Aug'05Moms: Welcome Arabella, Logan, Victoria, Ava, Logan, Aidan, Jeb, & Trenton!

[snowzilla]

Congratulations, and welcome to the world, Preston! :)

[snowzilla]

QOTD: Dry Babies?

Are any of the new mommies' babies experiencing dry skin issues? Avery is sooooo dry....I stopped using any kind of soap in her nightly bath and have just been using warm water, and we've been giving her a little baby massage every night with an Aveeno baby moisturizer. But it almost seems to be making it worse, especially on her hands, feet/ankles, and belly - or is it just a layer of skin peeling in a normal, post-delivery kind of way? :confused:

[LILRTL]

Congrats and welcome, Preston!!! :D

Trying to keep up...still reading along! :) The talk of sleep routines is fascinating to me. At this point, I have a hard time imagining Zack on any type of schedule. However, the book The Baby Whisperer or something like that has been recommended to be by my cousin. Their two children are angels, so I am debating on getting it. Thanks for the other recommendations!!!

And I will leave you with our first family photo (aside from hospital pictures). Please ignore my son's Alabama football uniform. My husband thought it was hilarious (since our entire families - including me - are Tennessee fans!).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d601b3127cce93d8ac6ef06f00000015109AbsmrJk5au

[LILRTL]

Carla Zack is extremely dry. I haven't stopped using soap...I have just started using lotion. :p I will let you know if I find anything that works for us!

[Mickey&B]

Welcome Preston! and Congratulations Kiley!

Wow I think their are only 7 babies left to be born!!!

Books
I have read Baby Whisperer and I really liked most of what she had to say, I am not a fan of crying it out so I don't think I'll even get into Weissbluth, obviously I haven't had to deal with sleep habits yet, but I ran across a book today that looked pretty good so I picked it up the no cry sleep solution I haven't read any of it yet but I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I do!

The count down is on I am being induced on Monday!!!! I have tried everything to try to coax this kid into comming out including acupuncture and no dice, even after losing my MP on WED nada! Geez talk about stubborn! :p

[stevesbabygirl]

Welcome Preston, I LOVE that name :D!

[philnikki]

Congrats to Kiley and welcome Preston!!

Mickey - Well it looks like its down to you and me for Monday! I have been trying to coax Ava out too, and she won't budge! I will be thinking of you!!

It has been so great to hear your questions and problems and thoughts about all of these newborn topics! Thanks ladies!!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Welcome to Preston and congrats Kiley!

Congrats Shellbell and welcome to Rachel!

Well we have just finished our first 24 hours home from the hospital. I am a little sore and very tired. Ben finally has the nursing thing figured out great. We almost didn't get to come home due to how lazy he was. Once we got everything lined up he was off and running. He is so cute, it is what saved Daniel from strangling him last night, he has days and nights completely backwords, he wanted to nurse almost constantly. I worked on getting him to stay awake some today. We finally got to see his eyes. I am hoping to get more sleep soon. I have had about six hours since the morning he was born. We keep getting visitors when he will nap and look cute, but that is when I wanted to sleep too. I am using this time period to eat something and come on here. My little tear is a little uncomfy in the desk chair though. I will have to wake him up before too long though so he can eat :rolleyes: which sucks since he can sleep through almost anything.

Sorry to anyone I missed!

[adore_one]

Welcome home Preston...What a cutie I cannto wait to see pictures!

Carla - the lady who did our newborn class said use extra virgin olive oil as a moisturizer it has been working out well for Robert.

Lora - The family pic is adorable!

Questions --
Is anyone having trouble with PPD? I am sitting here bawling tonight and ALL I can think of is how I am being treated like a baby here by the moms. They will not let me eat anything with onion, pepper, beans or anything remotely spicy. They went as far as taking away the little jar of MILD salsa I had for my tacquitos and saying (yes this is a quote), "Well if you want to eat onions fine - Be a BAD mother then and make your baby miserable" Well ever since then I am just a wreck. DH just says well it makes since you will give him gas like they say vs. standing up for me and well now they are making every meal and I have to eat friggen fruit like 5 times a day with little check ins of "Do you want a plum? I have an apple for you. Sorry if I am going off I just needed to vent somewhere. I think I may also put this on LJ - I swear I could just curl up and cry.

Is anyone NOT able to fit into their maternity pants they were wearing when they went into the hospital? OMG my butt has spread and my hips hurt SOOO bad still I canNOT fit into these pants and I don't know what stretches or what to do. If the chiro will work or what. I have lost 35lbs and I am miserable because I feel like I look huge still. I want to put on some type of pants/shorts but all I can fit into is my pj pants and yoga pants. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT TO DO?

[sarahanna115]

Hi everyone!

Congratulations to ALL the new babies, oh my gosh, they are all so cute and it is so exciting to see how many there are now that are here. Big hugs to all the waiting moms and I know your babies will be here SOON! :D

I wanted to just drop by and say thanks for all the prayers and thoughts! Noah is doing so well. :) He is off all the meds and is just on a little oxygen. We can hold him everyday now and we've even changed a few diapers - fun! I have been pumping like mad since they are feeding him 2 oz every 3 hours and that has been tough since my milk hasn't fully come in yet. But so far so good! His surgery will be next week, probably Wed or Thurs. We are living at the hospital - it's crazy! But it is so good to be with our little guy and he is doing so well.

Oh and I found out, he was 20" when he was born... ;)

Sneaking in a picture!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/P1000552.jpg

[adore_one]

Oh sarah he is precious your family is in our prayers.

[Amandabug]

Sarah, What a cutie!

[philnikki]

Sarah he is so cute!!!! Looks like such a trooper!! You guys are still in my thoughts and prayers!

[kmmommy]

Sarah ~ He's so precious! Your family continues to be in my prayers.

[MurphysLaw]

Congrats to Kiley & Aaron!! Welcome to the world Preston!! :D

Sarah he is absolutely adorable! Thinking about you all & keeping you in my prayers!!;)

Lora, that DH of yours is too funny...you *do* have some orange for that boy to wear right??;)

Carla - Lina was pretty dry too, she actually was peeling here and there(which DR said was normal). My ped told me that bathing every other day would help the skin issue since she was basically in a bath for 9 months, but not to be worried about the peeling. On the off days I wipe her down with a wet wash cloth instead of putting her in the actual bath, and I lotion EVERY day with Johnson's baby lotion. Plus at night I also use Johnson's bedtime lotion.

Stacy - I'm sorry you're dealing with this from the moms! As for the foods...my ped & obgyn BOTH say that NOT everything you eat effects the baby in the same way. Some thing that give you gas will give the baby gas, but some won't - it's pretty much trial and error. I'm sorry they are forcing fruit on you and won't let you indulge in what you want to eat, I can imagine it's pretty frustrating.:( PLEASE PLEASE don't let them make you feel like a bad mom because you are NO such thing!! Hope things get better sweetie, HUGS!!!

[LILRTL]

NURSING MOMS, HELP!!!! I think DS is having a growth spurt. MY NIPPLES ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. Last night, he nursed from 9-9:35, 10:35-11:00, 12-12:25, and then FINALLY fell asleep at 1, only to wake up at 3 ready to go again...and then again at 6 (which was fine). Then he was up at 8, 10:30, and now DH has him occupied, but he was screaming to eat. :( Any insight? I know he is getting enough milk - I can EASILY hand express even when he is finished...and I see it dripping all over him. Pleeeeeease help my poor nipples! :o

[Mickey&B]

Sarah Thanks for checking in, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers daily. Noah looks absolutly precious, so good to hear he is doing so well, and your amazing strength in dealing with all this is astounding!

Stacy I can't help you with the hip issue, but I wanted to say that when I took my BF'ing class the LC specifically mentioned that just because you eat spicy foods and such that it will effect your baby. especially if these were foods you were eating during your pregnancy because your child will have already been exposed to such foods, as Kim said it's trial and error. The LC put it this way "What do you think the mother's in Thailand do stop eating?" which made sense to me. Most importantly honey don't let the "moms" make you feel like a "bad" mom because you are NOT!!! some kids can't tolerate mom's eating chocolate or dairy are they going to strip that of your diet as well? Mom's can be such a PITA! gotta love 'em.

Nikki I'll be thinking of you as well! Good Luck tomorrow! What time do you go in?

I am off to finish last minute cleaning and such!

[philnikki]

Mickey - Good luck to you too!!! I go in at 6am. I will be thinking of you! Off to do some cleaning as well!!

[LeslieR]

Congrats Kiley and welcome to the world Preston!

Sarah, thanks for checking in. Noah is such a cutie pie! You are such a good mommy-you are doing such a great job pumping and staying strong for Noah. We're still praying for you guys over here. {{{HUGS}}}

Darrien, thank you for posting what your OB/GYN said about the milk coming in-I did not know that. Amazingly I have felt much better the past two days, so I'm willing to bet that had a lot to do with it!

Stacy, I wish I had advice on the hips issue. I'm still trying to drop my baby weight over here. I think I've lost about 30+lbs so far, but I still have 20 or so to go.:( I'm probably the only one that doesn't mind still wearing maternity clothes. lol They're just more comfy. Anyway, about the moms-I'm sorry they're treating you like a child and that your hubby isn't standing up for you. It would be so easy for me to tell you to stand up for yourself, but I know in this emotional state that would be hard to do. I would try talking to your hubby and see if he can't get on your side and get the moms to back off. YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOTHER!!!


Sorry if I missed anyone or anything important...

We had a ROUGH day around here yesterday. I must have picked up a virus of some sort because I had a fever of 102.2. I had uncontrollable shakes-it was horrible. I was trying to feed Luke and shaking like a leaf. Sal piled me with blankets and plugged in the hair dryer and was blowing that on me and I still could not stop shaking. It was horrible. I spent my entire day in bed while my mom and Sal struggled with Luke downstairs. He fussed and cried the entire day. They kept bringing him up to eat and it was getting to the point where he wanted to eat every 90 minutes. ugh. Then something amazing happened-I fed him at around 11, he fell asleep at the breast and slept until 3am! I tried to feed him again, but he just snacked. I changed his diaper and put him back down to sleep and he slept until 5! All of that fussing and crying must have tired him out. I still cannot believe he pretty much slept through the night. It didn't do me any good, though, since my sleep was all jacked up from being sick in bed all day.:rolleyes: I do feel much better today and he had a better day today, too, so we can only guess that he missed his mommy yesterday.:( I have a hair appt at 10am tomorrow, so I have to go figure out how to work my pump. I got some advice in the bf'ing thread to pump so my mom could feed him with a syringe while I'm gone if he's hungry. I'm thinking this is the best way to go as I don't feel comfy giving him a bottle yet (even though we broke down and gave him a pacifier today). I have to say that being a new mommy is so much harder than I imagined.

Question...when is the bleeding going to stop??? ugh. No AF for 9 months and then we're supposed to deal with weeks of bleeding? So unfair!

Peeling baby-yes! Luke's hands and feet are peeling like crazy. It's almost as if he is shedding a layer of skin.:confused: We have been bathing him every day and just switched today to nighttime baths. Maybe we need to do every other day baths instead? My favorite lotion by far is the Aveeno Calming lotion-it smells so nice. I was even putting it on me when I was pregnant. lol

[LeslieR]

Michelle and Nikki, good luck to you ladies tomorrow! Easy and smooth labor vibes to you both! I'll be thinking about you guys!

[Red'sGirl]

Welcome Preston! Congratulations Kiley!!!

Sarah Noah looks amazing. And he seems to be doing so well. That's a resilient little boy you have there. And so cute! :)

Carla Arrena practically molted for a week. She's still peeling a little, but her legs and torso have shed. Her hands and feet were just gross looking for several days. Her face is actually peeling today (her nose area). I think it happens all the time, esp. if the baby was a little late (the stuff covering them goes away).

LILRTL My nipples haven't been too bad lately, but they were pretty sore at first. My friend gave me something from MotherLove called nipple cream. It's all natural, and it not only soothes nipples (like the Lanisoh stuff), but helps heal them as well. I liked it more than the Lanisoh, but that's what that stuff is for, too. Good luck. If the latch is hurting, you might consider consulting a lactation consultant to help. They can save you a lot of pain.

Arrena sleeps next to us in a co-sleeper. However, over the last few days, she's regressed. She doesn't want to be put down, and only sleeps if we're holding her. I held her from 4am to 10am this morning (including feeding). She's fine, I'm exhausted. But during the day, there's usually a nap that goes on too long. I think that throws her off. I don't know. We've been waking her every 2 hours during the days, and trying to get her to sleep at least 3 hours at a time during the night. I think I might just try it the way many of your are, letting her sleep and feeding her when she wakes. Waking her is sometimes impossible and then she barely can eat. AND, (and I know this isn't a bad thing), she is now rejecting her pacifier. I know it's a touchy subject, but when we were in the hospital, she just always wanted to be on my nipple, even though she wouldn't always eat. They finally said that a pacifier could give me a break. She still bf's perfectly, so it doesn't seem to have done any harm. But now, she won't take it, and when she's awake, she's fussing.

QOTD: How much awake/alert time to you get in a day??

[August'05Mommies]

We should be updated to here!

Stacy, when you have a chance, can you post Robert's stats so I can add him to the babies by birthday list?

All other mommies who've had their babies, can you check your baby's stats to make sure they are correct?

Thanks,
Leslie

[shellbell516]

thank you all for the wonderful comments!!! We have tons of new pictures, just need to download from the camera. her color is getting much better and not so much red in the face.
She had her pediatrician visit this morning and is down to 8 lb. My milk came in today, so I'm sure she'll be puuting the pounds back on soon. The nights are not easy as we're still trying to get used to things. But she does so well during the day. Hopefully later I'll come back with a full birth story.


Congrats to all the new mommies!! I'm hoping I'll get some more time this week to catch up as our schedules are still trying to get straight. I need to get one of those books yall are talking about. We've got to get this up all night thing worked out sooner than later.

[Ellyn]

No news yet... :( Unfortunately. We were really hoping I'd go this weekend since Jake had 3 days off. But he's back at work today, I am feeling nothing and I am at school getting in an optional inservice day so I won't have to go on the day in Jan....I'll get that day off. So maybe this baby is just waiting for today to be over. :) My mom keeps reminding me not to "count my chickens" and I can still go until Sept. 7. Yeah, thanks for the encouragement mom. :rolleyes: My dad thinks it'll be this week. I am hoping it is this week. About 2 weeks ago I asked Jake when he thought I's have the baby and he said the 24th...and that was really creepy because that's the date I've had in my head! So maybe...this Wed??? I am going crazy. We didn't do a whole lot this weekend because we didn't want to get too far away and there's not a whole lot to do (not like we can afford to shop or anything now anyways) around where we live. We've been walking like crazy though - twice a day. And whoever says sex works is a liar too (probably TMI, but ugh!) I know I still have a little over a week left, but it is hard not to get a little depressed and annoyed as each day goes by with no baby. I was pretty crampy on Sat and then again on Sun morning, but nothing worth getting excited about. I did lose the rest of my mucous plug on Thurs. morning and this time it was tinged with blood. We'll see...

I am loving all the baby pics...keep them comin'!

Sarah - I'll be thinking about you this week and hoping everything goes well with Noah. What a sweetheart! :)

[Cosmogirl]

Yesterday was our first year anniversary! I just couldn't believe that one year ago, we weren't married, didn't have a house, or a son. What a big year this has been for us!

I was really nostalgic yesterday, wish I could have lived my wedding once more. To this day, this and William's birth are the 2 happiest day I have ever lived.
I have posted some pics on LJ..

Skin William peeled so muchtoo, but we are done with that now. He still has a rough spot on his nose, but that is it. I applied cream like crazy though!

Hips I went shooping this weekend. :rolleyes: I have lost pretty much all the weight I had gain, but I think that my hips just are wider now, and I don't think that will change. My feet are also wider :confused: :p wierd!
I guess this is allpart of being a mommy!

Bleeding It has stopped for me since about a week 1/2. FINALLY!

I have William's ped. appointment tomorrow. I guess we have tons of things to discuss. His fungus infection in the moth that just doesn't want to go, and the regurgitations that are getting worst and worst. I also have to talk to her abou his rage of eating when he take the bottle. He drinks twice the amount that he take from the breast :confused:
Oups...got to go, he is awake now!

[michael'sbride]

Bleeding Mine has just about stopped and I will be 5 weeks PP tomorrow.

Evan turned 1 month old last Friday...my how time flies! We also have another big event this week! Drew turns 2 on Friday. I can't believe how big my boys are getting!

I've posted a bunch of pictures in my LJ!

Lora I'm sure you're using Lansinoh, that would help a some. I think some of the other moms were posting about soothing nursing gel pads? Help me out someone? That may help relieve some of the pain.

Sorry that you're hurting. I wish I had something more wise to offer you!

[LILRTL]

Bleeding I am no longer bleeding...just some brown (very light brown) spotting. Not even enough to fill a "light" pad at night. Really just annoying at this point. I am 2.5 weeks pp. I feel very lucky!

Hips Mine aren't TOO too bad. I was able to put on my non-maternity jeans. They are TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT, but I got them zipped and buttoned! :D

Skin Already posted - it's getting better!

Nursing He is slowing down a little. He actually slept 2 hours yesterday!! Here's to hoping the growth spurt ends soon!!

[LILRTL]

QUESTION How do you know when a baby is ready for the next size diapers? I know Zack isn't quite ready for size 1's...but how do we know? It can't be all by weight. I am almost positive he is up to at least 8 lbs. now, and the 1's say 8-12 lbs. Help? :p

[Cosmogirl]

sorry, I'm typing one hand only!!!
pads mother mates hydrogel pads, they are heaven send!

Diapers I actually changed size, because they were hanging too low on his belly, and they were getting tight around his legs.

I'm purchasing another hotling today because mine is just a size too small.
I just can't decide between those 2:
http://www.hotslings.com/large_images/cradle6.jpg
and
http://www.hotslings.com/large_images/luckymodel5.JPG
please help!

[LILRTL]

Alright. I'm no help. But if this woman seriously has a baby this young, I want to kill her for being able to wear jeans AND a belt:
http://www.hotslings.com/large_images/cradle6.jpg
:p

[Cosmogirl]

I'm sure she bought bigger jeans to put the belt as an illusion :p

[LILRTL]

lol I hope so! ;)

[namrodda]

Well today's my due date and no baby :( I WISH the doctor had never said "oh you absolutely won't go past 39.5 weeks" ..gee thanks. I am having a bunch of contractions, stronger than usual but not consistent enough to time really. I just want to meet this baby, get the labor overwith and be able to forsee the next few weeks. My hips are aching so much if I sleep on one side for too long...and I seriously have small stretch marks on the inside of my thighs all the way to my knees from the hypertension swelling...ugh!

On a brighter note yesterday was Kevin's birthday and his best gift was the boat leaving again, without him! Theres a good chance he'll have to leave this weekend if the baby is here and healthy but nothing's for sure. His parents show up some time this week too...We are definitely changing our answering machine too....

You guys might have to rediscuss some of these new baby topics like peeling and breastfeeding...I'm feeling a little behind! Who else is still pregnant besides Ellyn??

Good luck to those being induced today!!!

