September 2006 Mommies - Our Babies are Arriving!

[Ericka_Jarett]

AnastasiaK - my son is 8 weeks but still on about 4-4.5 oz of formula, although he was born 4 weeks early. I would think go to 5oz and if he finishes that, up it more.

[Rippy1010]

Oh deliciousjones, please let it be true that the fussiness tapers off after the 6-week mark. I will love you forever if you are right. :D ;)

DH and I are both starting to lose it a little bit. C'mon kid ... you're dry, you're fed, you had a little story and a little alert time, we sang songs and danced, you're not hot or cold, you don't have a temperature ... WHAT DO YOU WANT?! Then, he falls asleep and you think "oh yes ... an hour or two of peace". Then, BAM ... 5-10 minutes later he's screaming his head off again.

Phew ... sorry about that vent. :o It just gets to me some days.

[jbemommy]

We're enduring the screaming for no reason, too. We're about to lose it--actually I've been in tears a lot yesterday and today. We had about 4 good days last week (just before he turned 6 weeks) and I thought things were going to be good. Then we had 2 days from hell, and it's worse when you've had a break! I have to go back to work in 2 weeks and don't know what I'll do if it doesn't get better by then. I'm getting 1-2 hours of sleep at a time for the most part which doesn't help my mood.

swings We didn't have one for DD, but were willing to try anything to get a break with DS, so bought the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders one. It has been the only thing that has let me get a break from holding him all day long.

[Rippy1010]

jbemommy ~ Well, you will be in my thoughts. I spend a lot of those days in tears myself also. It seems like it will never end on those days. And I know that my crying doesn't help DS's temperament any ... but I can't stop my own tears when it gets like that. :(


swing - We were given a used Fisher Price Aquarium travel-size swing (because we live in an apartment and have limited space) from SIL because her DD outgrew it. Our DS is so-so about it. It only buys me anywhere from 2 minutes to 15 minutes (that's MAX). He likes looking at the flashing lights, but isn't really concerned with the music aspect at all ... which is strange since they are the same songs that are on his mobile (of course, we haven't been able to get him interested in THAT either ... not really). We were also given a full size swing called the "Smart Response Swing" I think also made by Fisher Price, but can't remember for sure. He hates that one altogether.

[dionysia]

DH and I are both starting to lose it a little bit. C'mon kid ... you're dry, you're fed, you had a little story and a little alert time, we sang songs and danced, you're not hot or cold, you don't have a temperature ... WHAT DO YOU WANT?! Then, he falls asleep and you think "oh yes ... an hour or two of peace". Then, BAM ... 5-10 minutes later he's screaming his head off again. Our kids must be in cahoots with each other... Baby Mind Tricks? ;)

Di

[Lily]

Rippy – I totally know what you mean. My DD will not nap in her crib during the day anymore, but will sleep in it at night. During naps she’ll sleep in her bassinet, the sling or we’ll co-sleep. I think she just enjoys being in the mix of things during the day. During DD’s 3 week growth spurt she had a night of only wanting to sleep in our arms. It’s tough, but hopefully won’t last too much longer. As far as getting anything done, DD is awake for about 1 hour first thing in the morning so I play with her and eat breakfast. Then when she gets pooped out I put her in our sling and do light cleaning around the house which includes cleaning out bottles for the day ahead. Then it’s time to feed her again and normally she’ll go back to sleep during which time I take a nap with her. I normally don’t get a shower in until mid afternoon unless we’re going somewhere earlier but that’s ok. I’m lucky that DD will sleep or hang out in her sling while awake, which is usually when I get in lunch, a snack or dinner. Oh yeah, she did get really warm in her sling but once I noticed, I made sure that her little head was getting enough air every now and then. But now that it’s getting colder outside and in the house I’m glad that the sling has all of that extra padding to keep her warm.

Dzmattie – Thank you for the tip about sugar water. I’m going to ask my ped. about it before our 2 month WBV.

Craftgenious – Claire is adorable. My DD’s middle name is Simone too.

Aletheia – My DD is 5 weeks old and is still waking up/wanting to be fed every 2/3 hours as well. We have the Ocean Wonders Aquarium swing. I really like it because it has like 6 different speeds, music, lights on the mobile, and the option of front swing or side swing. DD does like it for short periods of time and has fallen asleep in it.

Smiling – DD has also started smiling to us in response to playing, or baby talk, or singing. This actually started last week when she gave me a big gummy grin while I was holding and making funny noises to her. I swear I almost cried it was so cute.

Velcro Bows & Headbands – I actually just bought both from Babies r Us 2 weeks ago. Granted the selection wasn’t very extensive, but I’m just glad that they had something since every other place I went to didn’t carry hair supplies for infants.

**************
DD and I are doing really well. We had a nice day today just relaxing, playing and catching up on some much needed sleep. I also dressed her up in a few different outfits and took some pictures. I don’t want to sound too cheesy or anything but I love her so much. It’s like I look at her and see the best of both myself and DH. I love being a mommy! :D

[Ericka_Jarett]

Swing - we have Ocean Wonders and Easton loves it. He will go in it and just the swinging soothes him to sleep sometmes, others we put the music on too and he will fall asleep and stay asleep until I take him out. He would probably sleep in it all day if I let hm.

Bouncer - we have this in Ocean Wonders as well and he likes to watch the starfish spin and hear the music. He falls asleep in this sometimes now.

Little man now sleeps 4 hours or so before he wakes up to eat and will usually go right back out for at least 3-4 before feeding time again. Last night he went to sleep at 11:30pm and woke 1 time to feed and wasn't ready for bottle 2 until 6:30am. (thinking him being outside last night at the Pastor's may have helped too) He is now back to sleep on my shoulder as I type. Nice change from the gassy man I had last week for several days. Than I think he was feeling constipated, although his poo was normal when he finally went later that day. I think he was also adjusting to a new gas & fussiness formula (broken down proteins) I bought to try.

[2Jacks&Me]

hairbows I made one velcro bow- not the greatest hold- then I bought some itsy bitsy clips from Target in the main hair row- I sewed on my bows and it is better- but they still tend to slide out. I will try to post a pic.

mommies crying Let it flow girls! I am so much better round 2, but with DS WHOA NELLY- he was a colic kid to the hilt and I cried right along with him. The best thing although not a fool proof method for us was an excercise ball to bounce him on while holding him. He was keen to us trying to sit in a chair and bounce and you can only stand so long.

This baby is better- but I did have a DH induced melt down last night. Long story but he basically accused me of sleeping until noon and making him unproductive at work because I have him doing WOMEN"S WORK at home! WHAT!! I wish I could sleep until noon- but haven't made it past 8 since DS was born. and yes he does the laundry- but no folding etc and he takes out parts of the garbage.... what a man! I am tired of this treatment and have finally decided I am going to counseling- whether he goes too is up to him.

I need to clear my mind and focus, I see now that this stuff is out of our hands as far as helping ourselves.

[{b}]

I think the crying thing may have to do with overstimulation in our house. She does much better when things are mellow at night, even if we've been on the go all day. Also, if she spends time inthe sling (even while asleep) during the dayu, our evenings seem to be less fussy.

Maybe it's growth-spurt related?

Oh, also, she was way more fussy every time she peed because of a little diaper rash. Got that cleared up, and she's happier.

Little Lauren has no hair in the front, top part of her head, so I haven't tried any bows or headbands or anything.

[cosmic]

Just reading through everyone's sleep issues...
It's comforting to know that these things are completely normal. :) Kai has no problem falling asleep. He just doesn't STAY asleep for very long. At night he's only sleeping for about an hour or hour-and-a-half at a time. He goes back to bed after nursing and rocking. That's why it's killing me to think I'll be going back to my overnight job in December. I won't be here for him at all-- and honestly I don't see how that's going to work. I can leave bottles for DH, but it won't be the same and I can see Kai crying all night while I'm at work. If that happens, DH will have fits. Any suggestions???
I'm seriously thinking about quitting and living off my savings for a while.

[twink]

2jacks Sorry to hear about the issues with DH. I also get a vibe from my DH that he thinks life with a baby is so easy. He says things like - how can he be so good at night, but so fussy during the day? Argh - irritating!

Major milestone last night - DS went 6 hours between feedings so I got 5 hours of sleep in a row!! It was so exciting!

[craftgenius]

Erica - I didn't know you were going back to that evening schedule after the baby was born. That is going to be hard! Have you considered looking for a daytime job?

[dionysia]

My DH is being a PITA as well. He thinks that because I'm sitting on the couch with the news on when he gets home from work, I must be watching TV all day and ignoring Leo. :rolleyes:

We do spend a lot of our time in the living room, since that's where I feed him, comfort him, read to him, and play with him (the Gymini's in there). And yes, a lot of the time the TV's on, mostly for background noise.

UGH.

Di

[Aletheia]

DH's-- Curious-- how long have folks left their DC, esp if it is the first, alone with daddy? I'm blessed to have a DH that insists that keeping the baby alive all day is enough of a task for me, but I can't help but wonder if it is because of my Saturday getaways. I try to leave the house for 2 hours every Saturday, leaving DH with Ovi. I think a side benefit has been him getting to realize that while there is a lot of sitting around involved in caring for a baby, it ain't just flop on the couch time.

Sleep- Well, we suddenly went from a feed every 2 to 3 hours to two nights in a row with a FIVE HOUR STRETCH OF SLEEP. And please don't let this jinx me, but I think I know why. We were having a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance because of a general oversupply of milk. The result: he was going to bed with a belly tip top full of foremilk, which is low on calories and high in lactase. That a) digests faster and b) gives him a gassy, needing-to-poop tummy.

Now that I'm block feeding (switching boobs every 3 hours during the day-- all feeds come off one boob for three hours--) his poop is back to the yellow-orangey color and seedy, clumpy texture (and not bright, frothy, liquidy green), he doesn't wake up fussy, and he isn't so hungry at night.

Thank you, internet!! Now if I could only solve the cat's yowling problem...

2jacks- Good luck. It sounds as though your DH was being incredibly unfair. If it helps, you might chalk it up at least partially to jealousy-- not really of your getting to sit around all day, but of you getting to know and bond with your new baby more than he does. I think men in general would have a hard time admitting to feeling left out in that regard-- it isn't very manly-- but you gotta figure it isn't easy to know the first smiles, coos, and laughs are probably going to be directed at mama. And with good reason-- you're the one doing the lionshare of the work. You deserve those smiles.

We just got back from shopping and baby yoga, and Ovi is starting to stir in his carseat. Hope everyone is doing well! Happy late halloween!

