date set and then have to push it back.

Collin has been doing very well, but he is definitely a spit up baby. I'll bring it up to the pediatrician but out of curiousity how often are your lil ones spitting up and how much? Collin seems to spit up atleast 3/4 of the time. It doesn't seem to really be bothering him and he has plenty of poopy diapers so I know he is getting enough to eat it just worries me that he spits up so much.
Also does anyone have any diaper changing tricks? Collin has the stickiest poop. When I wipe it seems to just roll and smear all over his lil bottom. Also I am not really sure what I should be using during his diaper changes. It seems like every baby product out there wants you to use them at each changing but there is no way I am going to put diaper rash cream, vaseline, and baby powder on his butt. To be honest I just try to power wipe him and get it over with because he fusses so much.

[Baby Lust]

Lil_Mrs, Lucas has only spit up a few times in the 2 weeks since he's been born. And when he does, it is only a teeny tiny bit. How often are you burping Collin during a feeding? Do you think he is overeating? The nurses told me that a little spit up is completely normal, but when it becomes excessive, it means they are eating too much. Burping more often gives their tummies time to decide if they are still hungry. As far as diapers go, Lucas fusses alot, but if I talk to him and do things in steps, he doesn't seem to mind so much and we can usually get through a change without him fussing. I only use diaper rash cream if his butt is getting red. Otherwise, I use wipes and a fresh diaper and he is on his way.

[MrsBrownie]

Mystikal ~ I completely understand where you are coming from. We started the induction process on Wednesday and were told to come back at 8:00 on Thursday morning. Well, the hospital got busy and they postponed us, telling us to call back every hour. Finally about 2:00 that afternoon we gave up. We didn't end up going in until the Friday morning and it was an agonizing wait. Mind you, after all was said and done, I had a couple of moments where I just wanted him back inside me. That feeling I didn't really expect, so while it is so frustrating to have to wait, it will be over soon.

Lil_Mrs ~ Don't have any advice for you on the spit up, as Ethan has only been sick twice (both were major, but it's only happened twice) and generally is not a burper. But I wanted to comment on the diaper change...we use the Pampers Sensitive Wipes and Vaseline at EVERY diaper change. The nurses in the hospital and our M/W recommended the Vaseline, as it helps keep the moisture away from the baby's sensitive skin...especially since our little guy is a major Pooper and Peer. So far, we've had good results with the Vaseline and especially love that it comes in Powder Scent now too.

Gift for OB or M/W ~ I have no suggestions, but am desperately looking for ideas too...can anyone help?

[Baby Lust]

Need advice on gas! I think Lucas has nightly gas episodes where he screams and screams and can't be consoled. At first I was thinking colic, but tonite when he was screaming, he was letting some pretty big ones rip and finally calmed down. I know that "bicycling" his legs is supposed to help but his legs get SO stiff when he cries that there is no way that is going to happen. Is there anything else I can do besides give him gas drops? It breaks my heart to hear him scream like that and it scares me because he runs out of breath! :( TIA!

[kmmommy]

gina ~ Hugs! You're doing great to hang in there. Premies and small babies have a harder time BFing often and you're doing great.

Mystikal ~ So sorry to hear about postponing the induction. She will be here soon.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. She continues to do better everyday.

[Mystikal]

Just wanted to pop in to let you all know DH and I are heading to the hospital in about half an hour. Wish me luck! :D

[Baby Lust]

Good luck Rachel!! Thinking about you!!!!

[jbenny75]

Hi Everyone!

I haven't posted forever. I have been following along, though. I've been SO busy. It amazes me how this little person that sleeps most of the day takes up so much time. I love it, though. Nicholas is by far the best thing that has every happened to me. He is two weeks old already today. I can't believe how the time has flown. I know that there is so much to look forward to, but I can't help but be sad that such a special time (his birth and first couple of weeks at home) is coming to an end. He is such a good baby. He eats 2-3 oz. about every 2 hours and sometimes 3 hours at night. We had a couple of gassy/constipated days, but our good baby is back. He only fusses to eat or for a wet diaper. DH and I have been taking turns getting up, so it hasn't been too bad. DH LOVES him and is doing just as much taking care of him as I have. I've been very lucky that way.

I'm going to answer a few things, but I'm way behind, so I apologize to anyone I miss.