[LeslieR]

Please! That's not her baby. lol

I like the second one better, Val. Is that fabric stretchy? I have yet to master my sling, but I've only used it once.

Thanks for answering about the bleeding. Sounds like it varies by person. ugh. It's not that bad, though, I'm just really sick of it! :mad:

I ended up being gone for my hair appt for 3 hours today because the stylist was a 1/2 hour late. :mad: Luke didn't do so well with the syringe feeding-my mom said he seemed really confused and didn't know what to do with it. :( Oh well, it was worth a shot. He was STARVING when I got home and I was about to burst, too. Guess I won't be leaving him for that long again until I feel comfy giving him a bottle.

No news yet on our inductees today, huh??? I'm ready for more babies! I tried to count how many mommies we have left to give birth, but I don't think everyone followed us over here, so I wasn't able to come up with an accurate number.

Ellyn, sounds like you're really close! Hang in there, your baby will be here before you know it (even though it doesn't feel like it right now).

[LeslieR]

Alice, it won't be too much longer for you either! I know it's tough, but hang in there. The pay off is worth it. ;)

I forgot to say Happy Anniversary, Val! It sure has been a big year for you guys! :D

[michael'sbride]

Val...I don't have a Hotsling, I have a Kangaroo Korner adjustable cotton pouch. Its very much like the second one you posted. I like that style because its very easy to use and it works really well for a newborn with a floppy head.

ETA: Happy Anniversary Val!

[Sarah]

August21- I am pretty sure you can mail your hotsling back to the maker, and she will fix it for you, for no charge. Not sure, though, just a suggestion, before you spend the $$ on a new one. I like the top one better.

[HollyMN]

I did it. I finally caught up. Now I'm wondering just why it was so important that I did that and not catch more naps. I'm happy to feel like I know what's going on with you guys.

Let's see, what was discussed lately? Bleeding? Mine is almost gone, just spotting now at 2.5 weeks.

I am so happy Caleb gained a ton of weight. He was 7-9 at birth, and then he was 6-13 when we left the hospital. He cried all night the first night home because my milk wasn't in yet, so I bet he lost even more. When I left the hospital one nurse sent me home with formula and I was supposed to see a lactation consultant. My milk coming in + using a nipple shield have meant I haven't needed to use either! I'm so happy he's gaining weight. He had his 2 week pediatrician appointment and I was hoping he'd be at or almost his birth weight of 7-9, but he was 8 pounds, 5 ounces!! The pediatrician said to quit keeping logs of his output, and to just keep doing what we're doing! I can't say that I enjoy breastfeeding all that much, but it is working now and I mind it less, and both make me happy.

Dave is still home. In fact he's going to be a part-time SAHD. This afternoon he is going in to an office for the first time. Most days are pretty good around here - we've only had a couple bad moments. I think having 2 adults for one infant right now is how we stay sane - I salute those of you whose husbands are back to work or have more than one child.

I've lost exactly half of my pregnancy weight. I weigh myself once a week. The first week that I don't weigh less than the week before will be the week I start exercising/diet again. Until then, I just do whatever. I'm worried about exercising again. I went jogging on my due date, but I couldn't have run that first week, and now I'm just worried about what it will be like. Now I'm mostly worried about what jogging with bfing boobs will feel like. I guess we'll have to time it right and start back in just walking. Just thinking ahead!

[beckie62]

I am still here. I mostly just read along though :)

I have another Dr appointment tomorrow morning. I haven't had contractions or anything lately so I am not expecting too much.

I do have to say that I am not to anxious about this baby coming. I am really enjoying my last little bit of time as a family of 3 :D

[shellbell516]

I just posted some more pictures in my journal, but gotta run and change a poppy diaper (again :rolleyes: ).

[alex67]

Just reading along and adding to the count of ladies still waiting on their little ones. No progress that I know of, nothing feels different to me. I go back to the doc Wed AM and could possibly be induced that day if I've progressed even a tad. :confused:

[Cosmogirl]

Leslie It is a bit stetchy, like jeans let's say. I really like it. I love my wrap, but for the convinience, this is the best. I haven't tried the KK adjustable pouch, but it also looks fab.

Thanks girls For all you wishes! A big year, but a fabulous one!

[Mickey&B]

Well I'm back home no baby today :( I went in this morning and they monitored me for awhile, baby is fine, fluid levels fine, and they could tell that I was cramping, but still only 1 1/2 cm and about 60% effaced so they inserted a prostaglandin (sp?) gel and sent me home. I have to go back on Wed morning and go through it all again :(
I am just incredibly disappointed, frustrated and emotional. I'm on the edge of tears most of the day. The more time goes on the more I wonder if a c-section is in my future at the same time I think well if he's not ready than he is just not ready, but I am miserable, I can't breathe most of the day and I am starting to wonder if I am having mini anxiety attacks :confused: I mean it's harder to breathe now than it was just a few months ago when he was wedged under my ribs, and it comes and goes throughout the day.

Okay that's enough venting I have to find something to occupy my time.

Slings For those of you who have them and have used them for nursing which ones do you or would you recommend. I have been thinking about getting one but my main reason would be to be able to nurse discretly while out and I know that there is some variation in them and some are better suited for nursing than others.

[LeslieR]

Michelle, I know exactly how you are feeling right now. That was me the Sunday I got induced and guess what? Luke was born the next day. You never know, the gel might do it's trick sooner than they think! Hang in there-I know it's tough. {{{HUGS}}}

[DnJ2002]

I moved from WC with the thread and am subscribed...and follow along consistently. However, I'm really bad at posting anything. This thread has been so helpful!
Since I'm listed on the thread, I figured I should at least update you all with my baby news! Our SURPRISE arrived on August 17-a girl!! (were all the surprises girls??). Her name is Arabella Hope and she arrived on my 30th birthday! I was a week overdue and, with no dilation or effacement, Dr. ordered and induction on the night of the 16th. After only 8 hours of Cervidil, I dilated from nothing to 3 cm/100% effaced; then with a small dose of pitocin (and an epi), I dilated to 10cm in 2 more hours, pushed for less than an hour. It went so fast. Guess after nothing going on, I just needed a jump start.
We are so in love. DH is loving daddy-hood and has been a lifesaver. I will be so sad when he goes back to work next week!
I wanted to post a picture but its feeding time-Belle has decided that she likes to cluster feed before bed...but luckily results in her sleeping for 5 hours!

[Kiley]

Preston is 5 days old today! How time flies. We saw the DR yesterday and he's gained all but 1 ounce of his birth weight. His color, circ. and cord look good. He's been eating lots and my milk is in. Last night he gave us 4 hours of sleep in one stretch! I'm doing okay; have some baby blues, I'm scared for when DH goes back to work next week, I'm sad that my nipples hurt and I'm sad that he's 5 days old already! Hopefully, this passes soon. I also feel bad because my normally super active husband is stuck at home with me. He always wants to do something and I just want to stay home. He just wants to show off his new baby to family and friends but all of them are at least 30 min away so a "short" visit could easily last 2+ hours and with Preston feeding every 90 min (sometimes more or less), it's hard. Anyway, we'll work it out soon. I'll try and post pictures sometime in the next day or so. Congrats to all the new mommies!!!

[daisysue62]

Grace is 25 days old today...holy cow! She's been eating a lot lately, almost every hour and sometimes even more frequently. Hello growth spurt! We're going to the breastfeeding clinic at the hospital today so they can weigh her and we'll see how much milk she's getting at a feeding. I tried pumping milk for the first time yesterday and got 2oz on each side. I'm hoping to introduce a bottle to her sometime in the next week. I'd like to be able to leave her for a few hours at a time every once in awhile, and on Sept. 10th I'll be away from her for about 4 hours so hopefully I'll have her taking the bottle by then!

Here's a pic from yesterday:

http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3A3%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2347%3D%3C85%3D%3B 99%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A566%3A%3B876ot1lsi

Kellie

[Sully130]

Just wanted to drop by with more congrats for the new babies! They are all precious. I hope that labor is super easy for those of you who are still waiting to meet your little ones.

[LeslieR]

Congrats DnJ and welcome to the world Arabella!
Yep, all the surprises so far have been girls. How cool is that?

We had a rough night last night because Mommy ate a bad dinner which gave Luke horrible gas. I felt so bad for him. He was up every hour.:( I really need to be more careful about what I eat. I've been pretty lucky so far, but apparently not anymore.

I need to buy some more nursing bras-anyone have any ideas on where to get some CHEAP ones??? And they have to come in big sizes. The ones I got from Maternity Mall still fit me and they are E's, but I only have 3 and now that I am wearing them to bed at night, I'm going through them like crazy. :rolleyes:

[LILRTL]

Leslie I have bought all of mine at Motherhood. The most recent were only $12...in a size F. :o Maybe you could check there? Sorry you had a rough night...we're having lots of those right now...growth spurts are fun. :p

Congrats, DnJ!!!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Don't feel bad about the F! I was about to burst out of mine yesterday since that was the first full day of having milk in. I was soaking through the nursing pads in a few minutes during feedings :o

We are doing great! We had to go in to the hospital lab for few minutes yesterday, he still looked a little yellow, turns out it is just his coloring. He is sleeping great. I can't wait until we don't need to put the ointment on his circ site though. Daniel goes back to work on Thursday. I will miss him soo much.

Sorry for any problems with my typing. I am in the middle of a feeding, and my one handed typing skills aren't the greatest.

[shellbell516]

Rachel is also 5 days old today. We had another pediatrician visit this afternoon and she's finally gaining weight. She was 8lb 10oz at birth, 8lb 3oz before we left the hospital on Saturday, 8lb on Sunday at the dr visit. Today she's 8lb 3.5oz. I guess my milk coming in has made a huge difference.

I need to get more nursing bras too. I have one from Target that I wore yesterday and hated it. Very uncomfortable. I like the other I have from Motherhood much better. If they're still $12, I need to go stock up!

After taking a shower this morning I was trying to decide which to put on first, underwear or bra. Well, after trying to gather up all the stuff I need to doctor my bottom up I was dripping milk on my feet. :o I guess I should have put the bra on first. I'm still learning.

[LeslieR]

After taking a shower this morning I was trying to decide which to put on first, underwear or bra. Well, after trying to gather up all the stuff I need to doctor my bottom up I was dripping milk on my feet. I guess I should have put the bra on first. I'm still learning.


Oh how I relate to this! There were days where I was either dripping milk or blood on the bathroom floor.:rolleyes: That whole bathroom process took soooo long the first 10 days or so. ugh. Maxi pads, breast pads, blah. Speaking of which, I picked up a box of Gerber reusable pads last week at Target and used them for the first time today. I like these soooo much better than the Lansinoh disposies. There are only 6 in a box, so I'm going to pick up another box tomorrow.

Still no news on yesterday's inductees? And weren't some mommies being induced today, too???

[LILRTL]

x-Posted with my journal! Zack had a doctor's appointment today! :)

ACK! I forgot to update! :o Zack's weight has done the following:

Birthdate (8/4): 7 lbs. 13 oz.
Going home (8/6): 7 lbs. 3 oz.
First appointment (8/8): 7 lbs. 2.5 oz.
Milk came in: 8/8
Three Week appointment (8/23): 8 lbs. 6.5 oz.

His doctor was VERY pleased. He said that normally at this time, BFed babies are just now to their birth weight. So, go me! :D He goes back in a month for another check-up and to begin vaccinations. (Still not set on that...)

[snowzilla]

Breast Pads: I used disposable pads with DS and DD, but this time around I'm using Lilypads. And omg, I wish I had known about these sooner! Being able to sleep without a nursing bra on is heaven. I've only had one leakage incident so far, and that was in bed because I must have knocked the one pad crooked while I was sleeping. I have a full box of disposable pads that I bought before I got the Lilypads, and I wish I hadn't opened it, because now I can't return them. :( Oh well, they were cheap.

[Cosmogirl]

SO after one month of life (and eating like a little pig!) William has gain 3 1/2 pounds :eek: :eek: The doc just couldn't believe it.
That is the good news...(not for my poor nipples though!) The not so good one is that he might have a stenosis of his rectum. He might need surgery :(
So please send prayers this way so that everything turns out fine.
Got to go, hungry AGAIN!

[LeslieR]

The thing I didn't like about the disposable breast pads is that they would get all crinkled up in my bras and tanks from my general movement and the paper would hurt me. :(

Val, great news about William's weight gain! You are doing such a great job, mama!!! Will definitely keep him in our prayers. When will you know for sure if he has the stenosis?


Was it Lora that asked about going up in diaper size? We have just officially graduated tonight to size 1 as Luke kept peeing out of the newborn size. I had *just* changed his diaper and his clothes because he peed through them onto me while I was feeding him. I gave him to my mother and he peed on her! I think that's as big a clue as any. Not to mention the newborn size was starting to seem snug on him. I don't think you can really go by weight. The newborn size swaddlers are supposed to be for up to 10lbs, but Luke weighs 9lbs 1.25oz as of his last appt.

[sarahanna115]

Noah is a week old today...he is having his open heart surgery tomorrow at 7:30. It has been such a long week. I am in so much pain from pumping! Lanisohl helps a little but it is like going and banging my fingers with a hammer for 30 minutes (for only 2 measly ounces)! Of course with the stress and not sleeping and eating enough, I'm sure it makes it all the more difficult. I am trying to drink lots of water...sigh...still wishing for a bigger milk supply though. (Milk came in 4 days after his birth.)

He is so alert and is crying more, he has been through SO MUCH. He is our little trooper. We are so nervous about his surgery tomorrow so please if you think of us, say a pray for him, for the surgeons, for us to be calm. It is scary.

Everyone sounds like they are doing great. :)

[michael'sbride]

Sarah...your such an amazing Mommy. I give you so much credit for holding up so well. You should be so proud of yourself. Stay strong tomorrow for Noah...he needs your strength right now.

You will be on my mind and prayers all day...please update us when you can.

[Mickey&B]

I am still here, I go back to the hospital tomorrow morning to be monitored again and checked to see if I am more favorable for the induction if I am then I stay if not then who the hell Knows anymore :confused: I hadn't planned on going past Monday so I never asked. Well see I don't want to really get my hopes up but hopefully the prostoglandin gel did the trick and we can have our baby tomorrow!

Sarah I'll be praying for you guys!

Val Hoping your little guy doesn't need surgery he will be in our prayers as well!

[HollyMN]

Anybody have the diapers figured out? Caleb has peed through newborns, size 1 and size 2. I got diaper cakes at my showers, so we have a lot of different sizes. Sometimes I feel him pee on me while we're nursing, it's been up the top and out the leg. I guess we need a different brand? We have a bunch left to use though.... He has gained past the newborn size, but 1's and 2's haven't worked either.

[sdauer21]

Sarah I don't know if I even got in here to congratulate you on Noah's arrival, but I wanted to let you know you, Jeremy, and baby Noah will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I hope all goes perfectly, so Noah will be home with you soon. I am amazed at your strength through all of this, and echo Melissa's thoughts that you are such a spectacular mama. Hang in there!! Lots of hugs and prayers to you. :)

Hi all!! There are lots of new mamas and babies to welcome. Sorry I haven't been in much - we were gone this weekend, and I just can't seem to get caught up. I'm so glad there are so many babies coming now! I'm sure the moms who are still waiting are getting anxious! ;)

Diapers My little piglet graduated to size 1's about two weeks ago. The newborn ones just seemed too snug on her, so we switched up. Holly - my only suggestion would be trying different brands (total pain when you have stockpiles to use up!!). I have a strong preference to Huggies over Pampers. The pampers seem to leak much more then the huggies. When Tallie got older (closer to a year), we tried the cheapy Walmart ones, and found those worked just fine, too. I'm using pampers now, but only use them during the day, when I can change Abby frequently. I use the Huggies at night, to keep her dryer.

Bleeding I'm 4 weeks out today, and condsider my bleeding to finally have stopped. I think I prolonged things by not drinking enough water and pushing too hard last week and the week before, but I think my body has caught up.

Nursing pads Ugggh - I hate these things. I'm considering trying out the Lily Padzs. A friend of ours used them, and swears by them, but I'm cautious about shelling out money only to find they don't work. The thought of making it through the night without having to change jammies 2 or 3 times, though, is so so tempting!! :)

I'm sure there's more, but I need to get to bed. My sleep has been all messed up lately, and I'm trying to get back on a more normal schedule. Thinking about all our moms-to-be!!! I love coming in here and reading about the recent arrivals! :)

[MurphysLaw]

Thoughs and Prayers for Sarah, Jeremy & Little Noah!! Hope all goes well today. Stay strong & know that we're all thinking of you. And please keep us updated when you can. ;)

Thoughts and Prayers for Val & Little William too! Hope he doesn't need surgery!!

Congrats to all the new mommies & new arrivals!! I'm thinking of you all!

Bleeding - I'm still spotting once in a while, but kinda like Lora said, it's only enough to annoy me really.

Pads - I'm using the Lansinoh disposables. Oddly enough I don't leak a lot. :confused: I'm having some pain in my BBs though...the nipples are a little sensitive from nursing so much(growth spurt) and pumping too....but I'm getting shooting pains/tingly sensations that come from all areas of my breast down through to the nipple...does this make sense to anyone?

Diapers - My little one just went from preemie diapers to Newborn ones a little over a week ago...but there didn't seem to be as much of a difference between those like there are between Newborn and size 1 so I'm really no help there! Sorry! :(

As far as her weight goes:
Birthdate 8/01 - 5 lbs 2 oz
Came home 8/04 - 4 lbs 13 oz
8/04 Milk Came In OUCH
Blood drawn for bilirubin 8/06 - 5 lbs
2 Week appt 8/15 - 5 lb 13 oz!
3 Week appt(thyroid test)8/22 - 6 lbs 9 oz!! :eek:
She has her next appt. on October 5th when they start vaccinations. :( I've bawled every time they've taken blood for her bilirubin & this week for her thyroid test. I'm sure it's not going to get any better. This week she got so upset that REAL tears came out...it felt like my heart was breaking!:(

Okay, I hate to go but I'm exhausted...I just wanted to post a little bit of an update and say hello to everyone! I miss you ladies so much!! Hope things get back to normal soon. Until then......

HUGS!!

[LeslieR]

Sarah, I'm not sure if Noah is still in surgery right now or not, but I am sending up lots and lots of prayers for him and his dr's and nurses and for you and for Jeremy. He's such a strong little boy just like his mama and he's going to come through this with flying colors! You are doing such an awesome job pumping for him. I've only pumped twice and while I was doing it, I thought about you and all the other moms who pump every day and how dedicated you are. You are a great mommy-you should be so proud of yourself!

Holly, I thought I had the diapers figured out, but apparently I was wrong. Luke is definitely ready for size 1, but he's peeing through these, too.:rolleyes: My mom figured out if we point his penis down, that seems to help. The wet spots are always on his left or right side, so I think the pee is shooting up the top of the diaper and coming out the side. I had changed him and put on a fresh sleeper this morning only to have to change him again ten minutes later because he was wet again. I think we're going to tape his penis down next time. ;)

[LILRTL]

Definitely point the penis down, ladies! :D This saved us lots of head-aches! We started doing it in the hospital. We have had a few leaks, but not too many. And we have actually found that for Zack, Pampers are better. So weird how everyone is different!!

Huge prayers for Sarah, Jeremy, and Noah! Hope we hear some good news soon!!