[dana b]

2 jacks yeah my dh sometimes refers to himself as the "bitch of the house" :p i insist that he do dishes, take out the trash and help with general cleaning up on a daily basis. i tell him how much of a difference it makes in our day and our kids get a less frazzled, nicer mother because of it.

colicky babies i feel for you guys. now that i have ds i realize just how bad dd had it, she screamed for hours every day, it was awful. having these 2 kids now is actually much easier than just having dd as a newborn.

where's all the halloween pictures ?

boots with his sister
http://static.flickr.com/105/286210501_e1b5e7c30a.jpg?v=0
boots w/ mama
http://static.flickr.com/105/286210486_5b61572902.jpg?v=0

[2Jacks&Me]

Thanks for all the support Dh is agreeing to go to counseling with me- although not very happy about it. He said " I hope you didn't hire the same guy who broke up my first marriage." So you can see that he is pretty unreceptive and I think that this may be good for me- but he will be a hard sell.
I have to get a good website to post my pics with- I will work on that right now.

[2Jacks&Me]

Here is our Halloween
http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKx gXPon%3F87KR6xqpxQQGGxPolxQPQxv8uOc5xQQQoaGooQal0l qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPon%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442

It seems that snapfish is a no go on here , hmmmm...

[AnastasiaK]

Dana B............... That costume is adorable. What a doll!

[Koala_Gurl]

Here is my DD as pooh: http://jennyg999.smugmug.com/photos/107216441-M.jpg

DS (didn't dress up, bad mommy! He just helped me hand out candy): http://jennyg999.smugmug.com/photos/107216915-M.jpg

[Aletheia]

Can't remember if I already posted this here, so might as well do it again!
http://mstenger.photosite.com/~photos/tn/767_1024.ts1160934125072.jpg

[twink]

Aletheia Soo cute!

DS has been a dream for the past two days. Good sleep at night and good naps during the day with fun awake time. If things stay like this, I think I will be able to handle this mommy thing. ;)

Got my first bit of unsolicited parenting advice from a stranger today at the post office. Apparently, I should have covered up DS with a blanket to keep him warm. :rolleyes: It's amazing how much more difficult running errands is with a baby. There seems to be a decision of whether or not to leave him in the car seat or take him out and it depends on whether the store has a cart or not. Hopefully I will get better with the carrier and sling so I can use that in the future. Hope you ladies are doing well!

[suiej]

Cute costumes!! I can't believe how big all these babies are getting!

Here's Amelia in her chicken costume:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/suiej/PICT0160.jpg

She's sleeping well at night, but it usually still after an evening of being up. We don't mind since she sleeps well at night, but it would be nice to have a little alone time. We might try putting her down to bed a little earlier and implementing "dream feeding"... any advice on that?

What do you guys do during playtime? Right now our playtime consists of the gymini, the tummy time, or her laying on a blanket with me making faces at her. Tried reading to her today and she fell sound asleep. About how much playtime do you have with your baby? Does he/she get playtime on their own?

For those babies that are napping well, where does your baby nap? I feel like if I let her sleep in her bassinet, she won't associate it with sleeping at night. But if she naps in the living room, I'm afraid I'll wake her up.

[cosmic]

Erica - I didn't know you were going back to that evening schedule after the baby was born. That is going to be hard! Have you considered looking for a daytime job?

Hey, Mel! Love those pics of Claire. :)
Yes, I'm already applying for other jobs. I seriously don't see how I can go back to the other one.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Here are some of our Halloween pics:
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/196116/20061030/125135.jpg
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/196116/20061030/125131.jpg

[jbemommy]

Alethia My DS was a peapod too! DD was a princess, so they were the Princess and the Pea.

playtime We don't have a lot of playtime yet, when we do, we usually just hold him and make faces and talk to him. I've started doing the gymini for short periods. He also spends time in his swing (Ocean Wonders) so he looks at the fish, etc. He also likes looking at our ceiling fans even if they're not on. :)
naps He naps in his co-sleeper in our room. For some reason, he'll do daytime naps there for a couple of hours, but won't sleep long there at night. We've started letting him sleep in his swing at night out of desperation, and that has worked well. I hate to start a bad habit, but figure if he can nap in a bed during the day, when he's older we should be able to transition him into it at night, too.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Just wanted to throw out there that my older son slept in his carseat every night until he was 6 months old. He spit up a lot & sitting up just seemed to help him sleep longer stretches. He is 2 now & an excellent sleeper. I figure you have to do what you have to do to get sleep at this point. If Owen would sleep better in a swing or bouncy I would totally do it, unfortunatly he rarely sleeps longer than 3 hours no matter where you put him. I am tired:)

[Lily]

Aletheia - Your DS is too cute! I also live in your area...did you guys go to the corn maze on S. Island for pictures?

Sleep - DD is a great napper during the day. She'll sleep for 2-3 hour stretches after each feeding. Sometimes we co-sleep if I need a nap or she'll sleep in her sling if I have stuff to do around the house, and lastly her bassinet. For some reason she doesn't like her crib anymore. She slept really well in it until this week, but now starts to cry after about a half hour if she's in her crib.

Play Time - In the morning DD is alert for about 60-70 minutes after she wakes up from the night. So, I normally feed her, dress her for the day, talk to her, play bicycle with her legs. In the afternoons she also has about an hour of awake time and we'll do the same thing. In the evenings we also throw in some time and lay her on the Ocean Wonders Activity mat. She's still to young to fully appreciate the mat, but she likes looking at herself in the mirror as well as watching the light/music display. Last night we put her in her swing and she actually reached for the fish mobile! :) It was so cute.

Flu Shot & Doctor's Appt. - I had to take DD to the doctor's office today. She has a rash under her neck and it was starting to spread to her ears so I wanted them to look at it. It turned out to only be a heat rash, which was surprising to hear. I know that it's from having her in the sling because that's the only place she'll get really warm and is kind of scrunched up. That stinks because she loves it so much. I'll just have to give it up for awhile. I also got the flu shot while I was there. DD started crying right as the nurse was about to stick me and I told her that I should be the one crying 'cause it was my shot. She stopped crying and just stared at me after I gave a little high pitched yelp 'cause it hurt for a second. Has anyone else gotten the shot this season?

Much ado about pooping? Sorry to get personal, but does anyone elses baby make a production out of haivng to poop? Just this week my DD has started straining to release gas or go poop and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to help her. I've been using gas drops but it doesn't seem to be working.

[Aletheia]

LMC- Wow! How much does Theo weigh now? He's got a double chin like Ovi does, but I bet he's got Ovi beat in the weight department. :)

jbemommy- the Princess and the Pea? Now that is super cute. I love multiple-person costumes. Last year at a costume party I saw two parents with their newborn. The parents had rented gorilla outfits, and the baby? The baby was dressed up in a banana outfit. I still smile when I think about it.

Lily- Thanks! Nope, we have yet to make it to S. Island, though I'd love to go at some point.

About straining to poop-- if she's not wearing a bulky cloth diaper, but a disposie, you can put her back against your tummy and pull her legs up into assisted squat position-- much like the classic giving birth pose. (If she's wearing a bulky cloth dipe, it might cut into her tummy which might make it hard to breathe.) That should help a little. Here's Ovi using his potty (we're infant potty learning with him) in much the same position:

http://mstenger.photosite.com/~photos/tn/813_1024.ts1162587422712.jpg

[Lily]

Aletheia - Thank you for the tip. I also checked out infant potty learning online. It looks pretty cool.

I have a happy baby again. She just had a poosplosion and is all smiles. :) Yay! I just went out and picked up a different brand of formula that is supposed to help break down protein. I hope it works.

[Aletheia]

note to self: start using the word "pooplosion", esp in conversation w/ DH, for whom all things potty are hilarious.

[dionysia]

note to self: start using the word "poosplosion", esp in conversation w/ DH, for whom all things potty are hilarious.

:D

Di

[{b}]

Poosplosion = classic! :D

DD strains to poop too. And fart. Once I see that face turning reddish or she starts kicking her legs, I try to bicycle her legs while she's on her back, or hold her back to my tummy and pump her legs like someone suggested on the last page.

Naps - DD sleeps mainly in her bassinett at all times. The PnP with bassinet in the living room is just too noisy, too bright, too much activity and she doesn't sleep well there unless she's really sound asleep when I put her down. She sleeps great in the sling, and I love the closeness! And the hands free aspect. Not so great when you have to be somewhere in half an hour and you still haven't showered yet, though!

Re: slinging vs. car seat carrier - I hate the bucket. Detest it. It's too heavy for me, too bulky and too hard to carry with my short arms. My legs are bruised like I've been through a serious beating. Should be just lovely for my BIL's wedding next weekend - of course the BM dress is knee length! But, at the same time, getting her out of the carseat and into the slig and then back out of the sling and into the car seat is also a hassle for shorter outings. It's a no-win! I make DH come with me on errands, mainly to carry the carrier! ;)

Started back to work last night. Was so busy (and so overwhelmed! 2 months is a long time!) I only pumped once and barely had time to think about how much I missed DD.

[cosmic]

Such cute pics of all the babies!

Flu Shot & Doctor's Appt. Has anyone else gotten the shot this season?


I haven't yet. But the pediatrician recommended that DH and I get one.

[dionysia]

So... between his 6 week growth spurt and potential food sensitivities, the last few days with Leo have been rough. He was especially unhappy all of Thursday. Based on a conversation with our ped after the Hell that was Thursday, I've cut out dairy, gassy veggies (e.g., broccoli, beans, onions), and spicy food. Good thing vanilla soymilk is tasty! I will especially miss yogurt (so I'm taking acidophilus caplets instead) and broccoli. We have already noticed an improvement. Now he's fussy about for about 20 minutes after feeding instead of all.freaking.day. Thursday's Hell happened after I consumed chicken tacos with Penzey's bold taco seasoning (Monday & Tuesday night dinners), a pork burrito (Wednesday lunch), and jambalaya with chipotle pepper sausage (Wednesday night's dinner). All that was too spicy for our little guy. :(

Our feeding routine is now all nursing, but for 1-2 bottles of EBM a day. (We used to be the other way around!) I'll admit, even though things have VASTLY improved, I still don't love breastfeeding. At best, it's uncomfortable. At worst, it hurts (even with a good latch and positioning; even now that the antifungal is finally working against the thrush). Most times I still have to take Leo off before he's popped off himself.

Thankfully, I have been able to start freezing EBM. In one pumping session a few nights ago, I got 5 ounces! I haven't been able to pump much the last couple of days, due to Leo's growth spurt. Today he nursed at 7:30 am, 11:30 am (after a nap from 8:30-11:30), then on and off from 1-3:30 pm, he had EBM at 6, I nursed again at 9 and midnight.