What are doing with your baby during the day? This week, he's starting to be able to see things that are in front of him, so I try to hold up some toys for him to look at. I'll also put him in the Aquarium Bouncer. He likes to watch the bubbles and fish. We've used the Gymini a couple of times, he likes that. He also loves to look at the big window in my family room. I also just hold him and talk to him. Of course, his attention span is extremely short, so no one thing lasts very long for now. But he's only awake for an hour or so anyway. I figured the only thing he can really do right now is look at things, so I give him lots of things to look at.

Spit up Nicholas has spit up only twice, very small amounts.

Diaper changes We use Huggies sensitive wipes. He seems okay with them, other than they're cold, so I try to warm them up in my hand. I would like to avoid getting a warmer b/c I'm a freak about leaving things like that plugged in- I'm afraid they'll catch on fire. We put diaper rash ointment on at every change. We were told baby powder was unnecessary and actually dried out the skin and it was dangerous for the baby to breathe in the dust. I think they said the kind with cornstarch was the thing to use if you had to use it b/c it didn't make as much dust.

lilmrs I love the idea of using something to warm up the crib and leave the mommy scent in it. I will def. be trying that. Thanks!

I have a couple of questions:
How does your baby like his bath? Do you have any tips to make it easier?
Nicholas screams like a banshee. I get the bathroom warm and steamy before we bathe him. I keep everything covered but the parts I'm washing. I have everything I need ready beforehand. The whole thing probaby takes maybe 10 minutes or less since I rush through to keep the screaming to a minimum. I also keep a firm hold on him to help him feel secure. We have the FP Aquarium bathtub, which has a little hammock for him to lay on, but I keep a good hold on him anyway. Any other hints, anyone? Kinda funny, but I always start by holding just his head over the tub and washing his hair. For some reason, he LOVES that part.

I forget my other question! If I think of it, I'll come back later.

[gina73]

Mystikal - GOOD LUCK!!!!

Pink - 6 weeks already! Wow! Congrats on the “go-ahead”, I’m sure your DH has to be a bit pleased. Sorry to hear that Hayden is still throwing up. I’d be interested in hearing the results of his tests…I’m a bit curious if Brady has reflux as well.

Niko&Troi - Good luck with whatever it is you’re hoping for! I’ll keep all things crossed for you…

DS - I had to laugh when you said it still didn’t feel like Noah was yours. DH and I keep joking about this “loaner baby” we’re taking care of. Wow, no restrictions after your 2-week ppd visit? I’m jealous! I’m 5w post-c-section, and they won’t let me do anything still other than pick up Brady. Hopefully I’ll get clearance next week.

amurphy - I’m going to try to get out and find some Gripe Water today…we started nursing again this morning, and I was pleased that Brady took to the breast OK. I’m on the waiting list with my LC to rent one of the scales so I can weigh him before and after to see what he’s getting. I too have been wondering if Brady has hit the 4-6 week growth spurt at the moment. Goodness, these little guys are confusing, aren’t they?

Mrs Brownie - Thanks for posting those Dr. Sears articles, they were VERY helpful!

Erinn - Great birth story - what a close call! Congrats again on Ayala.

km - thanks for the encouragment, and reminder that preemies are a little different creature. We started nursing again this morning, and so far, so good. I wanted to say too that I'm so glad Mackenzie's leak is gone! I know when Brady was in the NICU that as soon as he could start taking EBM, and then later BFing, he progressed in leaps and bounds tremendously fast. I hope that you'll be able to feed Mackenzie SOON so you can bring her home SOONER!


During the day - Brady sometimes only goes two hours between one feeding to the next, so there’s only about an hour or so while he’s sleeping. Usually I try to take a shower, eat, get some laundry done, or jump on the computer. Once or twice a day I spend that time just holding him though. I can’t wait until he’s big enough to fit into his Bjorn so I can wear him around. I’m kicking myself that we didn’t get a sling instead, but oh well…

Diaper changes - We’re only doing wipes with each diaper change (and sometimes need a few of them if it’s a really poopy diaper). If his bottom is looking a little red, we put some Butt Paste on, and it’s usually gone by the next diaper change. I swear, that stuff is like magic.

Spit up - Brady’s been doing this off and on. He spit up last night and this morning, and it usually happens while we’re burping him. Although sometimes he’ll drool or spit up after we put him down. I don’t think it’s more than 1-2ml though, so I’m not too concerned. When it first started happening, I actually had to take water in different measurements and spill it on a towel or cloth so I could see how much an ml, 5ml, a teaspoon, etc. actually was, and it made me feel a bit better.