[Cosmogirl]

GOOD LUCK NOAH!!! Praying for you little man!

William Sorry about the short post last night, but he caught me by surprise in his never ending growth sprut!
So we'll meet the surgeon in about a week. (it is always long to have an appointment here)
Since a couple of days, he is really incomfortable in his belly. He has to push so hard when he has a bowel movement, he is SO uncomfotable. It is nearly the only reason he fusses lately. He has LOADS of gaz, and when the Dr examined him yesterday, she couldn't believe how bloated he was (and he is always like that)
She examined his bottom, and saw that there might be a stenosis that makes him be that incomfortable. That would explain why he has to push so hard (sometimes, it makes hi regurgitate all he hd previously eaten!)
Surgery is usually the way to go, but she talked to me abgout new less invasive methodes to solve the problem. (that might have less potentiel complications...)CROSSING FINGERS!!!
I wouldn't want William to have to have surgery, I REALLY hope he'll be able to escape from that. But at the same time, if that makes him feel better and less frustrated, and less pain, I'll go for it right away.
So hoping everything will turn out fine, I'll keep you posted.

On another note, William will be baptized Sept 3rd. Should be fun!

[wildcat]

AVA GRACE is here!!

I received this email from Phil at 1am this morning:
"Ava Grace was born Tuesday Night at 9:04 pm. (39 hours later for Nikki) She is 7.7 oz, and her length is 20.5 inches. Mom and baby are tired, but doing very well."

Congratulations Nikki!

He also sent some pics, but I have to figure out if they wanted me to post them here or not first!

(btw - Nikki is co-moderator of the Sept moms thread with me, but has posted in both as her due date fluctuated between the two months and asked me to update everyone here!)

[LeslieR]

Congrats Nikki and welcome to the world Ava!

Thanks for the update wildcat! 39 hours of labor.:eek: And I thought my 25 hours was bad. Poor Nikki!

Val, poor William! ITA, anything to make him feel better!

My mom and I are going to take Luke shopping today. Should be interesting! lol I don't know why I am so nervous about taking him out. I think it's the possibility of NIP that has me apprehensive. Oh well, gotta get through it sometime-better sooner than later!

[alex67]

Welcome Ava and Congrats Nikki!!!

My thoughts are with Noah and his family. I pray his surgery was successful and recovery will be quick.

My update:
Had a doc appt this morning. Very little progress but at least there was some. I am 1 cm dilated. Whoo-hoo. Trenton is still pretty high so the doc will not induce yet. I go back next Tuesday and try again. Sunday is my official due date and I cannot believe I might go over (if labor doesn't start on its own later this week). I always thought I'd go early for some reason. Oh well, every day is one day closer right?

[hiphopgirl]

Hi all, sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've had a ton of visitors and I just can't seem to figure out any time to get online. Congratulations to all of the new moms. I hope to catch up with all of you soon.

In the meantime, I have great news - Victoria Grace Huckaby was born on August 23rd at 8:20 am. She was 7lbs 15oz and was 21 inches long. Ericka husband called me yesterday and this is the first chance I've had to post. Congratulations Erika and welcome to Victoria. We can't wait to see pictures :)

[daisysue62]

We're still using newborn diapers and Grace will be 4 weeks old on Saturday! We're currently using Pampers and like them better then Huggies which started to leak poop blowouts...NOT fun. However, we have a large package of size one Huggies to try out after we use up the last of the newborn diapers. I'm actually contemplating going to the store and switching to Pampers because they seem to work better for us...

As for weight gain:

Birth 7/30: 6lbs 9oz
Hospital Discharge 8/1: 6lbs 3oz
2 week appointment 8/12: 7lbs 2oz
Yesterday 8/23: 8lbs .7oz

[LeslieR]

Congrats Erika and welcome to the world Victoria!

[Red'sGirl]

Sarah My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know Noah will do great.

august 21 here's hoping William won't have to have surgery. Poor guy!

Welcome Ava and Victoria, Congratulations Nikki and Erika!

Arrena is 18 days old now. Every day gets a little easier. Robert went back to work on Monday, and I was so scared it would be out of hand. But she and I are working on a routine. Sleeping at night is still a challenge. Once she's asleep, she does o.k. I can even feed her and change her and put her back in bed without crying. But putting her down initially still takes a while. Right now, she's in the sling. I've been trying to have her in it at least 15-30 mins a day, so she'll get use to it. We're even going to take a walk today!

As far as the poop issue - it's over. she's even had a few poop blow-outs, so I'd say her system is fine again.

Here are her stats:

Born 8/7: 7lbs 4oz
Leaving hospital: 6lbs 10oz
1st Dr. appt: 7lbs 2oz
Last appt: 7lbs 8oz

Kiley Don't worry about not wanting to do things just yet. The truth is, we're supposed to limit baby's exposure to people, etc. for the first month or two anyhow. And no other babies around them (that aren't in their family) for 2 months - I think. So even though DH wants to go see a lot of people, you can honestly say that it isn't a good idea.

QOTD: Those of you who do NOT wake your baby up every 2-3 hours to feed, did your Doctors ever mention this to you? Or did they give you different advice? (just curious what other Dr.s think).

[LeslieR]

We haven't had a 2nd dr's appt yet-I don't think we have another one until next month, but here's Luke's stats for his weight:

born 8/8: 8lbs 14oz
discharged 8/10: 8lbs 10oz
1 week dr's appt 8/15: 9lbs 1.25oz

Darrien, Luke tends to wake up on his own for his feedings, so I don't bother waking him. Last night he slept from 10:30pm to 3am without waking and I thought I was going to burst when I felt my breasts. lol It's a good thing he woke up then because if he hadn't, I would have kept on sleeping. Anyway, the peds never said anything about waking him to eat, but the LC and the nurses at the hospital were both on the 'wake him up to eat' bandwagon. Per their advice, I planned to do just that, but I haven't had to wake him up to eat since the first day we brought him home.

[Red'sGirl]

Leslie Hhhmm. I was wondering how many Dr.s etc advocate this. Even at 10:30 to 3am (lucky girl!), we would have awakened Arrena at least once or twice. Now, we decided to go more on her schedule - at least at night. During the day, I feed her pretty often - but at night, I think we'll let her sleep a bit more and wake to feed. She hasn't slept THAT long, but we've had a solid 4 hours once or twice. Plus, waking her to eat is just impossible. After a couple of sucks, she's out again.

I don't think I ever did my birth story, so I'm going to Xpost it here. If I've done this once already, forgive me. You know how baby brain/sleep deprivation affects you. ;)

Friday Aug. 5 around 10pm, I started getting BHC. They weren't any different from what I had before, not painful, but they were frequent. They continued all night long, so I got very little sleep.

Saturday Aug.6th, my MIL is at the house, and my sister drops off my mom (both are from out of town). I warn them that I might be in labor. At 11am, the BHC give over to contractions that are more painful. I can definitely tell the difference. The contractions are coming fairly strong and about 6 mins apart. They're lasting about 45 seconds. At 1pm, I finally say we need to go to teh hospital. Dh isn't sure, since they aren't 5 mins apart, 1 min long. But I insisted - they were begining to hurt! We get to the hospital around 1:30am and I'm checked out. The nurses actually tell me that I am only 1cm dilated, and that they'd see me TOMORROW! And they send me home.

Saturday 3:30pm - the pains are coming very fast and very strong. Much harder than I had anticipated. And none of my exercises are helping because the pain is in my back. I tell the family that I am going back to the hospital - for drugs if nothing else!! Everyone loads back in the truck and we go back to the hospital. This time, they find that I'm 4.5-4cm dilated! They were shocked, since it usually takes 10 hours to get from 1-5 cm. They admit me, and I gratefully take the first narcotics they offer. :-) Especially since it was going to be some time before they could get me in a L&D room and to an epidural. In the room was girl who was screaming from the pain. At one point, the nurse changed my contraction readouts to show hers, and out of 100, her contractions were at about 40-60 - and she was screaming bloody murder. Meanwhile, DH is appalled because my contractions are at 100, and ended at 60 (they never dropped below that). But since she was going crazy, they had to get her out of there. I didn't get into a room until 7:30pm

Got the epi at 8pm and have no idea what happened between 8 and 4am. My mom, MIL, Dh, and friend T, were all there - talking to me, telling me when I had contractions. Before I knew it, I was at 10cm, but the baby was still fairly high. But I could feel her moving down (the pressure). Finally, the nurse said I could start pushing soon, but then my Dr. was too far away adn running late. So for 20 mins, I had to pant and not push. Finally Dr. arrived, and I started to push. I meant to kick the moms out, but didnt' care once it got going. So I pushed for about 30 mins and out Arrena came! I didn't get to hold her immediately because there was meconium in my water, so they had to clear her lungs first. But soon after......!!!

My MIL actually took pics of teh birth! yuck. So Arrena Ruth came into the world at 4:33am. August 7th. She missed my grandmother's birthday by 4 1/2 hours (Aug. 6th). I think my mom was disappointed about that, but.........

Anyhow, that's how Arrena arrived into this world!

[MurphysLaw]

Welcome Ava and Victoria, Congratulations Nikki and Erika!

Waking to feed - Angelina's been pretty good about waking on her own also. my Ped did tell me to wake her though...but he encouraged me to do so because she was a preemie & a little jaundiced. He said the consistent feedings would help. She's also had one or two 4hour patches, which he said was fine but said not to go any longer than 4 hours...not until she's a little bigger.

BTW, Lora... I got the announcement and it is just precious!!:D They really turned out great...Zack is SUCH a cutie!

Hope everyone is doing well...hugs!

[Red'sGirl]

By the by.

Arrena is suffering from baby acne! It started on her cheeks last week, and now her whole forehead is peeling AND broken out. I'm beginning to think it's not just regular baby acne, but an allergic reaction. They (books) say that if it shows up before week 3 (she just started week 3), it might be an allergy - most often cow's milk.

I had milk today, and I could swear that more bumps appeared. So I think I'll go off milk for 10 days and see if this clears up. Poor girl!

[LeslieR]

Darrien, yeah, Luke doesn't usually sleep in stretches for that long. It's pretty much 2-3 hours like clockwork. We had gone for a walk yesterday and had the windows in the house open for a time and that seemed to aid in him sleeping in longer stretches. We had the windows open all day today, so we'll see if that rings true again. One of the things the LC said to me at the hospital was that babies need to get their 8-12 feedings and if they don't get them in during the day, they will want them at night.:eek:

I hope Arrena doesn't have a milk allergy.:(

[LeslieR]

It sure is quiet around here lately! Looking forward to more baby news!!!

Sarah, check in when you can and let us know how Noah's surgery went. Still thinking about you and sending prayers up!

So the disposable nursing pads have worn out their welcome as well.:rolleyes: Good thing I didn't buy a second box! I found some Lilypadz on ebay just now-2 pairs for $29.95, so I bought them. Hopefully the seller ships them out ASAP! After our trip to Target yesterday went south with Luke throwing a fit and crying the whole way home, I sent my mom out this morning to Kohl's to find some new bras for me. Hopefully she will get lucky.

And, in even better news: Luke slept for another long stretch last night-10pm to 2am or so! I could definitely get used to this!:D

[QPDoll]

Just want to check in and say hello, and congratulations to all the new mommies!

We are surviving here, each day things get better and better. They are sleeping longer now - waking to eat every 3-4 hours, and they have much better head control so tandem feeding is working out finally. My milk has pretty much dried up, so were just using Similac.

They are one month old now and are really gaining weight well.
At birth, they were 7lbs 3oz and 6lbs, now they are 9lbs 3oz :eek: and 8lbs :eek:. Technically, they should be in 0-3 month clothes, but Nate, at 8lbs still is in newborn sizes (and those are too big), Pete is perfect for newborn and smaller 0-3 month clothes. Pete has progressed to Size 1 diapers, Nate is still in newborns. I officially hate Pampers, the tabs suck, and the sides are so gauzy it drives me nuts. So Im a Huggies fan, at least for now. No wetness problems, even with Pete, my must-saturate-every-diaper boy. Nates a pooper, Petes a pee'er (expecially when the diaper is off).

Im getting braver and more confident with the boys. Yesterday I left the house by myself with them. We went to Walmart for more bottles (Playtex Vent Aire's are awesome), Fred Meyer and my old work. Had to bring the boys in to show them off to co-workers. LOL

Im 10lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight, and back into my regular clothes - except my body is a different shape now. 10lbs lighter doesn't equate to being thinner!

Well, I better go. Got to do some chores - the diaper pail is about 4 feet from me and stinking to high-heaven. Puke. Must clean up all the bottles and burp cloths from the night shift.

[kerbahr]

Hi all... just stopping to see what's new and to try and catch up.

Emma & I are doing well. Daddy went back to work on Monday, and things were a bit hectic not having him here, but things are great now. I so don't want to go back to work...

Hope all is going well with everyone here. I have been thinking about and praying for Sarah, Jeremy & Noah. I hope all is well with them.

Emma's stats:

Born: 9lbs 6ozs
Discharge weight: 8lbs 14ozs
08/15: 8lbs 9ozs
08/17: 8lbs 14ozs
Yesterday: 9lbs 10ozs

It's good to know she is finally gaining weight! She had a few problems BFing at first, but I think we have it figured out now!

Take care, everyone!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Hello to all! Today is Daniel's first day back at work, so I have some free time. Well it is lunch time for me, but I can call that free time. :D

We had our first outing yesterday other than to go see Daniel's coworkers. We took Ben to the mall cause he needed a few new clothing items, and I needed pads and bras. He loved sleeping in his stroller while we got what we needed and ate lunch.

Diapers The Pampers don't work for us since Ben is so long. The newborn Huggies don't fit the greatest, but they don't leak as bad. We are still putting the ointment on his circ so they repel moisture very well. :rolleyes: We go through sooo many outfits and changes of sheets, although it is very easy to tell when he needs changed since he soks everything within a foot.

[Daniel's Kitty]

http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B%3B%3B523232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2353%3D9%3B7%3D3 66%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A627%3A5342ot1lsi

This should be a picture of Ben curled up in an outfit that my mom got for him. He looks cute and tiny in it, until you realize that it is a 6 month outfit. I think it is cool since you can see his toes, and he isn't on his side (he rolls onto it unless you hold him onto his back).

We love him soo much. I am going to post pics in my CC journal too. But I had to put one here.

[bombedier]

Logan Kenneth Anderson B is here!

Actually, he arrived Friday 19th August 7:51pm EST, weighing in at 6lbs 12oz and 19.5 inches.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d602b3127cce93f4fff518a200000016108IasmzFw5Z-

Thursday afternoon I get to the doctor and they confirm my water had broken. They put me on the NST machine to make sure that the baby was reacting fine to the contractions (I didn’t even know I was having). All was well so they sent me home around 5:30pm. Around 8:30pm, it was clear I was in labour. We hung out till 10:30pm and I decreed it was time to go to the hospital. We got the at 11pm and were admitted. My favourite mid-wife (who I had seen that afternoon) was on duty – she checked me and I was only 1cm dilated, so decided to give me something to sleep that night. Friday morning, I woke up and the contractions had stopped. Since my water had been broken for at least 24 hours by our reckoning, they put me on pitocin at 9:30am. I was in labour pretty soon after that – and it was back labour!!! Holy shit! They kept turning up the pitocin and I kept trying to get through it. By 3pm, I asked for something to take the edge off – they gave my nubain which did bugger all!!!! At 3:30pm I screamed for the epidural (whoever invented this, I love forever!). By 4:30pm all was good with the world and I was able to sleep – the contractions all day had me exhausted, so it was good that I did give in – I would never have had the energy to push. I was 3.5 cms when they gave me the epi – immediately afterward – 6cm!

I started to push just before 7pm – hard work – my god! But, apparently I did well – I pushed for a little over an hour and Logan was born. He had been slightly cocked at an angle while I was pushing (though he had turned around since being on the epi, so he delivered the correct way up). He was born at 7:51 Friday night – 6lbs 12oz, 19.5 inches long. He is indeed, a little Peanut.

I am totally in love with this little guy – it’s amazing the feeling you have. He rules the roost already and has two goofy parents who think he’s the King!

Things are going good – we got home Sunday evening and so far are doing well. Saturday night at the hospital was a tough one for Logan and he didn’t want to go to sleep….DH slept with him – well, more like Logan would sleep while DH was paranoid that he would fall out of the sofa bed in the hospital room. Sunday night at home Logan again did not want to leave us to sleep, so we had him in the middle of us.

Monday he started to take naps alone in his crib and so we set up the pack and play in our room next to the bed and he slept there last night. We had originally not wanted to have him room in with us, but actually, I think we prefer it – this way we can monitor him during our paranoid phase! ;)

Breastfeeding got off to a rough start in the hospital – we couldn’t get the latch quite right….but by day two, things were going much better. He still can sometimes take a little time to get on, but he’s doing it now, and by all accounts of the wet and dirty diapers, he seems to be getting it. My milk came in yesterday afternoon (Porno stars have nothing on me!) so that was good.

Logan was only 6lbs 12 oz when born, so of course, all the 0-3 clothes are enormous on him. Thankfully, one of my friends offered her preemie hand-me downs and had dropped them off at the house before we got home. We took our first outing on Monday to CVS (gimme painkillers by GOD!) and to Baby Depot to get a few more Preemie (and blue) onesies and sleepers for him. He slept all the time in the car seat, so we had no meltdown (unlike the ride home from the hospital)

[Daniel's Kitty]

Congrats! He is cute! Welcome to Logan!

How did all of you manage to make it through labor looking so well? I looked tired and my hair was all messed up.

[Red'sGirl]

Welcome Logan!!

Bombedier Yeah, that back labor is no joke. I was completely taken by surprise on how much it hurt. I could have taken it more if it was cramping, etc. in the front - but the back was like nothing I had imagined. :eek: That epidural is a phenomenal thing! ;) I can barely remember what was going on between 5cm and 10cm. Just dosed and talked.

We're trying to work with Arrena on the sleeping thing. We always wanted her with us in teh bedroom, but we had a co-sleeper. She would always wake up within 15 mins of us putting her down (and never could be put down while awake). Now, we have a Snuggle Nest (an incline sleeper with a protective border around her head) that goes in the bed with us. It keeps us from bumping into her, or anything hitting her in the head. She was doing better, though putting her down is still challenging. Last night, she went to sleep fairly easily, but she likes to grunt, squeak, and sigh (imagine an adult sighing while yawning and you have a close idea). So she's a bit noisey(!) but she slept. 11pm to 2am, 2:30am to 5:30am, 6am to 8:30am. Not bad, really.

[Cosmogirl]

congrats to the new mommies!!! (typing one hand here so forget about fancy things in my post!) :p

Daniel'skitty: cute boy!!!! love the pic!

Tina: glad to see you around!

sleeping and feedings: We had to wake Wil up at first. but after a couple of days, he got stronger, and was able to wake up on his own. So now, we don't anymore. he is set like a clock this little guy!

hair Q? Will is loosing his hair! he looks like a baldy now?!? WTF??

[Daniel's Kitty]

Thanks! I had to post that! I went a little nuts in my CC journal though. Isn't it an interesting challenge to type with one hand?