He is smiling more, especially when I zerbert his tummy. :D

He does not mind taking baths anymore, at least the part where he's in the warm bath. He hates being cold though, so once he's out of the bath, we apparently take too long to get him dried off and dressed. Bad Mommy & Daddy!

We took a bunch of pictures of bathtime; hopefully Dionysios will upload them soon.

That's about it for now. I should probably go to bed soon.

Di

[2Jacks&Me]

frump anyone feeling frumpy? I am going back to work in 2 weeks and the closer i get the fatter, flabbier and homelier I feel.

[LyLMyssChaos]

frump anyone feeling frumpy? I am going back to work in 2 weeks and the closer i get the fatter, flabbier and homelier I feel.

Yep. Very much so. I live in sweats, pajama pants, sweatshirts and T-shirts. But there is no point in getting anything else cause the kids will just ruin it!

And Aletheia: According to our home scale Theo weighs 13 pounds.

[twink]

di Had to laugh at this: He is smiling more, especially when I zerbert his tummy. DS loves that too!

frumpy Totally frumpy here, too. I'm not even comfortable in sweats and tees. Hopefully bfing will improve that soon.

[dionysia]

Mrs. Frumperson here.

Di

[RosegardenC]

frumpy yup im a member of the club too! ugh! not as easy too bounce back when your 13 years older than the last time you had a baby! lol

[Aletheia]

my idea of getting dressed up = wearing something w/o spit up on it. :rolleyes:

zerberts- i've yet to get a physically-based smile out of this kid. he smiles plennty when we're talking together, but when you razz his tummy his eyes get all wide and he looks nervously from side to side. buzzing my lips together gets somewhat of a reduced, though similar, effect, as seen here:

http://mstenger.photosite.com/~photos/tn/819_1024.ts1162587436141.jpg\

and even though these pics are for some reason huge, i can't resist posting two more:

the pout.
http://mstenger.photosite.com/~photos/tn/816_1024.ts1162587429041.jpg
the grin:
http://mstenger.photosite.com/~photos/tn/817_1024.ts1162587430913.jpg

[Koala_Gurl]

Aletheia - Love the pout! I wish I had some good "pout" pictures of Derek. :)

[Rippy1010]

The frump ... TOTALLY! I also live in sweats or pjs. I only put on a pair of jeans when I'm trying to look "together" to go somewhere specific. Ugh. I can't even think about going back to work like this. :(

[deliciousjones]

frumpy: i'm the odd man out, i guess. something must have clicked with my body after having eleanor because i lost all of my pregnancy weight PLUS 9 lbs (so far) and i'm looking and feeling fantastic. part of feeling good is the effort that i've been putting into myself: wearing my hair down, putting on earrings, throwing some blush and mascara on even for the grocery store.

[twink]

aletheia Cute pictures!

DS has been a royal PITA today. He was crying from 7:00 to 11:15 this morning for the entire time that he wasn't eating. Then he zonked out for a three hour nap (thank goodness or I might have needed to give myself a time out!) and now he is fussy again. I hear him waking up, so I'm going to try the Bjorn and see if that might satisfy him for a while. I'm sure this is his payback for sleeping 7 hours straight on Saturday night.

[{b}]

What a cutie, Alethia!

I'm back at work already, so I've had the opportunity to get out of the house without spitup a few times already. It's not easy though, and around the house, I'm in PJs or ypga pants and a tee shirt.

My employer created a Lactation Room for us! There are 5 new moms in our building, and 3 of us are back to work now. Enough of us asked, and they set aside a room for us, complete with lock, sofa and mini fridge.

[dionysia]

Well, I did lose my pregnancy weight, but I'm still 20 lbs overweight with a saggy belly that has more stretch marks than a pair of lycra pants. ;)

Di

[MSH]

{b} that is great of your work place. I wish more work places were that accomodation to new moms who wish to continue BFing their babies.

________________

Nothing but drama over here. Aiden had his frist trip to the ER on the weekend. On Sunday he was spitting up bright red blood ... and lots of it. After all the tests came back it turns out it was my blood he is spitting up. So the question is where is it coming from. Naturally it has to do with BFing, however I have no signs of bleeding so we are going in for more tests to see if I have papillioma - a small benign growth in the milk duct which was disrupted when BFing and started bleeding. Thankfully A is fine, I'd much rather I bleed than him but the spitting up and black stool scared both DH and I.

[Aletheia]

MSH- OMG that would be TERRIFYING. This sounds bad, but I'm so glad its you and not him that's bleeding. Keep us posted.

djones- you've inspired me-- i took a shower and BLEW DRY my hair yesterday. I put on a spit-up free shirt before DH got home. Hearing DH at the door I picked up baby and went to let him in, and when I got to the door, I had the NASTIEST *pile* of baby tummy contents on my shoulder and in my hair. Sigh.

[Koala_Gurl]

...
djones- you've inspired me-- i took a shower and BLEW DRY my hair yesterday. I put on a spit-up free shirt before DH got home. Hearing DH at the door I picked up baby and went to let him in, and when I got to the door, I had the NASTIEST *pile* of baby tummy contents on my shoulder and in my hair. Sigh.

Oh my, sorry, but I had a giggle (maybe cuz we've been there done that!) :)

[twink]

MSH How scary! Glad that baby is okay, though.

Aletheia Blow dried hair? What's that? ;)

[RosegardenC]

OMG MSH! how scary! Thinking good thoughts for you!

LOL at your story Aletheia! Isnt that just so the way of it!

Im a bit irked this morning, I got up early, got son #2 off to school, then Son #1 and had the baby asleep for his morning nap, DH was still in bed and the house was mine! SO I decided to be motivated and do my yoga workout for the first time post birth (I have been a bit afraid to do full core twist positions after the csec, but feel Im good to go now) And wouldnt you know it, my dvd is missing! ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!! So irritating! I have NO idea where it is! DH has moved the frickin furniture so many times since the baby came that I have NO CLUE where it could be and of course he is no help. Its not like I have any extra money to run out and get a new one right now either SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

[batgirl]

MSH Oh my! So scary! Thankfully your baby boy is okay.

Aletheia love the Ovi pics. I have been trying to get a picture of Ben's pout for ages. I love the way his lower lip protrudes out and he has the funniest frown.

You asked me ages ago about the peanut shell. I love it, but its so hot that I can't keep him in it very long when we are indoors.

Frumpy Man, I am so glad I am not alone. I feel like a huge frumpmeister lately. Sweats and tee-shirts galore. I don't even put makeup on these days since I'm too tired to remove it at the end of the day... This should change once I go back to work in 1.5 wks, or else I'll scare people!

ETA: Rosegarden Boy, I know how you feel about abdominal twists, etc after a c-section. I used to love doing crunches. Now, I can hardly do a single one! I feel like my midsection resembles that of Homer Simpson... ugh.

[batgirl]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ADVG/535~Homer-Simpson-Posters.jpg

Put my face on this body, add a baby attached to the boob, and that's how I feel... ugh! Or should I say "D'Oh!" :D

[twink]

batgirl Or you could be saying "why you little...!" ;)

[LyLMyssChaos]

MSH~~OMG!! I would be so scared, thank goodness that the baby is okay and hopefully they find what is wrong with you and are able to fix it!

Aletheia~~I am laughing at your story. Isn't that just the life of a mommy for ya?

batgirl~~I totally sympathize with ya on feeling like Homer! For the life of me this baby weight is not coming off, but I think that may be in part to my activities being restricted again the last few weeks. But I've gotten the all clear now, we know for sure it isn't my heart, it's my arthritis spreading to my ribs and my nerves, so it's off to physical therapy, but I'm going to wait until after my surgery on the 21st.

Theo Update: He saw the ped yesterday for his 2 month check-up. And I LOVE this pediatrician. Our appointments were at 11:50 and 12:20 and she kept us there until 1:30 because it was our first appointment and she wanted to make sure everything was ok. At 2 1/2 months, Theo is weighing 12 pounds 14.8 ounces, so he has doubled his birth weight, he is 22 3/4 inches long and his head is 15 5/8 inches. He is rolling over, cooing, reaching for toys and giggling. Oh and guess what the ped informed me of? He is...are you ready for this?? TEETHING!!! :eek: :eek: We knew he had been fussy, but we just figured it was a fussy time, but nope, the ped was surprised that I didn't pick up on it, but I think I'm just not ready for that yet!


I hope everyone is doing well and the bebe's are getting tons of lovin, bringing you all lots of joy!

[Koala_Gurl]

LMC - Teeth?? Wow! Were your others early teethers too?

D's 2 month WBV - I forgot to post about it! We had his visit this week, and we have a little chubster on our hands...13 lb 9 oz, and 23 1/2 inches (he was 8lb 8oz and 20" at birth). The weight I am not surprised at, but the length (apparently, he was 22 1/4" at his 2 WEEK visit...not sure that was entirely accurate). :) He handled his shots like a pro, and everything is looking good. He is getting a slight flat spot on the side of his head (he sleeps with his head to the side), so I am placing him on the other side for a bit. But nothing to worry about. :)

DS is such a sleeper too...I even asked the ped if it was "normal" for a baby to sleep so much, but seeing as how he seems to be developing on track (smiling, head strength, etc.) he said just be happy. :)

[twink]

Speaking of growing babies, DS was 13 pounds today, 5 weeks after he was born at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Best I can tell, he eats about 6-7 ounces per feeding and is still eating 7 times a day. I called my ped to see if that was an issue so I'm hoping they say it's no problem.

[Rippy1010]

Question for you girls ... at 6-7 weeks were you guys actually on a daily schedule? Meaning, did your DC have a set nap schedule? Or were you still just doing everything on demand (sleep when they need it, eat when they need it)?

I have no idea if I'm supposed to be trying to enforce a schedule at this point or not. I feel so inadequate and like I'm clueless about what I'm supposed to/not supposed to be doing.

[Aletheia]

rippy- I'm more on demand than I was last time this topic came up! But I did just start keeping a journal of when he's awake & when asleep si that in another month or so I can stabilize a nap schedule. I decided this was a good idea based on his emerging personality and my own ppreference for a loose schedule.

big babies! Ovi's only at 20th percentile for weight at 10.4 at 2 months, and 50th for length- 23 inches. At least the 30 Kissaluv cloth diapers in newborn size will fit for a while! :o

[dzmattie]

Rippy - everything is on demand here - I do notice that she is eating at approx the same times each day - only because it is always at meal times when we are trying to eat or when I need to feed her brother!! I don't remember getting on a more regular schedule with DS until 4 months or so...but that was just us!

[Fireside Girl]

Rippy
We've had a nap schedule since 5 weeks. Brady was going all day without any naps and then being fussy at night. Once I threw in an enforced nap at 9 and 12 he did much better.