Bath time - Brady HATED his first bath (we have one with the cool hammock thing on it too), but since then he’s started to get used to them and I think actually likes them. We start with his face, then work down, the entire time trying to keep putting warm water on his body, and talking to him the whole time. We also started putting the tub in the kitchen sink, so he spends his time looking out the window, which is really cute. One thing we’d heard in the hospital is to wait to do their hair last, so that they don’t get too cold, and that works well for us. We get his entire body cleaned and rinsed, then take him out and wrap him in warm towel, then hold his head over the sink to do his hair. Plus, he loves having his head rubbed, so we save that for last as a little reward/treat.

[ds2003]

What I do during the day – I typically stay in the bed until about noon. I’m either watching TV or sleeping when Noah sleeps. In the afternoon I watch more TV, sometimes do a little laundry (my mom does most of it) and occasionally nap. Since my mom is here I do very little. She is leaving on Monday so I’ll be doing more next week. When Noah is alert I usually just make eye contact and talk to him. I have put him on the mat and yesterday I put him in the crib to see the mobile. Yesterday he actually looked at the mobile and calmed down.

Spitting up. – Noah has probably spit up a total of 3 times since birth. 2 of the 3 times it was barely anything and once it was more substantial.

Diaper change tricks – I have none. I use cloth wipes or paper towel type wipes I got from the hospital. They grip much better than the typical baby wipe. I hate baby wipes since they are smooth and only smear. We have been using diaper5 rash cream lately since he had a diaper rash, but typically we just wipe with water and let his bum dry before diapering. We use Vaseline sometimes. He is very fussy during changes

Mystikal – good luck

Gina – BFing small babies is tough. They like to sleep instead of eat. My LC said that Noah will eat much better as he gets larger. I can’t wait until he can latch on by himself. He needs so much guidance now and it is a pain in the middle of night.

Bath – Noah loves getting his hair washed. Bathes are hit or miss.

[ds2003]

Gina - Even though I have no restrictions I won't go crazy and pick up anything extremely heavy. I was actually surprised that the doc said exercising was okay. "Loaner baby"...that is funny. That is exactly how I feel. I sometimes wonder if I would feel more attached to him if I had delivered him vaginally and actually saw him born. DH does have a great picture of Noah's head as he was being delivered. DH has some great pictures from the OR.

[maryanne]

GUESS WHAT????

I have three hours until I have to head to the HOSPITAL to have my cub--she should be here by tomorrow!

:D :eek: :D

[lawyerwifemom]

Go Maryanne! I hope you have a wonderful birth experience!

Rachel Thinking of you and hoping you meet your little one soon!

Baths The air in Colorado is really dry so I don't bathe my babies every day. I usually bathe the whole body only 1-2x a week and clean the diaper area and cord with each change. I also sponge off the neck folds once a day.

We had Meredith's newborn check today (5.5 days) and she is only 2 ozs from her birth weight. No jaundice at all and everything appears to be good!

Ugh. I hate having nothing that fits me. With Rachel I swear I was back in my "regular" clothes by now--even if ill fitting. But this time, I only have a couple pairs of larger shorts and one pair of 2 sizes bigger than I usually wear capris that I can squeeze into. Even my comfy knit tshirts look ridiculous on my lumpy, gargantuan boobed body. I know I should give myself a break and wait a week or two before I get too grouchy about it but GEEZ its summertime!!! Maybe because my other 2 babies were winter births I didn't notice so much!! Or maybe it is because I just had my 3rd and there is no hope for me:(

[Orange]

lawyerwifemom, I hear you on the clothes. Except that my baby is a month old and I still only have 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jeans that I can wear on my bottom half. My weight loss totally stalled out after an initial drop the first 2 weeks. You should definitely give yourself a break though, I think I still looked pregnant after only 5 days! One thing I have noticed though is that since this is my second baby I am much more anxious to just get my body back and get on with it. I didn't even think about it until 2-3 months after my first was born.

[jbenny75]

lawyerwifemom I hear you! At first, I felt really skinny just NOT being PG anymore, but that didn't last long. Now I want to get on with the weight loss b/c all I have to wear is gym shorts. I accepted the fact that I'll look like a frump this summer and went to Target to buy gym shorts and t-shirts. They at least look presentable and neat, instead of me wearing my husband's big t-shirts. I wouldn't have been caught dead outside of the house pre-preg the way I was going out before I least bought those clothes. I keep telling myself to give myself a break, too. It's only been two weeks for me and I'm down 25 lbs. 25 more big ones to go.

maryanne and mystikal Good luck with your births!

[MrsBrownie]

Good morning!

We are up bright and early this morning, to get a start on the day. We have tons of things to do today and hopefully not have it take up the whole day.