Ben wakes up on his own, although I have kind of thrown the doctors orders of feeding times out the window. He is a little different than the docs times, and he sucks to the point that he can drain me in half the time that they say. Butu he gets atleast the number of diapers, I gave up keeping track of them.

[michael'sbride]

Holy cow! Welcome to all the new babies! Congrats to the new Mommies and Daddies!

Our weight update!

Birth 7/19 - 8lbs 3ozs
Discharge 7/21 - 7lbs 10ozs
Readmit for bili 7/22 - 7lbs 13ozs
Two week Appt 8/3 - 9lbs 4ozs
Reflux appt 8/11 - 10lbs 2ozs
Today - 12lbs+ (weighed on my scale)

So long to my newborn! He's almost out of the 0-3 months clothes.

As for waking the baby, I did until he got to 10 lbs. Obviously we had severe jaundice problems so we had a specific reason in mind when waking him...the more pee and poop the lower the bili #.

[Sully130]

Hi ladies. I'm still following along in here and soon, there will be no more births to follow! It's almost sad, you know?

Glad to see everyone is doing well with their instantly busy lives.

Daniel's Kitty - Ben looks so comfy!

bombedier - Congrats on the arrival of Logan! He's precious. I hear you about back labor. Oy vey. When I had Hannah, I had terrible back labor. Actually I had front labor and back labor (the doctor came in and said, "Some women have back labor, some women have front labor, and some have both...looks like you are having both." Uh, duh...and it took a medical degree for him to know that! :)

It all made me realize that there will be an epidural when it comes time for the next child. Which brings me to my news...

Some of you might have seen my posts in other threads, and I'm still quite in shock and keeping this a secret from most people for a while. But I am pregnant again. It only took one try, apparently, so we are incredibly blessed. So far the hCG levels are fabulous and so is my progesterone. Today, I went for an ultrasound and we saw the little sac (I'm only 4w5d). It's very early, but I have a much better feeling about this pregnancy than I ever had with my last. Not sure if it's mother's intuition or what...but that's how I feel. I still won't rest easy about it until we know this baby doesn't have the same condition as Hannah Jane...and that won't be until 18 weeks or so.

Anyway, you ladies have been so great to me, so I just had to share.

[alex67]

OMGosh Sully!!! That is amazing and wonderful news. I will pray for a happy and healthy 9 months for you. Your news brought a smile to my face! Best of luck to you. :)

[Red'sGirl]

Sully That's fantastic news!! You have my (and all of our) best wishes for a healthy and happy 10 months (yeah, I'm still bitter that no one told me about it being 40 weeks :rolleyes: ).

All the best.

[LILRTL]

Oh, Sully Congratulations!!!!!! I will send lots of good prayers and thoughts your way for a WONDERFUL pregnancy! :)

[LeslieR]

Congrats Laura and welcome to the world Logan!

Huge, huge congrats Sully!!! That is the best news I've heard in a while. Wishing you a H&H 9 months!

[L-O-V-E]

Sully that is fabulous!! Thanks for sharing with us! I am keeping you in my prayers.

Congrats to all the new mommy's in the thread, as well!

[Cosmogirl]

OMG Sully!
That IS GREAT!!!
CONGRATS! and a happy pregnancy!

[michael'sbride]

Congrats Sully! What amazing news!

[tracer]

Congrats Sully! Thats wonderful news!

Leslie- I love Luke's lil tushy!!

Welcome to all the new mommies and babies!

I love all the pics, keep them coming everyone!

As for me, I need to ask for you all to pray. My friends daughter is in the hospital. Kelly is one of Scotty's really good friends and they play every week together at his play group. Robbie is only 2 months old and she had to do this alone. I will insert her e-mail so I don't have to rewrite everything. Thank you for reading and if you can say a prayer...

Kelly and Robbie both had appts this morning with our doctor at 9 and 9:20. while I was getting everything ready to leave, (all I had to do was get Robbie changed and in his car seat and Kelly in the car) my sister in law calls me from downstairs and suddenly she tell me there is something wrong with Kelly. As I run down with naked Robbie, as I was in the middle of changing him, I find one of my in-laws holding Kelly and she is in the middle of having a seizure. This is the scariest sight I have ever seen. Her eyes were rolled back into her head, her lips were blue, her body was stiff and she was twitching. I grabbed Kelly because my in-laws were trying to find some medicine (some Korean stuff) and laid her down on the floor in their room and called 911. I was in tears as I was trying to tell the lady what my address was and trying to describe what was happening. I couldn’t understand at all what was going on and why. I thought I was going to lose Kelly. It was so incredibly scary. While I was on the phone with 911, Kelly seemed to come out of it a little and she looked asleep, but I couldn’t wake her up. The operator assured me that help was on the way and we hung up and she told me to call back if there was another episode. When the fire people got here, he took Kelly and she had another seizure while he was holding her and then when the ambulance had her, I guess she had another one there too. they tried to get in an iv, but they were unsuccessful and Robbie, Kelly and I rode to Methodist hospital in the ambulance. After telling about 20 different people what happened, it turns out that Kelly had what is called a fever seizure (there is a more technical term for it, but I have no clue what it is right now). Kids bodies when they run a high fever, sometimes react by having a seizure to cool the body down quickly by sweating a lot. She had had a fever for this would be the third day now, but it wasn’t that high (99.6) and we thought she was teething (it looks like two year molars are erupting) and since she had an appointment today, I didn’t think much of it. They tell me since this was a fever seizure, that there wasn’t any brain damage or anything like that. It turns out that she has a huge ear infection in her right ear. They sent her home and didn’t admit her to the hospital. She has to start taking amoxicillin today, but she was asleep by the time I got home with the meds. She is still sleeping now.

Update---
I just wanted to let you all know that after Kelly came home from the hospital, she and I were playing around and she was being her wonderful self. Then she had another seizure. I called 911 yet again, the same paramedics and fire fighters came out and this time they took us to sutter memorial. She will be there for at least a couple of days and my parents are with her now. I will be at the hospital at around 5:30 am. They had to do a CT scan, a chest x-ray and a spinal tap on Kelly. They will be doing a MRI on her tomorrow and we’ll have to see how that all goes. Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks.

[LeslieR]

Tracy, your poor friend! How incredibly scary. Will definitely be praying for Kelly.

This is the original picture for my avatar:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93f872c5a31b00000015108DbtGLls0A

He has a lot of onesies with cute animals on the butt-I'll have to get pictures of them all. lol

[Ellyn]

Hi...Still no baby. :( Sometimes it seems like he'll never get here. :rolleyes: If I have to hear one more person say "He'll get here when he's ready" I may have to kill them! ha! I had my appt yesterday. No progress :( Made me wanna cry! She did strip my membranes (didn't hurt at all by the way, but I bled a lot...I hope it will get things moving!) and she changed my appt next week to Tues morning. She said if I am 3 cm + by next Tues. they would induce that same day...otherwise...one more week until baby. Which means I get to go back to school. (This is where I moan and wail and cry for a whole week :) ) So really there's 3 scenerios...1 - he comes out on his own by next Tues 2- I am 3+cm on Tues and I am induced or door #3 - I wait until around Sept 7 to have this baby. I guess our odds are in our favor - 2 of the 3 we'll have this baby by Tues...but I just have this gut feeling that it'll be the next week. I hope not.

We need caller ID...we are ready to change our outgoing message on our answering machine to "No, I'm sorry, we haven't had the baby yet, and if you were important enough we would call you from the hospital...if not, you'll have to wait for an email or birth announcement. Thank you. Now if you'd like to leave a non baby related message, please do so after the beep. And yes, we know...he'll come when he's ready." :D

[alex67]

Ellyn - I just about could have written your same post! We are in the same boat. No real progress for me either, although I have not had my membranes stripped. I also have an appt Tues morning and if I've progressed enough, I will be scheduled for an induction too! I keep hoping that one of your first two scenerios happens for me, he either comes on his own by Tues, or I get induced next week. I won't even let myself think about that third option.

We are getting daily calls from friends and family too. "He'll get here when he's ready", or my favorite "You need to get out and walk!". Umm, do people realize that I am HUGE, my hips hurt after standing in the kitchen for 5 minutes stirring a pot, my feet are so swollen it hurts to put any pressure on them, and it is 105 degrees outside!! I want to hurt these people.

ETA: Oh, and to top it off, another dang storm is headed our way! Sorry to any south Florida ladies who have already gotten hit by it. I just can't take the stress of another one. So many decisions to make...do I go to the hospital to ride out the storm, or stay home and risk going into labor and not being able to get to the hospital? Can DH get exempt from having FEMA duty and working the storm (he is a police officer) so he can stay home with me, or does he have to work it? If he does work it and power goes out (which it will) I will have no way of contacting him. This just sucks.

Sorry for whining. :(

[Daniel's Kitty]

Yea for Sully!!!

Sorry you guys are so uncomfortable. I hope that things start happenning for both of you soon. I started to ignore the phone sometimes once we got near my due date since evrybody wanted to know. I tried walking and I didn't get a baby for it, although it made me feel better since that relieved the pressure from the pinched nerves and I loved seeing people freak out that I was walking in "that condition"!

[Daniel's Kitty]

We may switch to having the pack and play next to the bed instead of the little crib. Ben smashes his face into the bumper pads that we put on it to make sure he wouldn't get hurt since it is little and we don't want him to bang his head or chew on it.

Ben scared us last night! He felt a little warm. Daniel ran to the store to see if he could find the thermometer that I wanted. While Daniel was gone Ben kept farting. By the time Daniel was back Ben was fine, we even took his temp to make sure, although we did the armpit instead since it was just for peace of mind. He fussed himself to feeling warm.

Alex Whining is definitly allowed! I would be doing it too!

[namrodda]

Ellyn and Alex Sign me up in your boat too! Between the calling and 'the baby will come when ready' comments :mad: arg. Alex I feel the same about the get out and walk....for real! This has been a very long week waiting for my appt today. I've had so many contractions but thats nothing new...I feel just beat up and not progressing but who knows, we'll find out in a few hours. My pelvis seriously sounds like its popping everytime I move too. So the plan is to go at 3:15 and since they plan to induce me by Monday at 41 weeks, I'm going to really really push that they do it tonight. I made myself so nervous lying in bed last night thinking hmm it may never be this quiet around here for a while! Kevin's been working only a few hours each day so we're both quite spoiled by that, since he'll probably have to leave next week if all is well. His parents arrive tomorrow and hopefully there will be a baby for them to see! As soon as Kevin gets to come home to email my labor buddy Melissa there should be some news...or they'll send us home and we won't know anything until Monday and my family and everyone else will continue to drive me nuts!! :rolleyes:

Sully Congrats! I hope the calm feeling you're having means good things, best of luck!!

Tracy I'm so sorry about your friend!! I'm already terrified about anything happening to the baby I don't even have yet...I hope these doctors can help her out.

[BuffaloBlondie]

Wow! This thread really moves quickly! Congratulations to all of the new mommies!! My prayers are with Baby Noah & Kelly ~ Ellyn ~ alex67 ~ namrodda~ Add me to the boat!! I was due on Saturday and still nothing is going on!!!!!!! I am being induced on Monday at 6:30am, so there is hope in sight. And you three are all right - I wish some people would stop calling, feeling sorry for me, giving me advice and telling me to have SEX! Enough already!! Sorry- had to vent! Good luck to the rest of the August gals!

[michael'sbride]

Tracy...I posted in LJ and i'll post here too...

I'm keeping Kelly in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated.

[LILRTL]

Tracy I will definitely keep your friends in my prayers!

__________________________________________________ _________

Some pics of Zack!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d601b3127cce93df95fa519a00000016109AbsmrJk5au
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fe4bc6a30500000016109AbsmrJk5au

He's our angel! :)

[LILRTL]

Can you please update Rusty's age to 25? TY!

[LeslieR]

OMG, I love the overalls! I can't wait to put Luke in jeans (all the jeans he has are still too big).

[philnikki]

X-posted from the September Mommies Thread...

Hello everyone!! I can't begin to catch up with SO's but I wanted you all to know that I appreciated everyone's thanks and concern for me when you had not heard anything. So here is the story!!! (pictures to follow)

On Monday, August 22nd, Phil and I arrived at the hospital at 6am. It took them a little bit to get me settled in and on the pitocin, but at around 8am it was started. My IV started to puff up, so they wanted to have someone try and replace it. After two very painful attempts to put the IV somewhere else, I finally overruled them and told them I wanted to keep the orignal ones (I am crazy bruised where they made these attempts). Anyway, when I came in I was 2cm 60% effaced. At around noon, I had moved up to 3cm. I was left on the pitocin until 9:00pm that night. I was not progressing so they decided to let me eat and walk around and wanted to start me up again at 6am the following day. On Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:00am the pitocin was started again. My water broke on its own at 8:30am, but it was just a trickle, so my OB used the tool to break it further at 9:30am. After my water broke, I requested an epidural. The doctor came in and inserted it. It was not really painful at all. The problem was that I had a "window" meaning that there was something that was blocking it from getting the medicine to my right side. So, I decided to keep it in to numb one side. I continued to contract and progress throughout the night. At 7:00pm I was complete and we were just waiting for a little part of my cervix to reduce its swelling. Well, by 7:30pm I was ready to start pushing. It was pretty painful bc I could feel everything with the exception of my left leg. by 8:30 Ava was almost crowned, and they told me to stop pushing bc my OB was still in an emergency c-section. I had to hold her in for 1/2 an hour. That was the hardest part. Once the doctor got there (FINALLY) it only took three pushes to push her out!! Ava Grace Z******** was born at 9:04 pm on 8/23/05. She weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. She has a head full of dark brown hair and beautiful blue eyes. My labor was a total of 39 hours!

So that's it!!! Now for pictures!!!

Ignore the stuff in her eye, its an antibiotic
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fd0194429600000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

So happy I FINALLY had my baby girl!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fd066b02f200000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

Doesn't she have the cutest little face??!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fd1e8d021800000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

Our Family!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fe112022fe00000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

She already has her Daddy wrapped around her little finger!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fe2b70a38300000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

A better shot of her face:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d607b3127cce93fe2961a39300000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

[LILRTL]

Nikki It is so obvious she already has your eyes!!! How precious!! Congrats again!

[tracer]

NIkki- Congrats she is adorable!

[BuffaloBlondie]

Nikki- What a cutie she is!! Congratulations!

[michael'sbride]

Nikki! Congrats...she's such a doll! I just LOVE all of her hair.

[kerbahr]

Hi all...

I got a call from Rebecca (beckie62) today...

Logan David was born today at 3:20pm.

He was 7lbs 14ozs and 20 1/2 inches long...

Just wanted to let everybody know!!

[LeslieR]

Congrats Rebecca and welcome to the world Logan!

Nikki, Ava totally has your eyes!

Two new things here today...we noticed a dimple in Luke's chin yesterday! I swear it was never there before and it is so obvious! The second new thing is his cord fell off this morning. My little boy is growing up!:(:p We got our "Happiest Baby On The Block" dvd yesterday-I can't wait to watch it. I'll let you know how it works out!

[Cosmogirl]

Any news of Sarah yet?

[LeslieR]

Val, there was an email update posted in her LJ journal Thursday from her dad...

To all,
Thank you so very much for all of your prayers, thoughts and concerns for
Noah, Sarah and Jeremy. The surgery was performed successfully yesterday
morning starting about 8:30 and it lasted until approx. 1:30 PM. The
doctors were very happy with the outcome and sent Noah back to the ICU where
he had been for the recovery process. Sarah says they had him hooked up to
all sorts of support systems and last night was the most critical for his
recovery. The Lord, who has been so faithful throughout this ordeal,
obviously watched out over our Noah last night as he got stronger thru the
night and did not need any additional special help. They have taken him off
the pacemaker and are slowly taking him off his meds and trying to get him
so he is self supporting. All of the doctors and nurses are very happy thus
far with his progress. Needless to say, Sarah and Jeremy are thrilled with
the outcome and his progress and Sarah asked me to update all of her special
friends who have stood by them and prayed so diligently for Noah. The
doctors will probably sew up his incisions in the next day or two and he
will be in recovery for 2 to 4 weeks depending on how he progresses. Jeremy
will start school Monday and Sarah will be with Noah pretty much 24/7
throughout the recovery but the good news is Jeremy can see the school from
Noah's room so he can be with his family when he's not in class or in the
library. Not bad eh?

Thanks again for standing by Sarah, Jeremy and Noah in these difficult
times. The Lord is great and we are so blessed by His hand; Noah will be a
living testament to the Lord' faithfulness and you all have been such great
servants. Thank you.
Steve (Sarah's Dad)


(hopefully she doesn't mind that I copied it here :o )

[sarahanna115]

CONGRATULATIONS SULLY!!! Huge huge hugs. I am so happy for you and your husband!!! You know all my prayers are with you for a healthy and very very joyful pregnancy/delivery! :D

Congrats to all the new moms and babies! We have some beautiful beautiful little babies here and I am so happy to see all of them! I hope everyone is doing great and having fun with their new arrivals.

Thanks for the prayers for Noah! You would not believe what we have had to see our little guy go through, it is incredible. He is my hero now, I could never have survived all of the trauma he's been through. It breaks my heart. He is hooked up to every machine you can imagine and has about 15 wires coming out of his body. I would not show ya'll pictures, it is so heartbreaking. He was all swollen and asleep for the past 3 days and has woken up a little bit and is finally looking like himself again. They are weaning him off the ventilator and his pain meds...tomorrow they hope to take him off the breathing tube for good and I may be able to hold him again. All the doctors say he is recovering perfectly, it just takes a long time.

My mom is flying out tomorrow, Jeremy starts school on Monday, and as soon as Noah is stable and alert and back to feeding, he and I will live in the hospital on the recovery floor until he's able to go home (perhaps 3 more weeks max). :( It just KILLS!!!! me to see him like this.

It is a long road but he will be home soon...we can't believe he is almost 2 weeks old next Tuesday! It has felt like a year since I gave birth, but at the same time, it does not feel as quick as 2 weeks. This little boy is such a strong guy...I am just an adoring mother. The pumping is going sooo much better!!! Perservance, I'm telling you. ;)

Lots of love to everyone. I'll try to keep updating. Thanks again for the prayers. Here is a picture (pre-surgery) of him and his Dad. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/P1000562.jpg

Leslie Thanks so much for keeping everyone informed! You're the awesome-st labor buddy! *hugs* :D

[kmmommy]

Sarah ~ I'm so glad to hear that Noah is doing well. He is such an incredibly strong baby. He knows he's very loved. I will continue to pray for your family and that Noah gets to go home soon.

[sdauer21]

Sarah The picture of Jeremy and Noah...well, it brought tears to my eyes!!! I'm so glad to hear that surgery went well. I can't imagine the road your family has been down already, and given that, I'm certain you will all come through splendidly. You, Jeremy, and Noah are still in my prayers, and I hope the next few weeks speed by for all three of you!! Hang in there sweetie - your strength is so inspiring!!! Hugs to you and that gorgeous boy of yours...and, hoping that you will be able to smother him with hugs of your own very soon!!

Sonya

[MurphysLaw]

Congrats to Laura, Welcome Logan!!


Congrats to Nikki & Phil!! Welcome Ava Grace!! And I agree, she looks just like you Nikki! ;)

Congrats to Rebecca!! Welcome Logan!!