2 month WBV
Brady was 10 lbs 13 oz, 23 3/4 inches. He's rolled over once accidentally because he was furious about doing tummy time and was flailing around. The nurse thought he might be teething but it turned out he had thrush!

[roadrunner]

rippy ~ we're still all demand here. Honestly, I don't remember going to any sort of schedule with #1 until she was 6-7 months. But I have noticed that Rachel has created her own schedule anyway. Bedtime is usually between 9:30-10:30 and she gets up around 9-10 am. Back for another nap before 12 and sleeps until about 3. Back for naother nap around 5.

Rachel had her 2 month innoculations yuesterday. She was not happy. She cried so hard and had tears all down her face. It seemed to really hurt her. It broke my heart. She was 10lbs 5oz and 22.5". I'm surprised, I thought she was bigger than that. I figured she weighted 11-12 lbs for sure. But, she's growing well, and is happy any doing great! 30% for weight and height.
The public health nurse couldn't believe that she is rolling over, and has been for over a month!

This swing sleeping is making me crazy. I know it's not a big deal, as long as she is sleeping I should be happy. But, I am so worried that the longer she sleeps in the swing, the more she will cause problems when she needs to transition to the crib.

[Rippy1010]

Thank you for all of the responses. Yesterday was an exceptionally awful day. He got up for the day at 11:00 am ... and did not sleep again. He cried and cried ... AND CRIED ... because he was so tired, but he would not sleep. The longer he went without sleep, the worse the crying/fussiness got. He finally passed out from exhaustion (with the help of an extra feeding, tons of rocking, and the bathroom fan for white noise) at 9:40 PM!!!!! Almost 11 straight hours with no nap ... it was craziness at our house. It wasn't for lack of me trying to get him to nap, either. I even took him for a walk to try to get him to sleep. I did music/dancing, rocking, swing, bouncy seat, everything. He would doze off for about 15-20 minutes and then jolt awake and start screaming.

Grrrr.

He then slept through until 1:40 am. Then up again at 5:30, then up again at 8:30.

I try to keep a sane head by just reminding myself that at some point it WILL GET BETTER. :( :rolleyes:

[RosegardenC]

(((Rippy))) sorry to hear you had such a hard day yesterday!

As for your question, I am on demand with Cameron, but he seems to be setting his own schedule which includes a walk to get him to take a nap in the afternoon! (I swear he freaks out and wont stop unless I take him for a walk! LOL guess he wants a hot mommy! HAHA!)

I have been noticing his natural sched. and trying to stick to it as much as possible, but when we have extra people in the house or an extra errand, well he's not to happy about the change.

[RosegardenC]

oh ya and on his 2 month check up, he was 74% for weight, and only 12% for height! a short chubba wubba for now! as you can see from my avitar

[Koala_Gurl]

We aren't really on one...well, I guess DS is on DD's schedule for now, but this boy SLEEPS! His awake times are during DD's nap time and after DD goes to bed.

[batgirl]

Schedule We're on demand, too. Although I am noticing he is developing his only schedule.

Rippy So sorry about your rough day. Ben did lots of crying early on due to sleepiness as well. He still doesn't nap very well, but fortunately doesn't cry as much. When we were dealing with all the crying we purchased the "Happiest Baby on the Block" dvd recommended by our ped. Here are the tips to it (if you haven't tried this):

The 5 S's: (not in correct order since my memory is crap)
1. Swaddling... really tightly so they can't get their arms free. Ben still needs to be swaddled very tightly at night or he won't sleep long (not that he sleeps that long anyway, but whatever :rolleyes: )

2. Shushing this really works on Ben. I was surprised at how loud the doc "shushed" in the video!

3. Side this also really worked on Ben (and still does). When he's really fussy we swaddled him tightly, shoved in a pacifier, and positioned him on his side (facing outward) on our laps. It can work like a switch (course in doesn't always last long, but worth a shot).

4. Sucking on a pacifier

5. Jiggling (He called it something starting with an "s", but basically just rocking and jiggling baby while swaddled.

We have tried pretty successfully a combo of all these things. Hope this helps, gotta run and do the 5 s's on Ben right now!!!!

[twink]

Seconding the "Happiest Baby on the Block" methods. DS quiets right down when we do the jiggling of the head one when he is really cranky. When he is just a little fussy, the shushing (it only works if it is really loud - or at least it seems really loud for a baby) works well. Although now that his neck and back are so strong, the jiggling is harder to do than it was in the beginning.

[ocgatita]

Hi all! I am trying my best to follow along but its a lot harder now that I am back at work! The good thing is that I am allowed to bring Jacob w/ me, so its not too bad ;)

We had our 2 month visit w/ vaccinations about 2 weeks ago and Jacob weighed in at 12 pounds 1 ounce. He was in the 99% for height and head size, but only at about the 50% or so percentile for weight.

I'm still breastfeeding, and I occasionally supplement w/ formula. My supply isn't as great as I would like it to be, but its working. I still need to lose some baby weight though so I am focusing on that.

Glad to hear all the babies are growing and doing well :)

Take care ladies.

~Judy

[{b}]

I heart Dr. Karp! A little worried about how dependent we are on the swaddle, but what can you do? It's the only way she sleeps! I'm sure I'llhave to wean her off it eventually, but for now, anything goes, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm working too, and so far, so good. No supply dip or major issues there, except that I'm burning through my freezer stash way faster than I can replace it. Must.pumo.more.often. I'm at 3 times a day (twice at work) and need to get to 3 imes at work, I guess. It's just not that convenient.

We go Tuesday for the ped's visit. So on the fence about innoculations, but I'm running out of time to get a good strong arguement together other than "It doesn't *feel* right."

[dionysia]

So my suspicions were confirmed yesterday: Leo has acid reflux. :( The ped (well, nurse practitioner actually) put him on Zantac and I swear we've seen an improvement already.

He is 7 weeks old on Tuesday and weighed 10 lbs. 7 oz. yesterday! (up from 9 lbs. 14 oz. at his 1 month WBV)

BFing & pumping is going a lot better, now that I've finally kicked the thrush (*crosses fingers*) and Leo's latch is good (most of the time). We seem to do best in the football hold, though that is quickly becoming difficult due to him squirming around and kicking me or the couch/chair and getting frustrated about it. I've been able to start a freezer stash of EBM and have about 20 oz. so far.

Leo has started smiling and vocalizing a lot in the last week or so. He is especially amused when Mama zerberts his tummy. :D He's also been getting better at head control. He likes to practice when I'm holding him over my shoulder, like when I'm burping him.

He has grown to like bath time; at least the 'I'm in warm water!' part of it. Not so much the 'I'm naked and cold!' part. ;)

Di
(who really should be sleeping)

[dzmattie]

Di - how do they diagnois the acid reflux? DD spits up ALOT and seems to be uncomfortable alot of the time...I am wondering if this is what could be wrong? We go to her 2 month appt on Thursday so I was wondering if there is anything I should ask?

[Rippy1010]

dzmattie ~ Hi! I'm sure Dionysia will be a lot more help. But, in the meantime ... I was reading about reflux a couple days ago because I thought my DS might have it. Apparently, a huge percentage of babies have reflux, but to different severities. Some babies don't need meds for it if it's just a "light" case, but other babies do if they have it badly. If it were me (which I may do anyway at my DS WBV), I would just strike up a reflux convo as in "what are the symptoms of acid reflux in a baby, because ... ... ... and I'm concerned about her having it."

Just a thought.

[dionysia]

Di - how do they diagnois the acid reflux? DD spits up ALOT and seems to be uncomfortable alot of the time...I am wondering if this is what could be wrong? We go to her 2 month appt on Thursday so I was wondering if there is anything I should ask?
The fact that he spit up and was unhappy all the time helped with the Dx. The NP also listened to his belly and could hear the churning.

Di

[craftgenius]

Claire has really started to make those cute baby noises...cooing and squealling. She has also discovered her hands and keeps looking at them and playing with them. It is so cute!!

Schedule - Claire basically eats every 3 - 4 hours...during the day. But usually she has her last feeding around 11:00 PM then stays asleep until around 6:00 - 7:00 AM. She is still drinking 4 oz of milk each feeding. How much are you all's baby's taking in per feeding?

Weight - Wow! Everybody's babies are so big! At Claire's 8 week checkup/vaccinations she was only 9 pounds! She went back to the doctor at 11 weeks (because of her skin dryness) and she weighed 10 pounds. But then again, Claire only weighed 5 lbs 6 oz at birth....and when she left the hospital she had dropped down to 5lbs 1 oz.

[MSH]

A eats every 3-4 hours as well, he takes up to 6oz in a feed (BF) and STTN (11pm-8am).

A was weighed yesterday and is now 11.11. We have recovered from the blood insident and we are bith doing so much better.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Easton had his 2 month WBV (he is 10 weeks now) yesterday. He is up to 10lbs, 12oz and 22 3/4" long. At his 1 month (at 5 weeks) he was 8lbs, 4oz and 21" so my boy is growing like a weed it seems. He has doubled his birth weight of 5lbs, 6oz and 19" long.

He eats just about every 3-4 hours during the day and at night he eats about every 5-6 hours. He takes anywhere between 1 1/2oz (if he is just wanting a snack) to sometimes 5oz, usually 4 - 4 1/2oz though.

Craft - since Claire was a preemie like Easton, for what she weighs it's actually ok. Does you ped give you percents? I got them at 1 month and 2, Easton is now in the middle of the chart, at 1 month he was 25 and 30% now in the 40-50% and that is the average full term baby chart, so I think it's great and so does his peds office. I told my mom, as long as Easton is healthy and happy the % don't matter much to me.

[alliesmomma03]

Alyssa has a two month WBV on Thursday but seems to be doing well. She eats every 4 hours and eats six ounces at a time. Seems like a little much but she is satisfied and not exploding. Glad to see everyone is doing well

[Camdynlyn]

Mia is 10w4d now and weighed 13lbs even at 9w2d (her 2 month WBV). She's a big baby and in the 95% for height and weight but that's where I was as well. I'm 5'9" and she's projected to be at least 5'8" based on family histories.

She's doing well. I ate a ton of squash this past weekend which has given her MAJOR gas. I'm talking screaming fits! Poor thing. She's finally doing better, though.

sleep: Mia's now sleeping 10:30-4:45am and then 5:30-8am on most days. She'll go back down around 9 and can sometimes sleep another hour but usually 30 minutes (she got up at 7 this morning and was back down by 8 and slept with me until 10!! :) ) We are at my parents house until tomorrow so I'm hoping her sleeping is still great. She was STTN when we were home but I think being in a different place messed her up.

[{b}]

Lauren had her 8 week visit yesterday. She was 6 pounds, 7 ounces at her lowest (day before my milk came in), She is now 10 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and 23.5 inches long. She's doing great, and it's just amazing to know my body is nurturing her outside the womb as well.