Ethan is going today for his first set of Pictures. We've been snapping a ton of pictures ourselves, but I'm going to take him in to get them done while he's still small. We also want to use them for his birth announcements, so I'm hoping he stays my happy little man and we get some good shots.

Other than that, things are going well. He had his first Doctor's visit on Wednesday and the Doctor said he was PERFECT. He has grown 2.5 inches in 18 days (it's no wonder some of his sleepers are no longer fitting.) He's also up to 9lbs 11.5 ozs, which is up a pound from his discharge weight, so he is doing very well.

I'm also doing very well. She went through my c-section and the labour complications and asked how I was feeling and did I have any concersn. Ladies...I kid you not, but I'm feeling great. Other than this nasty cold that my MIL shared with me, I'm doing amazingly well. I wanted to ask her about the restrictions on sex (the M/W's said I couldn't have sex for 6 weeks) but DH and I couldn't wait and had it the night before the appointment. I figured it was moot at that point anyways.

I also asked her about rapid weight loss...I don't know if I mentioned it here, but 18 days after my little one was born, I was down 44 pounds. I'm actually 8 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight. I still have a jiggly, bumpy belly, but I'm actually smaller everywhere else (except the boobs of course.) I'm fitting into all my old clothes and things are actually starting to get big. The Dr. told me that it should taper off in the next week or two, and become a much slower loss...if it doesn't, then they will check my thyroid levels.

We go back to the Dr. in another two weeks for our One-Month check.

I'm also thinking about Maryanne and Mystikal and wishing them luck. Hoping that they are both holding their little Girls now and that things went smoothly for them both.

Smurf ~ Are you the only one left standing now? Wishing you all the luck...don't worry too much, it will soon be over and you will soon be holding your little one.

Well, we have a long weekend up here in Canada, so wishing everyone a great weekend and we will talk to you soon!

[Sand]

*delurking June mommy friend*

Wishing Mystikal good luck!! :)

(and any others getting to meet their bambinos soon!)

[makena32204]

Julia’s Here!!!!

A friend of mine was going to post the good news for Mystical, but she’s out of town, so I get the pleasure!

Mystical had her little girl, Julia, at 11:54 p.m. on Thursday, June 29th. Julia weighed in at 7 lbs, 7 oz, 20 inches long and has lots of hair!

Mystical had to have a c-section because Julia was laying on the cord and the heartrate kept dropping. But – all is okay and Mother and baby are doing great!

Congrats, Mystical!!!

[jbenny75]

I'm really late with this, but here are some pics of Nicholas:
Please don't repost pics. Thanks!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b317/jenniferlynn924/nicholas3015.jpg

I couldn't resist getting pics of the little hands and feet:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b317/jenniferlynn924/nicholas3016.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b317/jenniferlynn924/nicholas2018.jpg

[simplicity]

Congrats to all the new mommies! I'm sorry but I only have a few minutes so I can't identify all of the new mommies by name but I want to congratulate each of you! I hope L&D went smoothly for everyone and that you and your little ones are healthy and doing well.

Fitting into clothes:Nothing fits me either! I am 3-weeks pp and I just started teaching my summer college class once a week. When I am at home, I just lounge in my very stretched out pajamas. Going to class poses a challenge because I feel I shouldn't be wearing maternity clothes anymore but yet I can't fit into my regular clothes(used to be a size 4 prepregnancy). I don't want to buy any transitional clothes since I'll only be in it for a little while but I don't know what else to do!

What I do during the day: I try to get some things done around the house but it's a never ending battle. There's always so much to do and not enough time to get everything done. With the constant feedings, diaper changes, etc etc, the day just flies by!

[shouldaeloped]

congratulations to Mystikal and welcome Julia! can't wait to see pictures.

I really don't have long to post but just wanted to say that I REALLY can't wait until my MIL leaves. she has been here since Monday, leaves this Sunday and is on my last nerve. if she tells me how to raise my child or what I should be doing or I told you so one more time, I think I might kill her. not to mention that she stares at me very intently when I am nursing Mallory. she really really needs to go home.

thanks for listening. more later when I don't have to entertain since DH is studying constantly. argh!

[RosegardenC]

Hello Ladies I just wanted to pop over from September mommies (when Im due) and tell you all that Maryanne is going to have Melody today! She is doing well and her water had just broken when I last spoke to her which was a while ago so I am expecting to get a call soon telling me that Melody has arrived... I'll keep you all posted!

Rosey the soon to be phaerie goddessmother

[babylove]

Congrats to Mystikal!!!!