Congrats also to Sully!! That is great news! Good luck & hope you have a very happy & helathy pregnancy!!

Very sorry to hear about your friend Tracy...how scary!:( Lots of prayers going out to Kelly!

Leslie and Lora - Love the pic of Luke's hiney and all the pics of Zack...very cute little men!! ;)

Very sorry to those of you that are still waiting to meet your little ones! I know you're uncomfortable & it's tough, but hang in there! Hopefully it won't be too much longer!:)

Sarah - Glad to hear some good news on Noah! You, Jeremy and Noah are all so strong. The pic is so sweet! I can't imagine having to go through what you've gone through! I'm glad he pulled through the surgery well and is now only waiting to recooperate & go home. I'll still keep you all in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I can only imagine the relief you'll all feel when he's at home at long last!! Hugs!!

[sdauer21]

I just finished putting together a photo book on Shutterfly for my MIL, so thought I'd post a few pics quickly. Not much new to update - Abby's doing fantastic. I can't believe she's a month old already!! She's growing like a weed, and continues to be a joy. However, I still feel like I'm spending every day trying to catch up. Its frustrating, as I feel like I should have my act together, especially the second time around, but I'm usually near tears most nights when I realize I've gotten not a thing done, yet again. Thus...I've been trying to keep up in here, but just am not getting much posting done.

Welcome to all the new August babies!!! Congratulations to all the new moms!

and, Sully Huge hugs, congratulations, and lots of health, hope and happiness for the next 9 months!! :)

Now...my girls
Last weekend, we went to the lake with Will's sister and her family. The weather was gorgeous, and Tallia was the fish she was meant to be! She "borrowed" her cousin's goggles and, well - the picture tells all!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d603b3127cce93c98eade19d00000015108AcNGjho3aND

These are the "sister" shirts I ordered a while ago. (I don't think Abigail's will even fit anymore!)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d603b3127cce93c989e5207e00000026108AcNGjho3aND

Today, we spent the day relaxing and doing some "back to school" shopping for Will and Tallia. I can't believe my baby is starting preschool on Wednesday!! She looks so grown up in her school clothes!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d606b3127cce93e7a11b9b5300000035108AcNGjho3aND
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d606b3127cce93e7a6c8db1b00000025108AcNGjho3aND

[kerbahr]

Great pics Sonya! Your girls are gorgeous!

Sarah... glad to hear things are going well with Noah. Love that pic of him and Jeremy, he is so cute! Sounds like he is a little trooper too. I admire your strength right now, Noah is lucky to have you as his mommy.

Congrats to all the new mommies and welcome to all the new babies too, I love seeing all the pictures. Jason has updated Emma's website, so if anybody wants to check it out, the link is in LJ.

We went to visit Rebecca (beckie62) and baby Logan yesterday, he is adorable! Both mommy & baby are doing great.

[L-O-V-E]

Hi Everyone. I just got a message from Michelle (Mickey&B) - Aidan Has Arrived!!!

Here is her note:

"Just wanted to let everyone know that Baby Aidan arrived on Thursday afternoon @ 11:59am


his stats
8lbs 5oz
20 1/2 in

Everyone says baby looks like Daddy! It was a rough start coming into the world but Mommy and Baby are doing fine! Pictures are soon to follow. "

A big congratulations to Michelle and Brian, and Welcome Aidan!!!

[LeslieR]

Congrats Michelle and welcome to the world Aidan!

Sarah, thanks for checking in! I admire you so much for your strength during this time. Noah is so lucky to have you as his mommy. {{{BIG HUGS}}} Each day is one day closer to Noah coming home!

Sonya, great pics of the girls! I love the one of Tallie in her goggles. lol They really do look alike-it must be the eyes!

So, who is still left to have their babies? I'm thinking about you all and sending 'let something happen soon' vibes your way!

Today is my first day with Luke alone.:eek: Am I going to make it???

[Cosmogirl]

CONGRATS MICHELLE!!!

Leslie:
I think Alex and Ellyn are still to go. I am surely missing others too.
Don't worry you'll do fine on your first day alone...and we are all there for you :p

[Daniel's Kitty]

Yea! for all the new babies!!! I didn't realize that there were that many left to go!

Ben is doing great. His cord fell off Saturday so we can have bath time :)! We also put him into size one diapers and we actually have more leakfree diapers. I can't believe that he is getting bigger!

I have cheated! I am using a pacifier now. He actually bites my nipples less now since I can use it to keep him calm while I get situated. I am planning on introducing a bottle this week since I have a friend who wants to take Daniel and I 4-wheeling while he is home for labor day. I know that they recomend waiting, but I really want to have a little time away even though I will worry about him.

We went to Daniel's parents party this weekend, Ben did great. He slept so long that night. He had a 4 hr stretch and then a three hour.

Leslie You will do great. Just don't freak out, and try to take a nap so you don't get too tired!

Yea! for Noah!!!

[tracer]

I don't know how any of you find the time to get on here. Everytime and I mean everytime I sit down to get on here somehow I get pulled away, Scotty getting into something or needing attention or the baby gets fussy or needs to be fed. When they nap I try to as well or get some things done around the house. Ahhh...I miss keeping up on everyone. I am so jealous of all of you that can keep up.

Congrats to all the new mommies and babies!!!

Tyler turned 1 month old yesterday. He is growing so much, cooing and smiling all the time. He is a great baby and so much fun. However I didn't realize it has been over 4 weeks since I have had a good night sleep...I'm tired! Scotty has been sick with a 102 temp. He is better now, but it was scary for a few days because so many of his friends had fevers and differnt illnesses to go along with it. One was in the hospital , one was vomiting, one had an ear infection another has hand, foot and mouth disease. Anyways, we are all doing well now. Tyler seems to get overly tired and then has a hard time getting to sleep sometimes. It makes for a rough few hours when that happens.

Ok so time for a few pics. I have to show you a comparison pic of Scotty (blue background) and Tyler (black background). It's a trip how much they look a like, the nose, eyes, cheeks, chin and forhead:

Scotty- 2 months old
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a81b02da600000015108AbsWjNq4Yt2
Tyler 1 month old:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a85da2dce00000015108AbsWjNq4Yt2
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a85efaccb00000016108AbsWjNq4Yt2
The boys:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d603b3127cce93e8ead840ae00000016108AbsWjNq4Yt2

[sdauer21]

Tracy Wow - your boys do look a lot alike!!! Isn't it fun to compare them?! I'm amazed at all the similarities, as well as the differences between the girls! :)

Leslie You are going to do great with Luke today!! Trust yourself - you were meant to do this! ;) And, as Val said, we're all here for you!!

There are a bunch of new babies, so Congratulations to the new moms!! Alex, Ellyn and the rest holding out Hang in there!! Ellyn - I think you were shooting for tomorrow, right? Alex, hoping you had lots of progress over the weekend! I'm sure you must be getting so anxious to meet your babies by now! Honestly - it will end!!


Tracy - I agree - I can never seem to find time to get on here to post. I can't believe how busy life has gotten! I am just now finishing up announcements, and hope to get them in the mail today or tomorrow. Of course, work starts back up today, and even though I'm not going back for a few more weeks, I have some things I have to go in and do. Can't wait to see how that works with both girls with me (Tallie doesn't start school until Wednesday!). :rolleyes: Thankfully, Abigail continues to be as mellow as ever, so most days, its just a matter of containing Tallia. (I do have to brag a bit...last night, Abby fell asleep around 9:30-ish. She normally wakes again to feed around 2-3. She didn't wake until 4!!! It would have been glorious if I had actually gone to bed at a decent hour, instead of staying up working on her announcements!)

Off to get started on the day. The repair guy is coming to look at the washing machine - it broke, AGAIN, last Monday, and we have been without for a week!! Its going to take forever to catch up on the mountains of laundry! Hopefully, he can fix the thing today. Looking forward to hearing about more babies!! :D

Sonya

[tracer]

I am so jealous Sonya, Tyler wakes every 4 hours to eat...I look forward to the night he sleeps as long as Abby!

[sdauer21]

I know I'm very very lucky with Abby's sleeping!!! (Of course, if I don't pump around midnight, I wake up leaking like a faucet!) :rolleyes: Tallia was a really good sleeper, too. The big difference this time seems to be that Abby really prefers to sleep while being held - at least until she falls into a deep sleep - whereas Tallia was happy to sleep alone. She has never been a snuggler, and I'm thinking I may have gotten my snuggler this time. :D

[LeslieR]

Okay, I am waaaaay jealous as Luke wakes up every 2-3 hours to eat. Sometimes (like last night) every 1.5 hours. A couple nights he had a long stretch of sleep, but I think those were just flukes. He is 3 weeks old today and I think he's hitting that growth spurt as he's eating more frequently and his naps are waaaay too short. He fell asleep a little while ago and I blew it by playing on here instead of napping, too. I need to manage my time better or I'm going to pay for it. Right now he's in the swing hiccuping away. lol We watched the "The Happiest Baby On The Block" dvd last night and it was so helpful. Thankfully Luke is not colicky, but he does have his moments. The loud 'shhhhh'ing' really works on him. And I learned that what I thought was too fast of a setting on the swing is actually just right. Go figure! Anyway, I doubt I'll be on here as much as I was before now that my mom is gone. It's only 11:23 and I'm already exhausted and I've done NOTHING. Have not even taken a shower. Sal was trying to give me a pep talk this morning before he left as I was nursing Luke in bed-he must have thought I wasn't listening to him, so he said "Open your eyes and look at me." I just opened my eyes and said "I'm tired." lol

Tracy, Tyler and Scotty really do look alike!

Oh-he's asleep again, better hit the couch before I lose my window! lol

[tracer]

So I have one boy down and the other is wide awake...oh my oh my!! I leak some nights even if Tyler wakes every 4 hours. Both of my boys have been snugglers, which I love, but Tyler wants to sleep in our bed next to me. He will sleep longer this way vs. in his bassinet. We are not comfortable with him in our bed, may roll on him and not know it. I was going to get a co sleeper thing but Tyler wants to be right next to me. I love it but I hate it. I love snuggling him but I hate not getting sleep. I wait until he is in his deep sleep and then move him but he tosses and moans in his bassinet. I think Scotty did something similar this young and got over by a few months old. Fingers crossed so does Tyler!

[Ellyn]

I'm still here...ready to go insane. We go to the dr tomorrow...and hopefully I'll be far enough dialated for them to induce me. Otherwise its another week for me and then they better induce me - So I could end up with a Sept. baby - everyone keeps thinking labor day would be a good day. I was thinking more like tomorrow! :rolleyes: Am I the only one left - or is Alex still around? Send good dialation vibes my way for tomorrow and maybe all the August babies will finally be here. :) It is just like our family to be stubborn - this kid is no different. :D

Sarah - glad to hear everything is looking okay so far. :)

[Daniel's Kitty]

I hope he gets his eviction notice soon!

I may go take a nap or bath Ben.

[QPDoll]

I have a friend who wants to take Daniel and I 4-wheeling while he is home for labor day.

Kat, we took the boys on their first wheeling trip this past weekend. They did great! (and my Jeep broke...think there is water in the lines after sitting for four months while I was on bedrest) We just strapped their carseats in, and put a blanket around their heads. The blanket wasn't really needed, but it made me feel better. They didn't budge during the trip and the motion rocked them to sleep the entire time. They must have enjoyed the trip because they actually slept most the night, only waking once to eat! (wish that had followed suit last night, they only let me sleep for 2 hours, thats with my DH and I both up with them!).

Both carseats actually fit in the back of my TJ, but for the trail, we put them in the front seats so we could watch them better. We each had one in our Jeeps. (no airbags)

couple pictures of their first wheeling trip:

Nate:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a42f4ec2b00000016108IaM2TJw1aA
Pete:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a42f2ec2d00000016108IaM2TJw1aA

Travis and Pete at the start of the trail:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a42016dee00000016108IaM2TJw1aA

and for fun, a guy we wheel with playing on a rock pile:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce938a426d6d8200000016108IaM2TJw1aA

[michael'sbride]

I'm SO honored to be able to pass on the news about Namrodda / Alice

Here's the info!

Boy, birthname of Jerald Dorman Lastname (Jeb), 7lbs 13oz, 21inches, 8/28/05, 5:45am

anyone in the area is welcome to visit the hospital until she gets discharged sometime on Tuesday afternoon.

pictures to come as soon as i can bring the camera home

D and L were in the delivery room with me (I did the cord cutting thing) and my mom was anxiously awaiting outside. Alice did a wonderful job and is recovering well.

More info to follow later. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.

Kevin

Congrats Alice and Kevin... Happy Birthday Jeb!

[LeslieR]

Yay! Congrats Alice and welcome to the world Jeb

Cool pics, Tina! I always wondered what you guys meant by 'jeeping'. lol

[Daniel's Kitty]

I wish we could take him with us, but I don't want anything to happen to him. I would be to worried to have fun! I would hate to get stuck and have Ben with us. My mom will be baby sitting and have her neighbor who's 10 years old come over to "help" her. The girl really wishes that she was old enough to babysit, and thinks it would be fun to feed him and change his diaper.

Happy birthday Jeb!!!

[QPDoll]

Kat, sounds like a fun day and a great babysitter, enjoy it!
Our trail system that we went on is basically flat without any obsticals, so we felt really comfortable with taking the boys. We are saving the 'real' trails (with real obsticals) for next summer. We are stewards for the trail system; we work with the department of natural resouces (DNR) to patrol the area, so thats what we were out doing. It was great to get out again after nearly a year of not being allowed to.

Leslie, your too funny. LOL Its a fun sport, more fun to drive than to watch though. (And contrary to what you might see on TV, its not a bunch of beer swilling rednecks. LOL)

[Red'sGirl]

Welcome Jeb, Logan, and......shoot, I've forgotten someone!!! :mad:

Arrena turned 3 weeks yesterday. She's had a bad case of baby acne, which covered her forehead and cheeks. Her forehead is now clearing up, and hopefully her cheeks will soon. Life is going fine, I have to say. She's more alert for longer now. And now that we've put her SnuggleNest in our bed, she's sleeping better (it's like an "incline to sleep" but it has a barrier to protect her head, too). But she's not eating as much at one time, so I am starting to wake her up if she sleeps past 2 1/2 hours to eat (during the day). I haven't bought a pump yet, but I need one. My bb's can get so full! We're waiting because a group of friends asked me what I'd like, and I said a gift card to BRU so that we could use the $$ towards the pump (figure it'll be about $100). But they're taking so long to do it that I might just have to buy the pump without them.

Also, my friends have been delivering food every week. We get about 2-3 meals each week, and usually have leftovers from them. On Sunday, the person had to cancel (she told me last week and has rescheduled), but another friend said she's like to bring something by (a friend from work). Imagine our disappointment when it was 7pm and we hadn't heard from her. So we ran out and got fast food. Ugh. And I can't figure out what to make for dinner tonight (not like I've been to the market). I wanted to run some errands with the girl today, but she's been a bit cranky, so I'll wait until tomorrow.

Leslie Love the "Happiest Baby...." dvd. We had the book, too, but the video is better. It works pretty well on Arrena. She likes the side, shushing, and shaking. I finally got her to take a nap today using it.

QOTD: When will you, if you will at all, try to get your baby on a real schedule?? Be it for sleeping, eating, or both.

We talked with friends who used two books and are happy with the result - though I don't think I could employ the "cry it out" idea (from one book). Still, their boy naps on time, eats on time, and generally is very happy and secure. So I'm certainly not going to judge. Besides, other friends who were decidedly against "cry it out" or imposing schedules, etc. have 2 1/2 year old twins who still can't sleep through the night OR in their own beds. You just never know. :confused:

[tracer]

Another baby was born today!!! I am so excited to say Alex had Trenton today!!! It sounds like everythng went well and mommy and baby are doing great. Here is the e-mail her hubby sent to me:

Trenton Steele was born at 3:49 pm today weighing 7 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long. Labor started off around 2:00 am with very intense back labor. Alex asked for an epidural at noon and was much more comfortable after that. Delivery only took about four tries and he was born. Trenton is healthy and beautiful. he has just a little brown hair and a little round face. He is a quite baby so far and very alert.

Congrats Alex and Welcome Trenton!

[QPDoll]

[QUOTE=Red'sGirl... other friends who were decidedly against "cry it out" or imposing schedules, etc. have 2 1/2 year old twins who still can't sleep through the night OR in their own beds. You just never know. :confused:[/QUOTE]

Gawd, I can't imagine having twins and NOT having them on a schedule. its hard to have 2 babies doing things willy-nilly and not on schedule with each other. Same with CIO. Some feedings, I can only feed them one at a time. (I have them scheduled to eat usually one right after the other). If one wakes up and is crying, I know if I put the other one down he will start crying. I have to finish with one before starting the other. So I have no choice but to just let one of them cry...which is hard, its awful to sit there and stare at your child who is crying because he is hungry and just sit there and do nothing but offer a paci.

[QPDoll]

Just thought I'd share some new pictures of the boys.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93b7ba284df800000015108IaM2TJw1aA

Nate
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93b7b10e8c7300000016108IaM2TJw1aA

Pete:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93b7cba60dd600000016108IaM2TJw1aA
Pete
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93b7ce924d7800000016108IaM2TJw1aA

Nate
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d631b3127cce932f3f39c83500000016108IaM2TJw1aA

Pete & Nate
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93b7ca9fcc4700000016108IaM2TJw1aA

[Cosmogirl]

TIna! They are SO cute!!!

Alex CONGRATS!!! AND WELCOME TRENTON!

Darrien I posted a question about this in the parenting thread. I think it is a bit too early to have them on a tight schedule now. I think at this point, you just have to feed them when they need, and let them sleep they they are tired. I'm waiting for around 21/2-3 months before putting Will on a schedule. But I'm slowly trying to have a routine implanted, and help him learn to sooth himself on his own.

[michael'sbride]

Here is a picture of Namrodda / Alice's beautiful little boy!

Jeb!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce93b0b89ff89d00000015108IcuWLZszZs

[MurphysLaw]

Congrats Alice!! Welcome Jeb!!! He's *SUCH* a cutie!! :D

Congrats Alex!! Welcome Trenton!!!

I know I'm missing someone. :(

Hang in there Ellyn! Hope you have good news at the DR today!!

I'll be back later for more thorough reading...must...get...more...sleeppppp......;)

[LeslieR]

Congrats Alex and welcome Trenton!

Tina, your boys are so gorgeous!

Alice, Jeb is such a cutie!

schedules, I'm totally clueless about this. I have the "Healthy Sleep Habits" book, but I have not been able to read it yet. I don't mind feding on demand, but I am anxious to build up a milk supply in the freezer so Sal can start feeding Luke and I can start taking longer naps. I don't mind the night feedings either, although I would love to get those 4 hour stretches of sleep every night!

Luke and I took our first nap in bed together this morning and it was heavenly! I was nervous and kept waking up, but he slept so soundly! It was wonderful.

I also have to rave about my sling. It is seriously a sanity saver!

[heidi0622]

Coming out of lurkdom to say...

Congrats to Alex and baby Trenton!

Congrats to all the other August mommies too!

slinking back into lurkdom now...