I'm back to work full time and pumpiong 2 or 3 times while there. I need to pump every morning at home in addition to have enough for the night (I work nights). So it's tedious and time consuming and I am already sick of washing bottles! But it's amazing to see her growing, and so worth it!

[Fireside Girl]

Anyone else have a husband who finds them even more sexy since being pregnant and giving birth? My husband is definitely not a breast man, but everytime he sees me nursing it triggers something in his head and he goes "How about a BJ?".

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - Gosh! I didn't know you were so tall!!!

[craftgenius]

New pictures of Claire...

Looking at and playing with her hands...
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n150/craftgenius/lookingathands.jpg

Gimmie that camera Mommy!!!
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n150/craftgenius/gimmiethatcamera.jpg

With Aunt Michelle...
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n150/craftgenius/claire10.jpg

[Koala_Gurl]

Anyone else have a husband who finds them even more sexy since being pregnant and giving birth? My husband is definitely not a breast man, but everytime he sees me nursing it triggers something in his head and he goes "How about a BJ?".

Well, he doesn't ask for a BJ, but he does *LOVE* the nursing boobs! (Hey, I can't lie...I do like the way they fill up my bra these days.) ;)

[craftgenius]

I do like the way they fill up my bra these days.)


I'm filling my bras up a little TOO much!! I was already a double D to begin with !!!!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hey girls just popping in to say hi. Life with three is a little hectic so I don't get on here too often. Glad to hear almost everyone is doing well. Owen had his 2 month WBV last week too & he is up to 13lbs 2 ounces, 24+ inches long. We still feed on demand about every 3 hurs during the day . He has recently started sleeping longer stretches. He even STTN for the first time last Saturday and the past two nights he has made it from around 9 pm to 5 am which is wonderful (except I am usually already tossing from my engorged breasts).

[Camdynlyn]

Camdynlyn - Gosh! I didn't know you were so tall!!!

Yup! :) I feel like a huge giant most days.

[batgirl]

Man, I feel like such an idiot, but its a funny story so I thought I'd share....

I am trying to get lots of stuff done today since I return to work on Monday :(

Got the first load of laundry done (mostly baby items), then threw in a load of jeans. Well, I go to unload it and the washer is still full of water and the clothes are soaked. Its a front loader so, of course, water goes everywhere when I pull out the wet clothes to see if I can get it to drain. Nope. So I call maintenance fuming (seems like we've been having lots of maintenance problems lately) and say the "dumb ass" washer is working and to get out here! They come almost immediately (amazing, I know). Anyway he thinks it plugged and said that lots of times baby socks cause the problem, so he goes about dismantling the washer. After about 20 minutes he says "I found the problem, but its not a sock, don't know what it is..." It was one of my breast pads :eek: I just look at it and say, I have no idea what that is! God, I feel like a moron!

So word of warning... washable breastpads can clog washer drains!!! :D

Ben has his 2 month WBV on Tuesday. I am dreading the shots already but am dying to know how much he weighs! Have a great weekend everyone!

[dana b]

Anyway he thinks it plugged and said that lots of times baby socks cause the problem
what is it with those front loaders, mine always used to get clogged w/ baby socks! i was equally embarrased yesterday when my handyman was here and we walked all around the yard while both flaps of my nursing bra were down and i was wearing a thin t-shirt :o then i had a dream last night that i had both flaps down *and* my shirt pulled up and was walking around like that before someone finally told me.
i'm always taking my lily padz off and setting them down, i know one day i'm gonna forget them somewhere.

not much going on here, henri is smiling and just started laughing yesterday, it's awesome. so far he's a really easy, happy baby **knock on wood** and i'm just trying to enjoy him as much as i can, i love the newborn stage and it's going by so much faster this time :( .

[Fireside Girl]

Well, he doesn't ask for a BJ, but he does *LOVE* the nursing boobs! (Hey, I can't lie...I do like the way they fill up my bra these days.) ;)

Me too. I went from an A to an almost C, and I'm really enjoying it.:)

[craftgenius]

BUMP...

Dang! Nobody's posted in here since Nov. 18!!!

[2Jacks&Me]

wow- we are all busy I guess!

Eliza has been sleeping much better. I went back to work on mon the 20th, and that night she slept from 9pm- 6am.... I was suffering though. I was so engorged that I had to get up at 5 and pump. I was feeling it by 2 am though! tues she did a 10pm-5am.... I think it is the EBM bottles that filled her up because then I have been home the rest of the week and she is back to her 9, 10 bedtime and 4 feeding. still pretty nice.

DH offered to feed her tues night and when she got up and he found no bottle he had to wake me since he thought I would have gotten up prior to pump, and I planned to get up with him, pump and go back to bed...

So get this... I think that I am not going to be able to give her enough on my work days since it looks like she can do 5 oz some feeds and I get like a total of 7ish oz. So I am bummed about thinking of having to add in formula. DH thinks I should get up even if she doesn't in the night to pump extra! I want to wean out that feed naturally. ARGH! He doesn't understand that if I do that I have to keep doing that or risk that engorgement horror from the other night again and possible plugged duct ( once was enough)!

[Koala_Gurl]

So get this... I think that I am not going to be able to give her enough on my work days since it looks like she can do 5 oz some feeds and I get like a total of 7ish oz. So I am bummed about thinking of having to add in formula. DH thinks I should get up even if she doesn't in the night to pump extra! I want to wean out that feed naturally. ARGH! He doesn't understand that if I do that I have to keep doing that or risk that engorgement horror from the other night again and possible plugged duct ( once was enough)!

Can you squeeze (ha, pun intended!) in another pumping session at work? You may not get a lot at first, but you will at least be telling your body you need more milk. (I realize that is often easier said than done, however!)

Also, with the night / early AM pumping, this sleeping pattern will change before you know it. I think around 6 months, my DD was going to bed around 7. That would let me get in another pump around 10 before *I* went to bed. So for now, it may be worth that extra pumping session. (Just a thought!) :)

[Camdynlyn]

Milestones: She rolled over from belly to back 2 times (first to the right, then to the left) on Saturday night at 5pm! (yes, I recorded the time) It was awesome because Hubby, my dad, my mom and myself all saw it! Talk about great! I was so glad to share that with them and we were all jumping around!! She's ALMOST got the back to front but her arm gets caught! She's also talking up a storm and has started to laugh! Great days!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Sorry I've been scarce...things are incredibly hectic with 3 kiddos now! We recently joined a playgroup, so along with that? The kids have been exposed to a lot more things and been sick a little more often. As far as Theo goes; he is doing great! He is 12 pounds and 22 inches. He laughs, coos, and has started grabbing toys. He has start scootching, so it is most definitely time to babyproof. My MIL said that the other day while propped against a pillow he almost pulled himself up to a sitting position, but I don't know if that is just wishful grandma thinking or what because I haven't seen it yet, but my other kids were sitting at 4/5 months, so he could be close. When he gets a bottle he is drinking 6 oz at a time, and his sleep is going very well. I am sad to see how quickly he is growing though since I had my tubes tied this week. I really want to hold onto the babydom for a little bit longer, but it doesn't appear as though he's going to allow that. I hope all is well with you ladies! Enjoy your holidays!

[suiej]

Busy busy around here, too!

I've been working from home part time (about 10 hours a week), we went away for Thanksgiving for almost a week with the ILs, and I'm STILL looking for daycare.

But Amelia is great. At her 8 week appointment (which was actually last week, at 9 weeks) she was 13 lbs, 6 ounces, and is 24 inches long. She's smiling all the time, sleeping through the night from 11 until 7 most nights, and a total joy.

She just rolled from back to side yesterday for the first time on her own! We were thrilled!

[batgirl]

2Jacks Boy, I can relate to the 2am engorging. I keep trying to decide whether or not to do a middle of the night pumping session (sure don't want to).

Pumping at work is going okay. Luckily I am now working 20hrs per week, so I only have to pump twice and my supply is good.

Ben had his 2mo WBV and weighs 13lbs15oz!!! :eek: He's grown out of so many clothes. Many before he even wore them.

QOTD been a while since we had one of these!

Are you guys getting the new rotovirus vaccine? I haven't decided since its only been out about 6mos or so, but need to decide soon since we only have til 12wks of age to do so.

[Dotsie]

Conor is doing great. He is 12lbs 11oz and 25 1/4 inches tall. He's sleeping about 8 hours a stretch and night. He's rolled to his side and is a happy, smiling, cooing baby.
I don't know about the rotovirus vaccine, but Conor is on schedule to get all of his shots. I'm not one of those people who doesn't vaccinate.

[Koala_Gurl]

[QOTD - We got the first of the shot series. I didn't think too much of it, but I don't think about the vaccines much either. I just get whatever the ped. gives out!

ETA: Actually, I was wrong...it wasn't a shot, it was a liquid DS had to drink.

DD got rotovirus and was throwing up for FOUR days. Poor thing could barely walk she was so weak at the end of it, so if it helps DS not get it...I am totally up for it. :)

[batgirl]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not a non-vaccinator either. Ben got all the usual ones, but this is a new, additional vaccine (its oral, so no shot). I didn't even know it existed until the doc mentioned he could get it.

I am leaning towards it.

[deliciousjones]

I'm not one of those people who doesn't vaccinate.

Wow, "one of those people". I can only imagine the inflection that went along with that statement.

[Dotsie]

Wow, "one of those people". I can only imagine the inflection that went along with that statement
Here we go with drama. Don't read into my statement. There are people that vaccinate and people who don't. I personally couldn't care less about what people do with their children. It's a personal choice. Just like breastfeeding.

[LyLMyssChaos]

We selectively vaccinate, so I'll have to do some research into this new vaccine. I'm inclined to say we won't get it because it is so new, but we've had rotovirus and it is a NIGHTMARE....so I can definitely see the benefits of avoiding it(the rotovirus, not the vaccine.) We don't get the flu vaccine though, so if it's along that same line then we might not get it. I will have to ask the ped today when I have Timothy there getting his stitches removed.

[Rippy1010]

QOTD ~ We just did this last night. We just got everything the ped gave. They just do it automatically, and we weren't opposed to any of them. So, he got the oral rotovirus and then all of the shots.

[{b}]

My ped is VERY pro-vax (we're searching for another ped who will let us be more selective, but we really like her otherwise) and even she said she does not recommend the new rotovirus vax. It has been advertised directly to parents for longer than it has been available to doctors, and she's "not convinced of the science behind it," in her words.

[Camdynlyn]

We opted for the Rotovirus vac (oral). Mia had no side effects to any of the vacs (we got them all that the ped recommends).