[hope0805]

Just popping in to say hello and congratulations to all of the new mommies and babies, and easy labor vibes to anyone who is still waiting on their bundle of joy. Thanks to Tracy for posting the news on 8/13 regarding Jonah's arrival.

Things are CRAZY here. Jonah is a good sleeper at night (3-4 hour blocks), but during the day eats every 1.5 hours or so, sometimes for an hour (meaning I get only 30 minutes between feedings to do everything that needs to be done). He is growing like a weed! I wish he would stop eating so often during the day, but I can't complain about the nights. I finally have some digital pictures that I would like to upload to livejournal, but I don't know how. Can someone post instructions, or can I email them to someone for them to be posted? I am a complete idiot on LJ.

I am feeling better every day, actually got out for a 40 minute walk yesterday. Think I might have overdone it a bit, because I am sore today, so will take it easy and keep it to 15 minutes or so today. But it does feel so good to be able to get out of the house after a few weeks!

Will try to catch up later and stop by more often as we get into more of a routine around here -- I don't know how you other ladies are managing to do it.

[Daniel's Kitty]

CONGRATS Alex! Welcome to the world Trenton!

We introduced a bottle last night! It went great although I now understand where that double chin is coming from! He went through the almost four ounces that I pumped in just a few minutes and then came after my boob for more. We got the steam sterilizer for the pump and bottles to make it easier. I still don't like bfing too much, but it is getting better.

We are kind of having to experiment with letting Ben cry. I hate it, but there are times when he doesn't need anything, but he is screaming anyway and I can't hold him cause I have to pee.

Sorry about any typos, I am running on about three hours of sleep.

Tina
4- wheeling isn't just a bunch of beer swilling rednecks? You must not have the beer cans with all the little holes from a 22 in them wherever people can find a big enough place to camp. We have also seen places where people have cut trees down across a trail so that they can have a bigger obstacle. We usually wind up out pulling the trees out of the way, and out with the shovel filling in holes that people have dug to see if they can make it through. Some of them are in little cars, and we wind up pulling the front wrap out of the hole too! SLOBS!!! :eek:
Ben has the same onsies in the 3-6 months. We are already wearing them though.

[tracer]

this has been discussed but i need help...what kind of slings do you have and how much did you paid? i need to get one asap. also is there one to avoid? tia!!

[LeslieR]

Hope, thanks for checking in. You sound like you're doing well! You can email me the pics through my profile if you want and I can post them on LJ for you. I know how to post them on LJ but I don't think I can explain how to do it for you to do it yourself. lol

Kat, did Ben have a hard time taking your nipple again after having the bottle? I am so anxious to try giving Luke a bottle, but for some reason I am paranoid about nipple confusion and/or that he won't want the bottle. We have tried giving him the pacifier, but he only took it that one day and has wanted nothing to do with it since. :confused:

Tracy, I got my ring sling from nancy drew at www.rosiebaby.com. I'm thinking about ordering a Mei Tai from her next. Check out the baby carrier and sling thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=402&page=1&pp=40) on the parenting board, there are several CC ladies that make and sell slings, wraps, etc.

[snowzilla]

this has been discussed but i need help...what kind of slings do you have and how much did you paid? i need to get one asap. also is there one to avoid? tia!!

I *love* my hotsling - got it here (http://www.hotslings.com) and the delivery on it was super fast.

I have a moby-type wrap, but I'll warn you right now - it's a real PITA to learn how to tie it properly, and I haven't really gotten the hang of it yet.

I'm ordering a mei-tai style carrier today, since Avery has been really gassy, and she seems to find the most comfort in being held upright against my chest.

[wildcat]

September mom-to-be and thread moderator de-lurking!

I want to order a hotsling, but what bra size do I put in, my pre-pg, my end of pregnancy, or my post-pg size? TIA!!

Congrat's to all the August mommy's!! I'm so excited for it to finally be September in a few days!;) Also, feel free to pop in over in September, as we continue having our babies, your advice and new mom experience will be whole-heartedly welcomed!!

back to lurking!

[Cosmogirl]

Girls, got to leave for the hospital with William, he might have some more serious intestin problem then we thought.
Please, send us prayers, or good vibes whatever, we really need it to avoid surgery!
I'm scared! and shocked :(

[hiphopgirl]

Congrats to Michelle, Alice, and Alex. It has been a long time since I've been by so I'm sorry to all the others I have missed

Congratulations, also, to Sully on your great news. I'm so happy for you. I wish you a happy and healthy 9 months. Please check back in and let us know how you are doing.

I need to come back here more often. I need some serious moral support. I love my guy, but these last couple days he has been crying more often than not. I cannot figure out what is wrong with him. I think it might be a growth spurt, but geez, he has never been this fussy. He is also not taking good naps during the day anymore.

The other problem he's having I can't find any info on. He is saving up all of his poops for one big giant one. He has a massive poop early in the morning and then doesn't go again all day long. I can tell it bothers him, but it isn't as if he's constipated because his poops are all the same consistancy - not hard or anything. Should I still try to eliminate dairy from my diet (it never bothered him before last week)? Or is this just another symptom of the growth spurt I keep hearing so much about? I feel so bad for him. I just wish there was something I could do to make him more comfortable. It is getting to the point where I can't wait for Jack to come home so I can pass him off. Am I horrible?

ETA: Good luck at the hospital Val. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers.

[Daniel's Kitty]

I hope every thing is okay with William ;) :)

Leslie The only hard part was when he does the bottle his diaper doesn't leak! :rolleyes: When he pees while we bf him he leaks a little out the side. He has been using a pacifier for a few days since that calms him down enough that my nipple doesn't get abused. He switched great and I got to get ready for bed and brush my teeth.

[michael'sbride]

Val...sending prayers for William. I hope everything turns out ok.

[LeslieR]

Val, big prayers coming your way. Please let us know what happens!

Janet, big hugs! I'm not sure about the pooping issue or the napping issue, hopefully someone will have some words of wisdom for you. I do know that I read in one of my bf'ing books that they poop less as they get older-just not sure when that starts. As far as the crying and fussing, I swear by that "Happiest Baby On The Block" dvd! The loud 'shhhh'ing' and the jiggling really work on Luke. My mom walked with him a lot while she was here and that works, too, but I can't do all that walking with him as much as I might need the exercise!

I am exhausted today. Luke is really wearing me out. And Sal will not be home until about midnight because he has a fantasy football draft tonight after work.:( I finally got him to sleep just now and if I were smart, I'd be taking a nap, too. I don't know how you ladies with more than one child do it! Seriously, this mommy stuff is no joke!

[Mickey&B]

I am just stopping in to say hello. I will have to write my birth story at some point right now it's just way to hard to even talk about without crying. A quick recap:
after 24 hours of labor the doctor's/ midwifes came to the conclusion that Aidan wasn't handling labor well, his heart rate kept droping, they decided a c- section was the way to go so off we wen't well what was supposssed to be a typical c turned into a code blue emergency, before they could get me numb, my blood pressure dropped and Aidan's heart rate dropped drastically they had to get him out right away! so they put me under. I woke up an hour later to find out that my little guy was in the NICU and having trouble breathing :( I didn't get to see him for 5 hours after that when finally he was transfered to the regular nursery.
Needless to say it has been a hard emotional ride, and I don't know if it was the circumstances of the labor, the feeling of helplessness from a the recovery from a c-section I didn't expect, (I came home weighing more than before I gave birth, I look like I have elephantitis, I just got my biggest pair of maternity jeans to fit five days later) or just my milk comming in but I can't stop crying.


but the most important part is that we have a happy healthy little boy! here is my little monkey!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce93b29b9379b000000016108AcsnLZyzZNB

[Daniel's Kitty]

What a cute monkey! Sorry you didn't get the delivery you wanted. It took me a while to write my birth story with out crying with pretty much the delivery that I wanted.

I am looking forward to him going to the bathroom less! He sure likes his dirty diapers, although he only gets the recommended amount of poopy diapers I wish he peed less. He gets usually one or two more wet diapers than feedings!!! :eek:

[kmmommy]

Coming out of lurkdom to congratulate Michelle. Aidan is absolutely precious! I'm sorry L&D wasn't a good experience for you. Take care! The emotions will get better.

[hiphopgirl]

I'm sorry about your birthing experience Michelle. I sort of know what you went through. It is good that you got a beautiful, healthy baby in the end.

Leslie, I just read that pooping decreases at 6 weeks. I guess we're right on schedule. I also got him to sleep finally - on my chest! I'm scared to move so I'm typing with one hand. The things w do for our kids :rolleyes:

[LeslieR]

Michelle, I'm so sorry things didn't go the way you wanted, but thank God you and Aidan are okay. I totally understand about the emotions. I was very emotional the first two weeks and I am happy to report that it has been days since I have cried! Hang in there, it will get better. Rely on your hubby as much as you can. I cried my eyes out to Sal many, many times and I always felt better afterwards. {{{HUGS}}} Aidan is an absolute doll!

Janet, glad you found that out about the pooping. I was hoping I wasn't making it up. lol You never know these days! Who knew mommy brain was as bad as pg brain? :p

[sdauer21]

I'm here, reading along. Not much time to post these days (I'm supposed to be in the shower at the moment!). I'm hoping things slow down a bit tomorrow, when Tallia starts back at school. Of course, that will probably put me in fits...my baby is going to preschool!! :eek: :( She and I went to the park today and I kept getting sad, thinking about how fast she is growing up! She was talking on the phone to my mom this morning, and my mom told her she had gotten Tallie a present when they were in France. Tallia got the funniest voice and said "you got me a present", all goofy like...it was such a big girl thing to do. I guess I have to get used to her not being my baby anymore.

Val Huge hugs to you, sweetie!! I'm so sorry William is heading to the hospital. I do hope docs are able to take care of any concerns very quickly.

Michelle I'm sorry you had such a traumatic delivery. Of course its wonderful that Aiden is here, beautiful, and healthy, but I can imagine how hard it must be to absorb your deliver when it was so different from what you had planned. And, its so much harder to manage anything in the first weeks!! Hang in there - crying is a good thing! :) And, know things will get better, hopefully very soon.

Congratulations to Michelle, Alice, and Alex!! Welcome to your babies! I think we are down to only 3 or 4 moms, by my last check of the master list. However, a few of those are moms who joined up late and haven't posted much, so its possible their babies are here. Ellyn We haven't heard from you today, so hopefully, you are working on getting that little boy of yours here, too!!

Tomorrow is our anniversary (and Jennifer's, too :)) Of course, Will, being the consumate romantic that he is, asked how long dinner would take since he needs to get glued to the computer for his football draft. :rolleyes: He's only getting away with it because we will celebrate a little better this weekend...otherwise, I'd remove all power sources from the house and tell him to draft later. Tina We're coming your direction this weekend, but I don't know that we'll be able to meet up. I'm sad - I really wanted to try to meet you and those gorgeous boys. But, I think we're only going to be in the Tacoma area long enough to drop Tallie off at SILs - then, we're heading up to Bellingham. :( I'm thinking we'll get back over that way this fall again, so hopefully schedules will work better! I'm so impressed you took the boys out in the jeeps - nothing like getting them started early!!! Those pictures are great!!

Must go jump in the shower. Have to get cleaned up, then get Tallia cleaned up so we can go to an open house at her school and meet her teachers for tomorrow. I'm glad I scheduled my mani and pedi for tomorrow - I'll need something to take my mind off her!

[maren]

Val - I'm so sorry to hear about William having to go back to the hospital. I hope that it turns out to be nothing and that you all are back home really soon.

Michelle, I'm sorry to hear about how your delivery went. It sounds very traumatic. I hope you find peace with it. You little boy is adorable.

Sonya - Happy Anniversery!

Things are going ok here. Sleep is still eluding us at night. I was up with Reilly from 2am until 6am last night... Ugh. It's not as bad as it could be, she not really crying - just awake. The only time she really cries is is when she's having gas. And then she's REALLY unhappy. It seems that each time she passes gas she's incredibly uncomfortable - red faced and crying pretty strongly. Once each episode is over she calms down and is ok though. We probably have about an hour of this during the day and an hour in the middle of the night. Does this sound normal to you guys?

[QPDoll]

We're coming your direction this weekend, but I don't know that we'll be able to meet up. I'm sad - I really wanted to try to meet you and those gorgeous boys. But, I think we're only going to be in the Tacoma area long enough to drop Tallie off at SILs - then, we're heading up to Bellingham. :(

We will be in Edmonds from Thursday - Saturday afternoon, and home in Bremerton the rest of the weekend. If you *do* have time, let me know and I can drive basically anywhere. I will PM you my cell number since we wont be home.

They grow up fast. :( Is Tallie excited about school?

****

Scheduling babies:
Im not sure if we are doing things right. We had hoped to get the boys on a schedule, but it seems like each day and night we are just more of reacting to them instead of helping them to adjust.
Today, Pete has decided to sleep all day, mostly in the afternoon. Tried to wake him up to eat, but he was too out of it. Nate is staying awake more, but he tends to sleep a long time in the morning.
At night, they are not good at soothing themselves so we are up all night poking the paci's back in. (yeah, we use em...we would be driven crazy if we didn't!)

Im not sure if we should be feeding them less during the day and more at night (in their bottle, not # of feedings), to help them sleep longer. Or if we should be forcing the issue of keeping them awake during the day (how do we do that?). Or if there is something else we should be doing.

Any good rec's for a book or any advice?

They are awake more during the day now, and Im not sure what to do with them. LOL I talk to them, hold/hug and kiss them, sing songs and shake a rattle at them.

Pooping - they are pooping less, thankfully. Nate is still pooping really runny, and Pete is now finally back to soft nuggets (from hard, painful, nuggets). They both smell horrid and I swear our house reaks to high-heaven!

They have been cranky for two days, so I figured todays sleep-fest is just they are finally tired out. Travis actually ended up putting Pete down and letting him CIO. He was fed, burped, clean diaper, but nothing was making him happy and he cried and fussed all night. Finally, he just let him fuss and cry till he was done. Thankfully, he shut the doors and turned off the baby monitor so I wasn't aware of it. I can't handle listening to it...I ususally end up just holding him all night, thats the only way he will sleep soundly it seems like...little manipulating child of mine! Unfortunatly, it means I don't get any sleep!

[tracer]

Tina - I didn't know you lived in Bremerton. My sister was there for about a year, then moved to Bothell and worked in Redmond for 4 years. About a year ago they moved back home, CA, to be near the rest of the family and my boys! I miss her being there sometimes, I loved the weather and the scenery is beautiful.

[QPDoll]

It is pretty here, isnt it? I love being on the water, but having rugged snow-capped mountains and lush forests right here too. I have traveled all over the US (except the south) and always return here. Its home.

****

Just checking in to say I'm heading out of town for about a week. I had a death in the family and am leaving at the crack of dawn tomorrow to travel to the funeral. Im going with my mom, grandma and the twins on an 8 hour drive to Southern Oregon. I will be away from a computer till next week. I hope you all have a good Labor Day, and hope that the rest of the August Mommies-to-Be deliver soon!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Tina,

We use to have 6 week olds in the day care center and got them onto a schedule slowly. Use to do leg exercises with them, have them lay on their belly a little on a water type mat, swing and that sort of stuff.

Regarding the crying I know that's hard (use to nanny 4 boys the youngest being 2 months when I started) but sometimes that's all they need. When they are fed, changed, burped and all else is good in the world, sometimes they just need to fuss a little, at the daycare we found for some that was their way of expressing themselves. Usually only lasts for a little while and than they calm right down.

So happy to see all the new babies born. Congrats to all the new mommies.

[LeslieR]

Tina, I'm sorry to hear about the death in your family. My thoughts are with you and yours.

Maren, Luke does that red faced gassy thing often when I am feeding him and it is usually followed by poops. It always seems like he's having a hard time pushing it out, which I don't understand because his poops are the normal consistency of a bf baby. :confused:


Last night was a rough night here. I am covered in spit up with no incling of a shower in sight. I knew all that sleeping he did before bedtime was going to eff everything up. He was up at 1, 2, 3-5, 5:45 and I don't even know anymore after that. Sal got up with him and took him downstairs so I could get a little more sleep before he went to work. ugh. He brought him back to me around 7:00 or so and he nursed forever and then we took a nice long nap together. He is so fussy today and wanting to be held constantly. I don't know what to do with him. I put him in the swing just now for a break and he screamed bloody murder. Trying the sling now-let's see how long this lasts. Thank God Sal is off tomorrow and Friday or I might just lose my mind!

Question about spitting up...: when do you know they are spitting up too much? Luke spits up just about after every feeding and sometimes 20 minutes to an hour after a feeding. Just now he had a really violent spit up episode-not violent in the way it affected him, but violent in the fact that there was a lot of it and the consistency was thicker than usual. Could this be indicative of a tummy problem? Or is this just normal baby spit up behavior?

[hiphopgirl]

Leslie - Anders used to spit up quite a bit. I've recently started using Mylicon drops when he eats during the day and the spit up has greatly reduced. I think it is only bad if he seems upset after it happens. Spit up is very normal for babies, but if he is experiencing reflux he will seem upset. Try the Mylicon and see if it helps.

[LILRTL]

I have to brag without jinxing myself! Last night, Zack slept from 10:30 to 3:30, and then 4 to 8!! I was in absolutely HEAVEN!!!! That's the most sleep I've gotten in 2-3 weeks!!! (In the beginning, he was jaundiced, so I got more sleep. ;) ) YAY!!!!

Anyone heard anything from Val????

[LeslieR]

Janet, I did not know that Mylicon helped with spit up! Will definitely give that a shot.

Lora, I am sooooo jealous!


So, I think we only have 2 or 3 moms left to deliver. I'm thinking about our next thread. Is there any kind of info you guys want in it? Recommended reading, links, etc? Should we save spots for baby pics or no? Feedback would be appreciated!

[Daniel's Kitty]

I hate listenning to Ben cry too. I plug my ears and let Daniel take care of him. Ben can scream bloody murder, and it isn't because he needs any thing.

We are having a bad day! Ben had to go get his heel poke today! :( But Daniel did the diaper changes last night and would wake me up for feedings. Although I think the guy at the hospital had a good laugh when I didn't realize that Ben is 13 days old. I was about two days off since they are all running together.

Sorry about the death, Tina!

Leslie Sorry about the spit up issues. We got really lucky since Ben only spits up a little bit once in a while.

Lora Hope you didn't jinx yourself!!

[bombedier]

Sully - many congratulations - that's fabulous news!

Welcome to Logan's namesake!

Everyone is looking great and all the new babies are so adorable! Congratulations to you all!

Things are going well with us - I have my first appointment tomorrow and Logan goes on Friday for his. We were supposed to have a visiting nurse come to the house a few days after we got home, but they never contacted us, even though I tried to follow up. Hopefully all is well with Logan - he appears to be growing so I am not too concerned.

Think I have a plugged duct - massaged it in the hot shower today - hopefully that will move it.