[dionysia]

Dear Son:

While I am very impressed that you have learned how to roll onto your tummy, perhaps you should work on the rolling back part so that you don't get stuck up against the side of your crib and then scream your head off?

Love
Mom

******

2 month WBV today.
Leo is 23.5 inches long and 11 lbs 9 oz!

His gross motor skills are ahead of the game ('you're in for it!' says Dr G) and he looks great.

He had 2 shots today, both combo vax shots (DTaP, HiB, Polio, PGV7, Hep B). Poor guy screamed his head off, but then fell asleep in the car. He's still sleeping.

We wondered why he was crying again after eating, though not as bad as before we started him on Zantac. Turns out the dose we were giving him was not effective anymore now that he's gained weight. So we can increase it to a maximum of .75 ml, though we'll start with upping it to .5 ml.

Di

[Lily]

DD received three shots and the oral vaccination on Tuesday. She was very fussy yesterday and her temperature reached a high of 100.6. I called the ped. and they said that as long as she didn't show signs of sickness and the fever did not get worse that she didn't need to be seen. Luckily the fever broke around 8PM after giving her a Infant Tylenol the entire day. I hate that we have to go through all of this again in January and March. At least she'll get a 6 month break after that.

Her 2 month WBV stats are: 11lbs. 11oz. and 24" long.

[2Jacks&Me]

I am taking this beautiful opportunity to lazily surf since I sent DS and Dh to the store.

Eliza did not run out of ebm on thursday ( it was 14 hrs away from home for me) and my last pumping day at work was 12 hours so I worried. Plus she did have 4 oz of formula on tuesday....
I did sneak in a pump before work thurs and a call to the LC since she refused the breast a good part of weds. I thought for sure it was the beginning of the end!
The LC told me to basically get a grip. She said "you have to work, so do what you can, and relax." So i pumped twice extra on my days off, only to go to dinner and a movie pump a measly 43 ozs between to come home and find that the sitted fed her 12oz in the 5 hours we were gone, depleting my freezer of extra ebm.
I have tried to replenish......I am relaxed a tron more though.

public bfing Eliza will not eat with a blanket over her. Today we were at a family art exhibit and she would not nurse , just scream and grab the blanket. She just waited then, until we were in the car...fun

[alliesmomma03]

Just checking in. With Holidays here and all we have been super busy

[larslobster]

I can't believe I finally have time to post here. Lily had a horrible case of colic - she cried all day long for two months and barely slept. I couldn't put her down for more than a few minutes at a time awake or asleep (except at night where we co-sleep) and she hated the cradle position in her sling. She also needed to be walked. Rocking in the chair wasn't good enough. So I've spent the past fews month walking the house with a crying baby. I have lost all 45lbs I gained because of it though. :o

But this week, she's suddenly a different baby. Now she's only crying if she's tired or hungry for the most part. And she's willing to sleep in her crib for a while. It's still a struggle to get her to take naps but at least I can do something to stop the crying now.

It feels weird to be able to put her to bed at 9pm in her crib and have a few hours to myself without a crying baby attached to me though. She still insists on being held during the day but she also finally has good head control so I can sling in her my Moby wrap facing out. That makes her very happy.

She's currently obsessed with trying to roll over and sit up. She also loves hitting the keys on my laptop, something I discovered when I put her on my lap briefly to write a quick email.

Here are a few photos of the now much happier Lily.

http://web.mac.com/mfearing/iWeb/Site%203/December%202006_files/DSC00267.jpg

http://web.mac.com/mfearing/iWeb/Site%203/December%202006_files/DSC00245.jpg

I'm planning on returning to work in January. I work on a contract basis and was actually hoping it would take a while to find something but I already have recruiters calling me with jobs so it looks like I may go back right after the holidays. :(

[portlandbride]

I know some of you posted about Gripe Water awhile back but I don't have the time to find it with a 19 month old and a baby! :)
Would you mind re-posting what you are using? Addison has been on the gas drops and Reflux meds and neither are working particularly well so I thought I'd try that.
Thanks!

[twink]

Joseph had his 2 month WBV today. He is up to 14 pounds, 9 ounces and 24.5 inches long - over 90% percentile for both. I was nervous that he would be high for the weight but not for the height, but it's all looking good. He got five vaccinations including the rotovirus vaccine but seemed to do pretty well with the shots - only crying for about 30 seconds.

[Ericka_Jarett]

I got Gripe water at BRU and used it for Easton's gas and it even helped his constipation a bit. I no longer use it (was 9.99 a bottle, we only used 1 and mixed it with water) and have moved to giving him once or twice a week, 2oz of diluted apple prune juice, (babies can start to have some diluted juice after 2 months) has been working great.

[Dotsie]

We get ours at BRU as well. It's in the same aisle as the thermometers and such. It's LIttle Tummies brand. It's $9.99 a bottle. It does seem to work pretty well.
Conor has been sick the past few days. He's been running a slight fever. If it continues into tomorrow I will call the ped. Other than that, everything is great here.

[dionysia]

I know some of you posted about Gripe Water awhile back but I don't have the time to find it with a 19 month old and a baby! :)
Would you mind re-posting what you are using? Addison has been on the gas drops and Reflux meds and neither are working particularly well so I thought I'd try that.
Thanks!

We used Baby's Bliss Gripe Water. It worked OK, but Leo's real problem was reflux, not just gas. :(

Di

[dionysia]

I NIPed (Nursed in Public) for the first time today.

Ok, albeit it was in my OB/GYN's waiting room, but that counts, right?! ;)

We did a cradle hold, no Boppy, and Leo latched perfectly. It was a real ego boost for me. And for the 'discreet' crowd, the most you could see was about a 1 inch square area of my breast, between where my hand was (I have to compress the breast for him to latch on right) and his mouth began. My sweater was over the rest of the boob and his head blocked the view as well. Not that it really mattered in the waiting room, since the staff has seen it all before (and were encouraging!) and the 3 others in the waiting room were 2 young women (late teens, early 20s) and the teen's mom. The teen's mom was very sweet and asked about him after we finished and I was putting him in his car seat.

Of course, due to his continuing growth spurt, he nursed constantly while we were at home today. Tonight's 'highlight' (ugh) was him getting so worked up and frustrated that the milk wasn't coming fast enough that he'd latch poorly, fuss, throw his head around, etc. I kept trying to get him to calm down, switch positions, and such, but that didn't work very well. Eventually, we gave him some EBM and he was happy. I expect to wake up tomorrow and find that he's 6 ft tall. ;)

My appointment went well. I've gained a few pounds since my 6 week postpartum visit (4 weeks ago), but it's probably due to Thanksgiving. The soreness I'm still feeling is normal. Everything else looks good. Hopefully the PAP will be ok. I also got a flu shot.

Di

[batgirl]

Di Good for you! I am so nervous about NIPing, that I still go to a different room even at friends houses. I doubt I'll ever get over it.

lars That first pic of Lily is so cute! Love the smile!

DS is finally sleeping thru the night. Yeah! Only problem is that he is close to reaching the weight limit for the pack n play bassinet. I'm so scared to transition him to the crib, since he seems to wake up immediately when placed in it. sigh...

I feel like a bad mommy. DH is taking DS back to the doctor today to get the rotovirus vaccine. I wished I would have just decided to get it the first time. It would save him a trip to the ped, and more importantly, it would save him the risk of getting another fever from another vaccine. I hope he doesn't get a fever... I'll feel like really bad mommy. I guess its better than him getting a severe case of rotovirus, though, right?

Well, back to the ob/gyn tomorrow for me. Getting my IUD put back into place. Still wish I would have found a good shorter term option (DH and I decided that we will try for another baby in about 18mos or so!). Just never trusted the mini-pill (I can hardly remember to take my pre-natal anymore!)
After getting thru labor, IUD insertion must be cake! (At least that's what I keep telling myself!)

Take care everyone.

[Aletheia]

What a cutie Lily is!! And such a little computer geek already. :)

NIP- Not only has Ovi nursed in public, there's a picture of me standing nursing him in front of a Delta ticket counter in my hometown newspaper from the nurse-in. :o I guess I didn't get the modesty gene when it comes to "boobing" the baby. It's just hard for me to think of the boob as a sexual or even private part when it spends so many hours a day being a soda fountain.

We're at the in-laws' winter cabin right now and I'm trying to deal with the stress of MIL trying to be a very hands-on grandma. I have no reservations about breastfeeding anywhere, but it is hard for me to interupt her failing efforts to quiet my screaming baby. I got DH to do it for me today. :o

Hope everyone is well!

[Fireside Girl]

[QUOTE=batgirl;1093334]Di Good for you! I am so nervous about NIPing, that I still go to a different room even at friends houses. I doubt I'll ever get over it.

I'm exactly the same way.
But I think it's great if you can do it, Di and Alethia! I considered going to the nurse-in but in the end just couldn't do it.

I'm so jealous of everyone whose babies are rolling over consistently. While Braeden is talking up a storm, is reaching and grasping, and can stay sitting up without a lot of support, he has absolutely no interest in rolling over. He's very content to just lie there gazing up at his animals on the gymini(or if on his stomach just flat out lying there,sobbing!)

larslobster,
You must be so relieved that Lily is happier now!

[Koala_Gurl]

NIP - this is baby #2, so I think I am a bit more comfortable with it. I still try to go in a "quiet" corner, but yesterday I nursed a bit around Disneyland (sure they have the baby care center w/ a nice nursing room, but who wants to run to main street to nurse every time.) Its a Small World makes for a great place to nurse. Plenty for DS to look at, and it is dark and cool. :)

Fireside Girl - DS isn't rolling over either, don't worry! He is quite happy to look around and when I put him on his belly, he realizes his fist is there in his face not moving, so he is happy to sit there and suck away.

[Aletheia]

milestones... Fireside said she wished her DS was roling over more... my DS hasn't roled over yet! Nor is he grasping and/or reaching for things. He just started bringing his hands together in front of his face (which makes him cross-eyed :rolleyes: ) and there have been a couple of times he seems to intentionally lean towards things. But his biggest physical accomplishment thus far is just standing up for long periods of time, sometimes just with me holding his hands out at his sides.

I feel he is focusing more on verbal accomplishments. He can make rasberries now (bzzz) and has a wide vocabulary that he uses in an endearing conversational style.

Where are other folks' kids at?

[portlandbride]

Thanks ladies for the info on Gripe Water. I found some Baby's Bliss at Wild Oats so we will see if this does the trick.
NIP this is also my second so I am far more comfortable doing it than I was the first time around.
Milestones Addison is fairly needy, so she spends most of her time being held. She rolls a little bit to one side or the other but doesn't roll over. Hates tummy time but has excellent neck control. Loves to suck on her hands, but doesn't really reach for anything.
I found that since she is my second I am much less aware of what "milestones" she should be hitting. I guess that is because I am also busy running after a 19 month old! :)

[deliciousjones]

I found that since she is my second I am much less aware of what "milestones" she should be hitting.

Same here. I sort of miss the days where my only responsibility was making googly eyes at my newborn all day long.

[LyLMyssChaos]

update on Theodore:
At the doctor today he was 13 lbs. 5.6 oz. I tell ya, he is growing so fast, I can't keep up with the clothing rotation! He has become very verbal lately and has really started to react to toys, grabbing them and pulling them to his mouth to munch on. His tooth is about to break through as he has been two fisting it for a few days now. We did get some rough news about him today though, I took him to the doctor because he was congested and coughing (and my other two are on meds for the same symptoms; one has strep, the other an upper respiratory infection. And I'm on meds for a sinus infection) well, we came home with a nebulizer. He has asthma. I have never dealt with that in a child this young, so it ought to be an interesting ride. He has to have treatments every 8-12 hours for the next 4/5 days. Then the doctor wants to check up on him in 2 weeks. I have asthma, so I know what to look for, but I hope it's not too rough to manage in a little one. I do know that he DOES not like the mask that he has to wear for treatments, but that's okay cause the more he screams, the faster he takes in the medicine and the sooner he is done with that treatment. Never thought I'd be happy to hear my kiddo cry! :eek: :o

[Koala_Gurl]

Same here. I sort of miss the days where my only responsibility was making googly eyes at my newborn all day long.

Definitely!! I would never have understood this the first time around, but it is so different the 2nd time. :)

[Dotsie]

I agree. WIth Conor being my 2nd I am less aware of his milestone because life keeps getting in the way. I feel badly about that.
Conor tries to sit up now. He's been doing that for 2 days now. In his swing he will try to sit up (and winds up flopping over sideways) and when he's lying next to me on the couch.

[Adam's Pi]

LMC My 2.5 year old DS has asthma too, PM me if you want to chat. I hope you don't need to use the nebulizer full time.

--------

I also miss being able to focus 100% of my attention on my baby. It makes the time I do get to give her my undivided attention that much more meaningful.

DD is trying to sit up, too--she scrunches up into a ball, but you can tell what she's trying to do. She's also trying to roll, but only gets 1/2 to 3/4 of the way over. She's very, very vocal, much moreso than her brother was at this age, and we're loving it!!

[DallasLady]

Hi Ladies!

I'm a September Mama, though I haven't really been apart of the thread. I would love to jump in and participate. DD Alex was born on 9/18. I go back to work on January 4th. I'm looking forward to it in some ways, and dreading it in others.

[Fireside Girl]

DallasLady
I go back on March 1st. I'm really dreading it. It seems like the time I have left alone with the baby is slipping away faster and faster the closer that date gets.

[Dotsie]

ok, I'm at my wits end here. Conor is not an easy baby. He's a fussy baby. He cries nonstop and is sooo gassy. I had work today so DH had him. He took him up his mother's because he's been hysterical all day. He's not running a fever, nor is he "sick". We've already switched his formula twice (I'm no longer nursing because I thought I might be the cause) and now I think he might have to go on Nutramigen. That stuff is $25 a SMALL can. I just figured out that it will cost us about $600 for formula alone. I am hyperventilating right now. The dr wanted us to try it a few weeks ago but I wanted to give it some time. I don't think I can make any other decision than try him on it. We give him gripe water, gas drops, etc.
Thanks for letting me vent...

[{b}]

Dotsie - can you put him back to the breast? If that doesn't seem to be the cause, you can still BF. How long has he been on formula? Have you tried soy-based or goat's milk based formula?

Sorry you're having such a rough time!

[dionysia]

Dotsie-
Could it be reflux? Leo was so fussy and gassy until we put him on Zantac & I cut dairy out of my diet.

Di

[Dotsie]

hmm, I never thought about reflux. Would that make him spit up? Conor never, ever throws up. Gassy as all can be though. You can hear him upstairs when he gets going. I spoke with the dr last night and he said to get him some Nutramigen. I went to BRU and spent $23 for a 16oz can of powdered. The dr said he would help us out. We figured right now it will cost us about $400 a month. In a few months it will go up to about $600:eek:
He's been completely off the breast milk for about 4 weeks now:( I know I"m still lactating because if I don't wear a bra my shirts get pretty wet. Maybe I will try to go back to pumping. Conor will have no parts of the breast now.
It's so hard not to compare kids but oy, Aidan was a cake walk compared Conor.

[deliciousjones]

Oh Dotsie, I feel for you. Lots of pediatricians will give out generous amounts of samples of that stuff. I just had a client (who is a pediatrician) ask me if I needed/wanted any when we were joking about bartering. I wish I had known!!!

[brenda]

Dotsie - If you're still lactating, I definitely recommend going back to pumping. I've been doing it since Elizebeth was 2 weeks old (bad weight gain due to the extra effort involved in nursing with a nipple shield) and although it's a pain in the butt, it's free and E is healthy and happy. Even if you still supplement with the super-expensive stuff, and I'm pretty sure you'll have to for a while as you rebuild supply, it'll drastically reduce costs. You may even be able to train him back to the boob if you start offering when he's lucky for comfort sucking or as soon as he sends out hunger cues.

[Dotsie]

My ped gave me a weeks worth of formula (God Bless him). I think I am going to start pumping again. How long do you think it will take me to get going again with the milk out take? I know I'll only get a tiny bit at first. Heck I wasn't getting a lot to start with. I still have my hospital pump so who knows, maybe this just might work. I guess I'll have to pump every 2 hours or so to get going. Thanks for all the kind words and if any of you get enfamil coupons or checks, please think of me if you aren't going to use them.

[Koala_Gurl]

My ped gave me a weeks worth of formula (God Bless him). I think I am going to start pumping again. How long do you think it will take me to get going again with the milk out take? I know I'll only get a tiny bit at first. Heck I wasn't getting a lot to start with. I still have my hospital pump so who knows, maybe this just might work. I guess I'll have to pump every 2 hours or so to get going. Thanks for all the kind words and if any of you get enfamil coupons or checks, please think of me if you aren't going to use them.

I think I remember reading in the BF thread that you can expect to add an ounce a day?? I think there are a few people on that thread who have successfully re-lactated, and may be a source of great info.

In addition to pumping, I would also try what Brenda said about offering the breast if even for comfort sucking. It won't happen overnight, but if you keep trying it may happen that Connor may take back to the breast.

In the meantime, do you need any Enfamil coupon, or does it have to be for that brand? I get them in the mail every once in a while, so I'll let you know when I get one/some. :)

[Dotsie]

I think any enfamil check would work. Thanks so much. I rarely get them in the mail.
Conor is like a new baby. He hasn't cried at all today. Well, I mean he cried when he was hungry but he wasn't just wailing away.
I dug out my pump again. Keep your finger crossed that I can bring on the milk again!!!

[dionysia]

Dotsie,
If you are open to it, start taking fenugreek capsules. They are a galactogogue (increase milk supply).

I don't get Enfamil coupons, only Similac, but let me know if you want them!!

Di

[dionysia]

A certain someone has started grabbing things on purpose.

Uh oh. We are in for it.

Di

[Dotsie]

Thanks Di. I started taking fenugreek this afternoon. My lactation consultant also said to ask my dr for a prescription for Reglan. I started pumping again. It took 3 pumping sessions to get a total of 1 oz:o I'm going to order a Medela PIS tomorrow. I'm going to order from Hackley Home. Here's hoping I get it by Friday.

Di ~ Just wait until Leo is up and about. Then you're really in for it. I can honestly say the hardest age so far is 3. Aidan completely destroys the house in a matter of minutes. He's adorable but oh so destructive.

[{b}]

Yeah, Dotsie! Good for you! The PIS always seems to get rave reviews! It will be hard to get back intothe swing of things, but if you;re still leaking, that's a great sign!

Check out www.kellymom.com for articles on making pumping easier.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Dorothy- Hey there. I am going to go pry open your Xmas card & put an Enfamil coupon in it. You'll know why it is retaped:) I keep meaning to e-mail you but life is hectic in the least. Good luck with getting the bm going again. I have a PIS & love it. Wish I had gotten it when Alli was a newborn.

Hi to everyone else. Sorry I have been scarce but life with three kids is so busy (wondeful but busy)

[Dotsie]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I actually went and got the Ameda Purely Yours backpack today. I started pumping last night and was able to get about 1 oz:o My dr prescribed Reglan, I'm taking fenugreek and drinking water and juice like crazy. I'm also going off dairy. I've got to make this work.

[Aletheia]

oatmeal really boosts supply too! how about some cookies?

[brenda]

And there's always Mother's Milk Tea. It's funny, actually, now that I think about it. I have been known to get up, pump, feed the baby, get the baby back to sleep and then:
1) take my vitamin
2) take my fenugreek
3) eat a bowl of oatmeal and/or oatmeal cookies
4) wash it all down with Mother's Milk Tea

Can you say supply issues?

[portlandbride]

There is also something called More Milk Plus which is a tincture you put in water. I used it when I had to pump at work with my first daughter. You can buy it at most natural food stores like Wild Oats.
Good Luck!

[dionysia]

Good luck, Dotsie!!

I'm confident that you will be successful!

Di

[Dotsie]

I don't think I have a store called Wild Oats here but I will def look into it. I will start the oatmeal thing as well.
I pumped a bunch and got pretty much nothing but I did feel full this morning. I'm so excited to make this work. Again thanks for all the well wishes and advice.
Joann ~ Thanks for the coupon. I'll be sending out my Xmas cards this week.

[craftgenius]

Dotsie - Good luck with the pumping. It is a pain in the butt, but it's worth it.

Claire had her 4-month shots on Tuesday. The poor thing had a FIT when they stuck the first needle in her thigh. She was fine within a few minutes though. She is still a petite little thing...she is four months and only weighed 10 lbs 5 oz.

Holiday clothing - Anybody buy their baby's holiday outfits yet? I bought a Christmas Day outfit, a Christmas Eve dress (for church), and an all-in-one Christmas. I've gone Ebay crazy!

[craftgenius]

This is Claire's Christmas dress...

http://i18.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/7a/e2/9904_1_b.JPG

Here Christmas sleepers...
http://i3.ebayimg.com/02/i/08/e8/d3/4e_1.JPG

I bought this dress on Ebay too...
http://i4.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/7c/3f/7f81_1_b.JPG

This is her Christmas day outfit (from Baby's R Us)...It also has a matching hat and shoes...
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n150/craftgenius/Claire013.jpg?t=1166131915

[Koala_Gurl]

I don't think I have a store called Wild Oats here but I will def look into it. I will start the oatmeal thing as well.
I pumped a bunch and got pretty much nothing but I did feel full this morning. I'm so excited to make this work. Again thanks for all the well wishes and advice..