Here's a couple of shots from his 1 week birthday:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93efcedc4d2000000016108IasmzFw5Z-
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93efcdde8c8b00000016108IasmzFw5Z-
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d608b3127cce93efc299cc5300000016108IasmzFw5Z-

[Cosmogirl]

Hi girls!
Just a really quick post from to keep you updated. William is doing ok. He might have a condition with his guts, where they are misplaced. This would explain the hard time he has to pass stools and stuff. The thing is if this is really it, he will need surgery to fix his guts before they move and twist, which could be really dangerous, and could kill him. We are still doing all sorts of testing, but right now he is ok. I'm just really anxious to have answers, and know what the hell will happen. The info is coming out really slowly, and I really have to push them to spit out the info.
So please keep my little boy in your prayers, so that he can escape from surgery. It is heartbreaking to see him go through all those test. They even tied him up to a piece of wood with gauze to make x-ray. No need to say he was pissed, and I was so sad to see him like that.
Got to go, I'll keep you posted.

[alex67]

Hey Ladies! We got home a little earlier tonight from the hospital for our first night at home with Trenton. I am so far behind in here and will try to catch up when there is time. :rolleyes: Thanks everyone for your warm welcome for our son and to Tracy for updating everyone!! Things are going smoothly so far. He is eating great and napping the rest of the time. I am still very sore and hate all the bleeding but hope everyday it improves.

I have to run but wanted to post a little pic beforehand:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d610b3127cce93b9c2e0c02500000096108AZuWrRk3atS
Trenton Steele
Born: 8/29/05 @ 3:49pm
7lbs. 8 oz.
20in. long

[HollyMN]

I love all the photos - am jealous of LITRL and the sleep and my sympathies to QPDoll. Also, a road trip with the twins? Tell us how that goes!

I just posted my birth story to our LJ community. It's really long and involved I couldn't leave out any detail. I have a question for those of you who wrote out your births stories - are you sharing them with people you know IRL? My birth story is pretty graphic. Getting stitches, having bowel movements while pushing, bloody show, and even the vulnerability of it all. I loved my birth, but I can't see my family and friends reading that about me, you know? However, for my online boards, no problem!

So are you showing/telling your IRL people your story (or was your birth more "ladylike" than mine, and no problems.)

[snowzilla]

LOL Holly, I know what you mean about the birth story. And no, I'm not sharing it with my RL friends. Just one, and the others get to hear the edited "pretty" version. ;)

[Mrs.Chappy]

Leslie..dropping by to say hello...remember me from WC? congrats on your little guy.

[Daniel's Kitty]

What a cute pic!!! I still want to know how everybody got pics with eyes open! It took me a week and a half to get them.

Birth story I din't post my birth story in the the LJ just in my journal here and my LJ, but I only left out the bm part since it wasn't important to me. I didn't tell anybody about that, but I haven't hidden the rest of it from anybody. Although most of the girls I know are freaked out that I tore and had to have a stitch! :rolleyes: I didn't realize that there are that many clueless girls out there.

Oh yea, I friended a couple of you on LJ. If anyone wants to be deleted or added to my friends list please tell me.

[LeslieR]

Mrs.Chappy, hello!!! I'm so glad to see you over here. I have missed all of my journal buddies. Thanks for the congrats. Do you have a journal over here? I would love to catch up with you!

Birth story-I have not had time to type mine up. Which is a shame because the details are fading as time goes by. BUT, I still can't find the time to write out thank you cards, so there you go. The gifts have come in fast and furious and things have been so crazed around here that I have lost track of who gave us what.:rolleyes: Anyone think it will be totally rude for me to just send out cards that say "Thank you for the baby gift." ??? :p

[LeslieR]

I'm sorry I forgot to post to Val that William is still in my prayers. I hope they figure out what's wrong soon.

[elh1015]

Hello everyone! I'm trying to catch up with all the other births that have come! Such cute babies everywhere!
I will update our LJ community with some pictures of Victoria Grace.

[namrodda]

Hi everyone! We're home and settling in and I wanted to get in a quick post while Jeb is being held by my MIL. What a weekend we had!! I'm such a ball of irrational hormones (literally crying at anything) that I'm almost sorry its over but wouldn't trade my little bundle for anything.

They ended up sending me straight to L&D right after my appt Friday because my bp was up again and we were 4 days late anyway. I'll find time for a birth story later but cervix stuff, pitocin, epidural (love that until it wears off right before pushing), two tears, 37 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing later we had a Jeb at 5:45 am on Sunday! Everyone was so surprised it was a boy!

He had a bit of a rough start though as pushing wasn't going real well we found out he was trying to come out sideways! He had quite the ball on the side of his head poor little guy, but that rounded out quick. He had a total knot in his cord which was also around his neck and came out with a real pitiful cry and shallow breathing. Between the PAIN I was in and trying not to pass out I caught bits and pieces that things weren't going well. He had fluid in his lungs, low blood sugar and elevated white blood cells. He ended up being rushed to the nursery so I never got to touch him and barely saw him. Kevin went with him and then the rest of our family while I got stitched up. They wouldn't let me go until I could use the bathroom but finally at 9:30 I was wheeled down to meet my little guy. All those tubes and wires all over him...that was HARD. Sarah I can only imagine what you're going through still....A few more hours and he was able to join me in my room but was put through a battery of tests for the rest of our stay. He had an IV taped into his arm with a splint the whole time and that just killed me. We came home on Tuesday afternoon and he's doing awesome.

So like everyone else I'm totally in love. The grandmothers like to argue about which side of the family he looks more like. He's very long and skinny which I didn't expect, little brown fuzzy hair, dark bluish eyes so far. He has my ears for sure, Kevin's nose, huge feet ....I could go on and on. BF has been a mess because of some total problem nurses that told me all sorts of conflicting things about supplementing and timing. Finally I found an angel nurse shortly before discharge who really helped and things are getting better now that my milk has come in today. I've totally shut out the real world while trying to get this under control....and crying every 5 minutes like I said. Kevin's boat came home again :mad: today so he's off meeting them which has been a struggle for me. He'll have to go back to work now and probably be out to sea next week. Otherwise he's been AMAZING since about midnight Sat night and I wouldn't have gotten through this without him. The other good thing was my sister was able to be in the delivery room (and my mom) which really helped...but she got to meet her nephew for a few days before leaving for Germany....another thing causing my tears I guess.

Well I've rambled long enough...can't believe I've had this much time to type! Figure I better not leave without some pictures though. These are the only ones of thousands we've bothered to upload...poor little guy, between the grandmothers, all those flashes! You can see his little arm "club" as Kevin called it in the second one.

Congrats to all the other new mommies!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce93a5bab5551400000016108AcN3DJs4cM5
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce93a5babf551e00000016108AcN3DJs4cM5

[Daniel's Kitty]

He iis so cute!

[stevesbabygirl]

Congrats to all the new moms, all of your babies are adorable :D!

Bombedier, where did you get that froggy thing?! I love that!

[Mickey&B]

Just a quick post while Aidan is sleeping. Well he is a week today I can't believe it!
Breastfeeding is going better. I had to call my Lactation consultant because I was worried he wasn't getting enough. I couldn't get him to wake up long enough to feed which was really stressful since he lost about 10 oz after birth. My swelling is starting to go down but I am still totally swollen and I just can't wait for it to be all gone. I'm feeling much better and am getting around much better although sometimes getting in and out of bed or off the couch can be a B**** and holy smokes when I sneezed today Ouchy!

Congrats to all the new mommies all these precious babies!!! Trenton and Jeb are just adorable!!

namrodda Sorry about the rough labor boy can I relate! and ohh yes the tears every five minutes. Try to rest a little boy does that relieve some of that stress!

Val William is in my prayers!

Leslie I have to get to those thank you cards as well! I don't think it would be a big deal if you were a little generic, it's amazing that you have found the time to even write them out! Maybe I will get to mine next week :rolleyes:

[Daniel's Kitty]

Ben had a 5 hour stretch of sleep last night!!! It was heavenly even if I did wind up spending a few hours up after that. He was hungry!

I have been working on my thank yous while feeding Ben since that is all I have been able to do. Although some of my announcements will be late going out. My Aunt is mailing them and her church is going to be hosting people that lost their homes in the hurricane. She is a minister and a crisis counselor so she will be very busy for a while.

[shellbell516]

Sorry I haven't had much time to post, but I have been reading and trying to keep up.

Rachel had her 2 week appt yesterday and has gained weight. She's now up to 8lb 13oz. She was 8lb 10oz at birth. She has started getting a few red spots on her arms and chest, but the doc said that was baby acne and should clear up on its own. She still hasn't lost her cord yet, but I think it will be any day now. I'm so ready to give her a real bath. She has been doing better with the sponge baths though, so I'm really hoping she'll like real ones.

I still have thank you notes to do too. I hope to get some more done this weekend when Phillip will be here to occupy Rachel's time. She likes to be held all the time. And it's so hard for me not to do it. Luckily right now she's behaving in the swing next to me.

Yesterday I did try out the sling I bought. It works magic on getting her to sleep when she's fussy, plus I can actually do stuff around the house while carrying her.

Val - I hope everything goes well with your little one.

[Mrs.Chappy]

Leslie: idon't have a journal yet over hear..haven't had time to start one..but i will when i get the napping thing down with DS.

[sarahanna115]

Mickey Aidan is beautiful!! I'm sorry your birth didn't go like you wanted it to, but what a cutie you have to show for it all, and healthy too!! :D

All the babies are so adorable! I love seeing all the new pictures. :)

We brought Noah home today! He is on three meds and has a feeding tube because he only takes 1/2 - 1 oz each feeding and needs the rest "tubed" -- a common side effect of "cardiac babies" - they get tired easily and don't have the energy to suck down the milk.

Speaking of milk, I am unable to give him MY milk for two months. :( I am still pumping (have a huge milk supply - ouch!) and saving my milk for when he can eat it. Right now his body doesn't break down the fat in it so he is on a special order formula for 8 more weeks (unless they take him off sooner). I now am not sure if I'll ever be able to breastfeed and that really depressed me. I am still upset about it but have had several nurses and feeding consultants assure me I can try to start breastfeeding him "from scratch" (he's never even tried thanks to all this surgery stuff) when he is 2+ months old. They say it will be VERY hard but not impossible. So it looks like I am going to be pumping on top of everything else to keep my supply up just to TRY to BF him later on. And it may not work out. Hmph. Very upsetting to me. But I'm glad he is just healthy and that we are FINALLY HOME.

I stayed by his crib in our own hospital room for the past 5 days and did all his feedings and got up throughout the night with him. Oh my. He is pretty good and laid back and only seems to cry whenever someone is poking and doing awful things to him (IVs, tape, temps, etc) or is hungry. He sleeps so well - even toooo much. We have to wake him up and try to keep him awake during all of his feeds.

Well back to being Mommy! I love it. I am so glad we're home. I'm just in shock still about how 3 weeks ago or so he was born and that we are just now getting home. I'm SO glad he recovered so quickly - I had no idea! 9 days post-op isn't bad at all!

In other good news, I am one pound BELOW my pre-pg weight!! *happy dance* But judging by my dough-boy jello-belly pouch I think I'll be able to lose about 6 more to get to my ideal weight. My boobs I swear take up 10 pounds by themselves - none of my shirts fit!!!!!!

Off to post some pics in LJ... :) I can't believe AUGUST is over! I mourned it a little yesterday. It went so fast. I am so glad our babies are here. I can't wait to see if Ellyn has had her little guy yet!

[sarahanna115]

Awww what the hey. Here's pics of Noah coming home earlier today. I couldn't resist!

Looking concerned and making a fist at us!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/sm_P1000675.jpg

He smiles in his sleep all the time!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/sm_P1000683.jpg

[Ericka_Jarett]

Sarah,

I am so glad you posted Noah's pics in here, was going to ask you to send them otherwise to me. He is such a cutie pie. I am so glad to hear that he is finally home where he belongs. Congrats.

[Daniel's Kitty]

Yeah for him coming home!!! He looks great! That first one is about like my first pic when I was born! I look like I was threatening to punch out the guy with the camera.

[Daniel's Kitty]

http://images.snapfish.com/34488%3C%3A723232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2353%3D9%3B7%3D3 66%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A7%3B8%3B6%3A7%3Bot1lsi

Here is Ben at two weeks old having a bit of playtime. I love how much more alert he is now even if it is harder to take care of him.

[hiphopgirl]

Sarah, I posted in your journal too, but I am so glad that you got to bring Noah home. I can't believe you have to pump for 2+ months before you START trying to BF. You are my hero. I don't think I would have the patience.

[LeslieR]

Sarah, it is so good to hear from you! I can't believe you got to bring Noah home already. He is such a trooper and so tough!!! I know you are just thrilled to have him home with you where he belongs. I have to give you huge props for all of that pumping. I've pumped 3 times now and every time all I can think about is what dedication it takes for those women who do it every single day several times a day. I have every confidence that you will find a way to bf Noah-he is so strong and tough-he'll figure it out! {{{BIG HUGS TO YOU-I'm so glad you are back!}}}
P.S. I was mourning August, too, but it was just today-so funny that you mentioned that. I was taking Luke for a walk and thinking-wow, August is over! It seems liked it took forever for my due date to get here and then the rest of the month just flew by! I bet everyone feels the same.

Kat, what a great picture of Ben!

[Red'sGirl]

Sarah So glad that Noah is finally home! He's a cutie. Arrena always has her hands in fists, unless she's doing gang signs. :eek:

Shellbell Arena has acne too. Hers is actually pretty bad, but it's already fading. It's been a week or so, and her forehead was by far the worst.

She's sleeping on my shoulder now, so I'm typing with one hand. ;)

[LeslieR]

Oh yeah, add Luke to the list of babies with acne.:( I hope it goes away soon. I fear not, though, since I have never seemed to outgrow the adolescent acne and I'm quite sure he's getting it from my hormones in my milk. :mad:

[maren]

Sarah - congrats on Being home with Noah. I'm so happy for you guys!

Leslie - your avatar of Luke is the cutest picture. :)

[stevesbabygirl]

Noah looks fantastic, it must be so great to finally have the little guy home!

[sarahanna115]

Val I meant to say that I'll be praying for little William! Hang in there!! {{{{HUGS}}} It is so hard to see your little baby in situations like that, I really feel for you. He'll be ok!!

[namrodda]

Sarah, I'm so glad you have your little guy home! He looks real content in his seat (once he's asleep anyway). Jeb is out like a light once he hits that thing. I wanted to tell you about my feeding problem because we're sorta in the same boat but for a different reason obviously. Because Jeb had some minor problems to start with the first nurse who brought him to me said even though I want to breastfeed I had to supplement 30 mL every 3 hours because he had low blood sugar. Well that ended up being bad info and he definitely had trouble getting the hang of bf-ing but with he right nurse and right help he latched on like a champ. That lasted 3 days and then my milk came in.....and he's hardly latched since.

This has been the most frustrating and depressing thing. I'm pumping like crazy and feeding him that way but I am so sad it's not working...and this way is totally hurting. We've tried every position, every trick and every feeding I end up in tears. He gets right there, rooting around with his mouth open and either falls asleep or screams but he'll practically gulp a bottle. Anyway I'm not saying all of this to discourage you at all but was wondering if they told you anything about how to trick Noah off of a bottle or just anything that would help. Anything from anybody! What kind of pump are you using? I don't think mine is up to the work load now. I've put in a call to the nurse who helped the first time but shes off until Tuesday and the lactation people weren't real helpful either. He goes back Wed for his first check up but I don't know if thats too late.

Every other aspect of motherhood is wonderful but this situation is keeping me from enjoying it. My stomach is in knots as I feel everytime I pump and put it in a bottle I'm getting farther from this working naturally. Kevin's been great but he's having to be at work all the time now, even this weekend. Does anyone have any advice??? How long should I keep trying.... :(

[LeslieR]

Alice, I'm sorry you're having a rough time of it with the bf'ing.:( I don't have any advice, but I wanted to suggest trying the bf'ing support thread on the parenting board. Tons of very helpful ladies in there!

[Kiley]

My entire body has broken out in hives. As far as I know, I haven't eaten or used any product that's new to me. Could this be a post pardum thing or a hormonal thing? I am so itchy and uncomfortable and miserable. DR said to take benedryl but that makes me so sleepy and I'm not entirely convinced that its safe for DS (breastfeeding). I don't know what to do!

[sarahanna115]

Alice I'm so sorry you are going through such a rough time too with the BF issues and supplements, etc. :( It is so disappointing and frustrating, but I know how you feel, it's like you can't do anything about it and you feel so helpless!! I really really commend you for trying and being persistent about it, that's what everyone at the hospital said can make it work, just sticking with it and having patience. I have an Ameda Purely Yours electric pump and it does great (so far, crossing fingers). At this point I've reconciled with that fact I may not ever be able to breastfeed Noah, but at least if I keep pumping I know I can give him my milk in a bottle whenever he is off the formula. That helps a little to know I can still contribute something, even though it is not how I envisioned it. I haven't gotten any specific tips about getting him to come off the bottle and learn to BF - I am going to hit up La Leche League for that when the time comes because I AM going to try it, even though it is going to be insanely difficult. LLL has a great website with lots of resources, you should check it out!

http://lalecheleague.org/

If I hear any other advice I'll let you know. For now I just hope you figure out what is going to work best for you and not end up stressing you or Jeb out...I know it's tough. I hope if you decide to stick it out that you will have huge support from your hubby and everyone else and that you will find the strength and perseverence you need. *hugs* :)

ETA: I don't think it will ever be too late though - I wouldn't worry about it being too late by next week's ped appt at all. If they told me I can possibly start trying to BF starting at 2 months, I'm sure you are fine! Nothing's impossible, just difficult...that's what they keep saying. Sigh.

[gardenmommy]

Hi everyone!!

gosh it's been forever since I've been able to post, but I've been reading along when I can and trying to keep up.

Big congrats to all the new mommies and babies!! I love reading everyone birth stories! I never posted ours since it was pretty plain...knowing that you have a scheduled c-section has both it's advantages and disadvantages I guess.

Sarah~ I'm so glad to hear that things are well with Noah...I said a ton of prayers for you all over the past few weeks...what an amazing family you are already.

Val~ Oh my heart just breaks for you...I hope things with Will get figured out soon and that you can avoid surgery. Hang in there!

As for us things are great (knock on wood!) Payton slept for 5 hours last night after her midnight feeding! When I woke up at 6am for the next feeding I almost cried tears of joy! She is growing like a weed and is finally out of newborn onesies so we can finally out her in some fo the cute clothes we have.

The biggest issue for us is that gave up breastfeeding...I just could not hack it...it hurt too much, she wasn't latching well...I was too exhausted from trying to feed her and then pumping to start a supply. I started to feel consumed by feedings and it was really depressing me. I quit last week after she was 4 weeks and I feel so much better...and she is doing well on formula...I wish I could have done it for longer but it was just much much harder than I anticipated.

As for schedules Payton has developed a schedule of her own of sorts...She likes to have a feeding right around 9pm and then goes down in her crib until about 8-9am...she usually wakes for a feeding at about midnight and then again at 8-9am-ish) She sleeps so great at night and is a lot more awake during the days. She has fussy bouts from about 5:00-7:00 each night but otherwises is an angel so I can't complain.

I'm dying to know what she weighs now since she lost so much in the hospital. She was back up to her birth weight at her 2 week ped appointment but we haven't had a weight in since and she looks so much bigger. I'll try to post osme pics soon!

So have all the August mommies delivered now??