Hang in there! I am sure you can do it!!!

[portlandbride]

Dotsie try Trader Joes, it looks like you have them in Philly.
Again, good luck. I really commend you for trying to bring back the milk. :)

[Aletheia]

xmas clothes... too cute, craft! no, i haven't bought any for oliver. maybe i will now, though. :p

colds and naps... we're fighting off a cold here. :( to help him do it, i've been drinking lots and lots of water and keeping him on the breast as much as he'll tolerate. but i've also been encouraging him to sleep as much as possible, and he's now in his third multi-hour nap of the day. which got me to wondering how much your babies are sleeping and napping, and when. what is your babe's bedtime, waking in the am time, and nap schedule like? and does anyone have any advice as ovi and i tackle our first cold together?

dotsie- to encourage you... one of DH's attending physicians (DH is a resident) is known nationally for her work on getting adoptive moms to lactate w/o hormones. so anything is possible!

[MSH]

Diaper size
I need some help girls we are CDing but flying to Europe for the holidays. We will CD while there but use sposies on the flights (15+ hours). As DS hasn't been in a sposie since he was 1 week old I have no idea what size/brand to get. When he was a newborn he was in Huggies newborns and size 1. What size diaper are your babies in? What brand do you prefere?

DS is probably around 15 lbs now

[Rippy1010]

15 pounders wear a size 2. Size 2 is 12-18 lbs. I prefer Pampers (or Little Tikes), because Huggies irritates DS's skin and genitals. I've never tried Luvs. I personally think the Pampers Swaddlers "hold" the most ... as in less chance for leaking.

[ocgatita]

MSH - Our little guy is wearing size 3 in Kozy Kids brand. Although he isn't very chubby, he is a long baby and he started having quite a few leaks w/ the size 2's so it just depends on your baby.

HTH :)

~Judy

[larslobster]

Holiday clothing - I bought this outfit for this year:

http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.janieandjack.com/media/images/products/20060921_LOAD/1000-03870_Main_v1_m56577569830741302.jpg

http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.janieandjack.com/media/images/products/20060921_LOAD/1000-03865_Main_v1_m56577569830741278.jpg

http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.janieandjack.com/media/images/products/20060921_LOAD/1000-03864_Main_v1_m56577569830741272.jpg

But I'm watching the PBKids website to see if this dress goes on sale for next year and hoping a 12-18 months will fit since she'll be 15 months during the holidays:

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/pkimgs/rk/images/products/200648/0007/img75m.jpg

colds and naps - well, Tuesday and Wednesday night, Lily slept 9+ hours and most of the following days. I was hoping it was finally the start of her STTN and her starting to enjoy naps but I suspected she just wasn't feeling well since she also wasn't eating as much. I was right - she was back to her old self last night - slept one five hour chunk then up every 2 1/2 after that. And she's eating normally again too.

sleep schedule - Lily goes to bed at 8pm, something she just sort of started herself. I put her in her crib one night a few weeks ago for what I thought was a nap around that time and she slept 6 hours. :) When she started getting cranky at 7:30 the next night, I put her in her crib again and she again slept 6 hours. She's pretty much stayed on that schedule since then. She generally will sleep 5-6 hours that first chunk then is up every 2 1/2 hours to eat after that and wakes sometime for the day between 7 and 8. Napping is another story. We don't have any kind of schedule - when she starts getting crabby, I start the nap routine. Lily does not like to nap and fights them so it generally takes me an hour or so to get her down for a 20 minute nap. :rolleyes:

[Camdynlyn]

I've not been updating like I should.

Rolling over: Mia's been rolling from tummy to back since week 12 (she's now 15 weeks).

STTN: Also since 12 weeks on the dot. She goes down around 8:30 and sleeps until 6am.

Routine at night: We start our bedtime routine around 7:30. Bath, lotion/massage and nurse. She goes down easy.

Naps: She's now with a caregiver (a parent of one of my students). Mia's her only child since she's a SAHM and I get to see her 3-4 times a week during lunch to nurse her. Works out great because she drops her off in the lounge and I nurse while she spends some time in her daughter's Kindergarten classroom. Not too shabby. Mia's not a napper AT ALL. She used to nap MAYBE an hour a day (2 30 minute naps) but is now napping for 1-2 hours a day.

**
Overall, Mia's a really happy baby. She has a new facination with the TV and could honestly stare at it for hours. She is also grabbing onto things and 'talks' all the time. It's adorable.

[{b}]

Still no solid routine here, and that's Ok with us.

Wish she'd sleep through the night with greater frequency - we've had a few 6 hour stretches, just not consistantly yet - but she's EBF, so I don't expect her to go too long without nursing.

Just had her 3-month WBV and she's up to 11 pounds, 11.5 ounces. 90th percentile for length, 50th for weight.

No rolling over yet, though she seems to be gearing up for it. Lots of cooing and smiles and she's generally a very happy baby. Mama could use more sleep, but that's probably true of all of us!

[jbemommy]

Our sleep routine is soooo much better than it was! DS goes to bed around 7-8 pm, usually sleeps till around 4, then another 3-4 hours after that. Sometimes he'll have wake once more in the night, around 1 am. During the day, he naps about every 2 hours. One of his naps is usually 2 hours long, the rest one hour. He's so much easier to put to sleep than he was--he often just drifts off while feeding, other times it takes a few minutes of patting and rocking.

He still sleeps swaddled, once he figures out how to consistently get his hands in his mouth and suck his thumb, we'll stop swaddling (he won't take a binky). He also still sleeps in his swing :rolleyes: . Just when we were ready to try to wean him off it, he got a cold, and we didn't want to try then. Soon, though!

Life in our house is so much happier now that his colic is pretty much done. It's so wonderful to have a baby who smiles and coos at me instead of screaming and writhing.

[dionysia]

Leo's in Size 1, Pampers Swaddlers. We tried the Pampers Baby Dry and didn't like them as much. They tended to leak a lot. :(

Di

[Rippy1010]

Leo's in Size 1, Pampers Swaddlers. We tried the Pampers Baby Dry and didn't like them as much. They tended to leak a lot. :(

Di

YES ... the Baby Dry do leak much much more than Swaddlers. Isn't that strange?! We are trying cruisers toniight (just moved in to size 3 today) and they look to be even more absorbant than the swaddlers.

[{b}]

Yeah - we didn't like the Baby Dry either!

Lauren's still swaddled for most naps and at night. The Halo sleepsack with swaddler is the best invention ever. Except that she's getting too long (90th percentile for height - no idea where she gets that from, I'm 5'2"!) for the newborn size and I'm fearing the next size up won't have a swaddle option.

[deliciousjones]

we're in size 2 pampers swaddler diapers. we cloth diapered our first for the first year and it's killing me to see all of this waste but i'm struggling to keep us in clean underwear these days - no time at all for washing diapers!

we have been fortunate in the sleep department. eleanor sleeps from about 8pm-8am -- she started this at around 10 weeks. she's exclusively breastfed as well. she's takes two longer naps during the day and a few catnaps in between, like when we're out and about in the car.

lots of cooing and smiling and little hints of laughter, but no rolling over and her fists are still pretty clenched, so no grabbing onto things. she LOVES to be naked. LOVES it. the easiest and fastest way to calm this child down is to change her diaper. she'll go from full out tears to smiling in about 30 seconds if you take off her diaper.

~

has everyone had a chance to get out with their honey and let their babes be cuddled by grandma or whoever? we've had a couple of evenings out lately and it's been so great to get out of babyzone for a little while and talk about things that don't involve our children. =D

[Rippy1010]

has everyone had a chance to get out with their honey and let their babes be cuddled by grandma or whoever? we've had a couple of evenings out lately and it's been so great to get out of babyzone for a little while and talk about things that don't involve our children.

We've only done this once (DH has a weird work schedule). It was for my birthday, and DS was only 3wo at the time, so I spent the whole night missing him. :rolleyes: :o I guess we'll have to try it again soon ... but I just get so little time with DS as it is (now that I'm back working FT), that I think I would just miss him even more. :(

[Koala_Gurl]

has everyone had a chance to get out with their honey and let their babes be cuddled by grandma or whoever? we've had a couple of evenings out lately and it's been so great to get out of babyzone for a little while and talk about things that don't involve our children. =D

A few times (maybe two?)

It is funny how much easier it is to leave DS, since he is the second. (Maybe partially because he actually takes a bottle...DD wouldn't which limited our outings for the first year.)

BUT, we also have TWO small trips planned without the kids next year (in March and May...skiing and Hawaii.) I think we waited too long to do a trip w/out the kids and we are making up for lost time. Neither trip is long, but I am so ready for even a day w/out the kids. And I will have to pump & dump, since I can't bring breastmilk home on the plane, so I can drink and be an adult. (Can't tell I am excited??)

[LyLMyssChaos]

I would love to get out and away from the kids, but unfortunately with 3, it is tough to find a sitter who is willing to watch all of them, so we usually wind up with two different sitters in two different towns (my step-mom and my MIL) so we wind up spending more time being a chauffer than we get time alone! LOL

As for diapers, we are lucky enough that this time Theodore can tolerate Luvs, so we are using a size 3 Luv for now.

[RosegardenC]

Cameron is in size 2 diapers, we are using Huggies right now only because his grandma bought a huge box of them last time she was here, but honestly, I think I like Pampers better! they seem to keep the wetness off his skin better and he has developed a little rash from being damp...

Sleeping Cameron goes down between 8 and 9 pm (depending on how hard he tries to stay awake!) and sleeps until 3 or 4 am. he went to bed late the other night (11pm) but he actually slept for 7 hours that night! naps really depend on whats going on, sometimes he sleeps for a few hours sometimes only 20 minutes! but the first one of the morning (between 10 and 11) usually lasts an hour or two...)

no rolling over yet, but he keeps trying to pull himself up to a upright seated postion when he is lying on his back, and he has sat up for a few seconds at a time on his own.

[Fireside Girl]

Sleep
Braeden sleeps really well. We put him down at 8 and he sleeps until 4:30. He has a one hour nap at 9 and a 2 hour nap at 12.

Diaper Size
He's still in a 1. He could wear a 2, but the 1s still fit and we are working through the rest of the open package.

Going out for the night
My parents watched him overnight December 2cnd. I didn't think I was all that worried,but I ended up not sleeping ALL NIGHT, so maybe I was?

Rolling Over
He finally started rolling over back to front. Yeah!!!:D

Swaddling
We still swaddle him after his bath and before we put him down to bed. We don't do it that ti