[LeslieR]

Jennifer, you sound great! I would kill for that sleeping schedule with Luke! :p

I'm wondering if everyone's had their babies, too!:confused:

I know everyone is busy, but no one answered me about our next thread. What do you guys want to do???

Luke has been quite the sleepy head today. He slept from 12:30-3:45 when I woke him up to change him and feed him. He fell back asleep after he ate and he's still sleeping now. It must be the fresh air-it's only 77* here today so I opened all the windows. It feels so nice. I hate when he sleeps a lot like this during the day, though, because then I am paranoid about how the night is going to go. Sal is working this weekend and tomorrow we're supposed to go to his parents' for a cookout. It will be my first outing with Luke alone. I'm scared. lol

I finally got around to ordering my Mei Tai from rosiebaby.com but it won't be ready for 3 weeks. Luke doesn't seem to like my sling too much after all because he likes to be held in an upright position.:rolleyes: I'm considering going and buying a Baby Bjorn in the meantime. I know it's $$, but I think it will be worth it for the hands free freedom. Anyone use the Bjorn? What do you think of it?

[bombedier]

Val - William is in my thoughts - I hope he gets better soon and escapes surgery.

Heather - the frog chair is from Pottery Barn Kids.

[Sarah]

Alice- I only have a second. Please come on over to the BFing thread. There are a lot of women who have dealt with latch/nipple confusion issues. I haven't dealt with it much, but I do know you are right to stop the supplementation (with formula) and to keep pumping if he won't nurse for a feeding. Have you gotten an LC to observe? I promise if you keep trying one day it will just click for you. I think Prudies has some experience with this, and she often posts in that thread. :( I am sorry you are dealing with this, it's so frustrating.

[kerbahr]

Sorry to hear of your BFing issues, Alice...

Emma was having a hard time latching on in the beginning too, I know how frustrating it is. Emma was hysterical and so was I. Everyday for a week, I was in tears during every feeding. It was awful! Remember that it is new to him too and it will take some time to get everything working like clockwork.

The only advice I have is that someone told me to give them a bottle in the beginning to get them past that REALLY hungry stage and then try getting them to latch on to the breast after a couple of minutes on the bottle. I never had to try it with Emma, she figured out how to BF after a week. I still am using a nipple shield, but at least she's eating. Maybe you could try a shield if it's really painful for you. Have you tried calling a Lactation Consultant? I was so glad I had one come out to help me. If you have tried everything and it's just not working, don't feel bad about pumping and giving a bottle. You need to do what's best for you, it's not worth the frustration to you or Jeb. Good luck :)

Sarah - So glad Noah is home. I love the pictures... Noah is absolutely adorable. It is amazing how soon he was able to go home after such an invasive surgery. Take care of yourself... and don't worry too much about BFing. You are doing great after all you've been through. If you have to pump and feed him with bottle, at least he's still getting breastmillk. :)

[MurphysLaw]

I need to get in bed soon since Lina's sleeping right now but I wanted to congratulate any new mommies/babies!

Sarah, Jeremy & Noah - Very gald that you are all safely home!! He's a cutie, I'm sooo glad he pulled through so well & I know you are relieved!

I have to say, we have a CUTE CUTE CUTE group of bebes in here ladies!! :D I just cruised back through a few pages to glance at pics, and they are all just beautiful!!

Baby Acne - Angelina has a little bit too...a friend of ours suggested/picked up some Aquaphor for us. She said it works great on her baby for diaper rash, baby acne, and cradle cap. I haven't used it yet since I just got it last night from her, but my GF swears by it. She got it from ToysRUs...I didn't see it at Walmart, I don't know about drugstores.

Sorry to hear about the BF issues ladies. The other ladies here have some great suggestions for help & I hope it works out but the best thing you can do is try, please don't beat yourselves up over it if it doesn't work for you!!

Leslie - I am ALL FOR having a new thread to keep us going. I think after a few weeks/months things will settle down & I for one would love to still keep in touch with all of you & also watch all these beautiful babies grow!! Plus I KNOW it'll be great to share stories/advice with each other...this has been such a great support group thus far & I'm SO glad I had you all to lean on throughout the pregnancy. I hope most everyone agrees!!

I hate to cut this short but I have a few more pages I'd like to catch up on & I *have* to get some sleep since I'm driving my cousin to the airport in the AM....night all. Talk soon! ;)

[namrodda]

Thank you Sarah...and Sarah and everyone else. I know its just going to take persistance....and the best thing is to hear about it working for someone else eventually. I did get to the bf thread and got about a page into it before little man started crying but its on my list. I'm actually leaving in about 10 minutes to go rent a hospital pump for the month now that I've found a place open. The lady was really nice on the phone so maybe she'll have some advice. Tuesday is the first day I can talk to anyone (like my favorite nurse or LC) at my hospital because of the labor day weekend and then wed is Jebs appt so I'll be there again. Hopefully in all of that I'll fine some answers.

Does anyone else feel like all they do is hang out in pjs...I don't know what I expected this week to be like but this postpartum stuff is hitting me hard. Not helping that Kevin more than likely will have to leave Tues. Anyway I'll keep you girls posted...thanks so much for the advice!

[Sarah]

Alice, just jump into the BFing thread- don't worry about reading the whole thing.

Please check out kellymom.com if you need more info, it's a great site that's easy to navigate.

[shellbell516]

stitches - did anyone else get stitches? When do they come out? My doc didn't say anything about coming in earlier than the 6 week appt. Just wondering.

[LILRTL]

Michelle My doctor told me mine would dissolve between 7 to 10 days. I went back at 4 weeks pp and they were long gone. :)

[shellbell516]

Lora - thanks! I didn't think about them dissolving.

[Mickey&B]

Hi there ladies! I feel like I haven't been here in so long!
I don't have much time as my little guy can't decide if he is going to stay asleep or wake up. Yesterday he slept about 1-2 hours and that's it!! Hopefully that's not the case today as he still woke up about every 2-3 hours to nurse at night! I can't wait for the day I can say he slept 5 hours!!!

It has been a trying week but we made it and Aidan is almost two weeks old!. BF'ing is going well after many tears, and worring if he was getting enough milk, and a few calls to the LC (boy was she a life saver :) ) My LC warned me about bringing home that formula sample from the hospital, I can't tell you how many times it called to me in the middle of the night from the kitchen! but I think we have the hang of BF'ing now. I just have to get over the fact that I have to do it in public one day :eek: I know it's totally natural but my BB's are so huge (I'm talking pornstar) that I am really worried about having to manever everything in public and having my girls all hanging out. Am I just being silly or does anyone else have these feelings?

Does anyone else feel like all they do is hang out in pjs...I don't know what I expected this week to be like but this postpartum stuff is hitting me hard.

absolutly! The only reason I have even gotten dressed is because we have had company or else here I sit at almost 1pm and I'm still in my PJ's. I just have to believe it will get better when I am able to go out with him and when i get the okay to drive again!! AHH freedom!!!

Question how long did you guys wait to take you little ones out? I am thinking about taking Aidan out for a few hours this weekend to see DH play softball at a nearby park. But I wonder if he is still to little, he will be 2 1/2 weeks. I plan on putting him in the Bjorn as to avoid everyone wanting to hold him and stuff but do you guys think it's to soon?

Leslie I let you know how I do with my Bjorn as soon as I use it!

Sarah so glad to hear you guys are home and Noah is doing well!

[MurphysLaw]

Michelle - We actually had Angelina out when she was 9 days old. She had already had a few trips in the car for checkups on her jaundice and she was all wrapped up in her snugride on the stroller, so no strangers got too close, just enough to see that there was a baby in there. :) She slept the entire time.

I'm guilty of permanent PJs too!!

Baby Bjorn - We have one and I love it! Lina loves it too and it really makes life easier to have both hands free. I never did get a sling, but after putting her in this and feeling how secure she feels, I'm not so sure I'd feel the same about a sling. :confused: I would definitely recommend the BB carrier!! ETA - I have also nursed her in the Bjorn...I saw it in the book thingy...I don't know if it was easy for me because she's so little but it worked for us.

[Kiley]

PJs - all day long for me too. I usually wait to shower and put on clean PJs when DH gets home from work. :)

Outings - we had Preston at the drivng range at 6 days old and at a family reunion at 9 days old. Talk about pass around the baby... but he handled it well, slept the whole time; his mamma on the other hand had some anxiety issues....:)

[LILRTL]

Hey, ladies! Sorry I haven't really checked in in a while. I've been dealing with mastitis and otherwise just enjoying Zack! :D

I am finally ready to order my sling (YAY!). I wanted to check with those of you that have a Hotsling. How are they working? Do you like them? Comfortable? Good quality fabric? I am either going to get the solid black or tan ones so that R can use it as well. Just wanted to make sure they are comfortable! :D TIA!!!

[LeslieR]

Sal is giving Luke his 2nd bottle and it seems to be going much better than the first one the other night. Hurray!

Good to know about the Baby Bjorn. I had big plans to go buy it at Target today, but as I was backing out of the garage, I took off my driver's side mirror.:mad: I must have been a little too excited to get out of the house by myself. lol Needless to say, I won't be going anywhere until it gets fixed. Booo!

PJ's-are there any other clothes to wear??? lol I also only put regular clothes on when someone comes over or when I leave the house.

I think my mom and I took Luke out to Target when he was 7 days old.

[LeslieR]

Scratch that on the bottle. grrr. This kid will not settle for anything less than the real thing! If I can ever leave the house again, I'm going to buy some different bottles. That Avent nipple is just too long for him, I think. What is everyone else using? I'm thinking maybe I should try Playtex since that is supposed to be most like the breast.:confused:

Michelle, I am also worried about NIP. Yesterday at Sal's parent's, I just went in the living room and that was fine. I don't mind nursing in front of the women, but my FIL and BIL are a different story. lol And I guess my niece and nephew, too. The bad part about nursing in the living room was I was all alone in there and could hear them talking in the kitchen. I felt so isolated from everyone.:( As far as nursing at Target or something-ugh, I don't know about that yet.

[LILRTL]

The bad part about nursing in the living room was I was all alone in there and could hear them talking in the kitchen. I felt so isolated from everyone.:(

This is me to a 'T' right now. I find myself having to schedule everything around when I nurse (not pumping yet). Getting frustrating. I wish I could just grow some balls! :p

[HollyMN]

Caleb was born on a Friday and we took him to a friend's house on Tuesday.

So far the closest I've gotten to nursing in "public" is nursing in the car. It's nice that it's not winter!

We went to visit (same friends) in the hospital, she had twin girls! It's the same hospital as we went to, and they were in the same room! It was a month ago today for us. Caleb looked big next to the twins. It's about time he looked big.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/sept0505/1.jpg

Since we were at the hospital, and things were slow, we used the scale to weigh him! He's 10 pounds, 12 oz!!! He was 6-13 when he left the hospital 4 weeks ago. I"ve been frustrated too about breastfeeding, so that was really nice. I can't tell he's growing when I see him everyday, I don't think.

[HollyMN]

I end up wearing Tshirts all the time. I go through a couple a day, so why dress nicely?

[snowzilla]

Hello ladies! Nice to see the moms still having time to pop in between feedings and diaper changes! :)

PJ's - I've been living in my yoga clothes. They're stretchy and comfortable, and they are a nice transition between my maternity clothes, which are too big, and my regular clothes, which don't *quite* fit yet. Close, but not close enough. I've been working out at least every second day (it took some major mental motivation to get back into the habit) and I'm hoping I can lose the last 8 or so pounds that just don't seem to want to come off. Although after three babies, I fear this tummy of mine will never be quite the same. I might have to resort to taping it in. LOL :p

Lora, I love my hotsling. It's really easy to use, and I don't need DH to help me put Avery into it, which is really nice, especially when I have to run out to the store during the day. I just recently ordered a mei tai and I can't wait for it to arrive. Unfortunately, I waited a little too long to order it so it probably won't be here in time for a wedding we have to attend in a couple of weeks, so I'll probably just use my hotsling. I still can't get the hang of my wrap - I either tie it too tight or too loose, and it takes me SO long to put it on. And, once it's on, I feel like my flabby tummy hangs out the bottom because it causes my shirts to ride up....*sigh*.....I wish I had known that before I bought it, because I honestly don't think I'm going to use it much.

Outings - we took Avery to the bookstore when she was 3 or 4 days old, and to the mall when she was one week old (had to buy the girl a new wardrobe!) - we've had lots of outings with her, actually, and all of them have been using the hotsling. We only use the stroller when we're taking her for walks around the neighbourhood.

We bought "The Happiest Baby On the Block" book and both DH and I have found it really helpful. I really wish I would have had access to valuable info like this with my first two children!

[Cosmogirl]

Hi girls!
THNAKS for all your prayers and good vibes, we really appreciate them

Just taking a little time while William sleeps to update you guys. We are finally back home...(((kissing the floor. and walls!)))

After a truckload of tests...the doc realised that Will's intestines are "probably "placed right :rolleyes: They say probably, because they can't be 100% sure, since they still can move around. At the time we did the test, they were placed properly, but what they told me is if we d0 it again in a côuple of days, things might not be the same, and they might be misplaced again. So there are still chances that they could twist at any moments, and cause him some serious problems. But since thye aren't sure enough that they are misplaced, they wanted to avoid surgery for that. Pfewww!
They were also concern that he was so bloated. We saw TONS of gaz in in big intestin, but they are currently, not able to explain this situation.
Now the other thing that is concerning them, is the fact that the stomach is more rotated that it should be. Again no explanation... :rolleyes: but they have to monitor him for that. We'll have to go back in 3 weeks, to go all over the test they did again...to see if it is still placed like it was (and they are going to re-check at the same time if the guts are placed normally). If this time, the stomach is still in this awkward position, they are going to operate on him. :(
He also has a little stenosis of his rectum (opening too small), but that didn't seem to concern the surgeon, he said that most of the time, it gets bigger one the hard stools starts passing (with food, so later on)

So the good news is for now, we have svoided surgery, but we just don't know what will await us ahead. We have to be really careful for signs of a rotated intestins, and go to the hospital stat if we suspect anything. This is really stressful though! And all we can do is wait!
In the meanwhile Will is sill sometimes really incomfortable. This morning, he had to pass gaz, and was just having the hardest time! He scream like crazy, and once it passed, he just feel asleep in my arms. SO hard to see him go through that everytime he has a bowel movement. Otherwise he is doing good, and I'm still do much in love with this little man!

Just a few call outs...
Sarah SO GLAD you are back home with Noah, and that it didn't take as much time you thought it would take! I thought about you so much while beeing at the hospatial, and hoped that you were fine!
He looks good! Sorry for the BF thing, I really hope it will work for you.

Lora I love my Hotsling, it is really comfy to me, but not for super long walks, of stuff. I use it TONS around the house,(and wouldn't do without it) and to run errands, and to go to the supermarket, but for a long hike, my back starts hurting eventually. For this, I use something else that supports more the kid and my back. (a 2 shoulder carrier)

Outings SInce Will had been back home, we have been travelling him around. He loves being in the car and outside!

Got to go WIll is up!
Congrats to all the new moms, I don,t know if we are done now???
We all have some really cute kids! We should be proud and happy! :p

[LeslieR]

Val, that is so frustrating! I hate when dr's don't know what's wrong. Honestly. I'm glad William avoided surgery for now and I hope all is well and he avoids in the future, too.

Holly, that picture of Caleb with the twins is so cute! He really does look big compared to them. lol

Anyone else's baby a noisy sleeper? It's really starting to get on my nerves! I don't know what happens to Luke at night, but he can't seem to breathe through his nose without sounding congested. It's only like that at night. So weird. And then there's the grunting and squeaking. I swear this kid needs to get oiled, he squeaks so much! I keep thinking about putting him in his room in his crib to sleep at night, but he's so little still! Plus, last night he had two choking fits in his sleep-what if I couldn't get to him quick enough in his room?:(

[namrodda]

I guess I should just get used to my pjs! Its certainly the easiest thing for nursing. I'm afraid to try regular clothes yet so I'll stick with maternity stuff being loose :D and t-shirt type things.

outings I'm sure a lot of folks will say I'm a bad mom for this but Jeb had a very early introduction to the real world. My sister left the night we were discharged and she was so upset to leave him that I decided to bring him to the airport at 2 days old :rolleyes: BUT he was so wrapped up and covered in his stroller no one could even see what was in there except when she held him. Its made it easier to handle taking him in and out when I need to...but very protected.

I had to pump last night at my parents so I just tied a baby blanket around my neck like a giant lobster bib rather than going upstairs since my dad and brother were there. I'm sure it looked stupid but it kept everything covered!

Val I'm glad William doesn't immediately need surgery but I'm sure you want some more answers. Sounds like a tough little guy to go through all of that and I know its hard on you too. Hang in there!

Well things are going LOTS better for us. I was able to rent a medela symphony pump which has been great for keeping up supply. Except I hardly have time now because this boy is always hungry! We also popped into babies r us and I decided to try a nipple shield...this thing has been like solid gold!!! He took right to it and nurses frequently. I can't tell how much hes getting and if he'll even wean back to bare breast but I hardly care now. Its been wonderful for us! If I could just establish some sort of routine as to what I'm feeding him when but oh well. On another note he sleeps SO WELL. Knocking on lots of wood...for 4 nights now he's gone a good 5-6 hours straight and feeds then back to sleep for another 3. Swaddling like they did at the hospital makes the difference there. Still going to come by the BF thread Sarah!

ok one handed typing isn't working anymore...be back later!

[LeslieR]

Alice, yay! I'm glad you guys are doing much better with the bf'ing!

[philnikki]

Hey everyone!! Sorry about being MIA, as I am sure everyone in here can understand :) Ava is doing MUCH better. She is definately a pink baby now, versus her jaundice a few weeks ago! She is starting to stay awake more during the day now too, which is good. Still gets up like 4 or 5 times at night yet though :rolleyes: Hopefully she will get it straightened out sooner than later.

Ava is having some constipation issues (I can see her rolling her eyes at me 13 years from now if she finds out I posted that lol). Her little face gets all mushed up when she has to pass a bowel movement or gas. She doesn't cry, so I am guessing that it can't hurt too badly. Still, hard to watch her squirm so much. We have another ped. appt. so I plan to talk to him about it then.

outings - We have taken Ava out for a couple of trips so far. It was wierd at first, but I am a lot more used to it now, and it makes me feel a lot more liberated, considering I am just hangin out in my pj's all day lol

Val - Glad the the news is good, but sorry that the dr.'s can't seem to decide on whether or not something is wrong :( Will keep you in my thoughts!!

Leslie - YES! Ava is a loud sleeper! I always think she sounds so congested too. My ped. told me to put the saline drops in her nose and use the aspirator to see if that helped (it didn't) I think she is just going to be a noisy sleeper like her daddy :rolleyes:

Question: - Do any of your babies get hiccups after almost every feeding?? Ava does, but again, they don't seem to really bother her at all. I am hoping she doesn't end up with reflux :(

[jillybean_247]

Hi Everyone-

I haven't been able to post for the past 3 weeks because I've been having computer problems at home. It's finally fixed now. I ended up going 2 weeks overdue and being induced...and my baby boy is here! He's exactly 3 weeks old today. His name is Lucas Shane. He was born on August 15, he weighed 9 pounds 11 ounces, and was 23 inches long. Overall the labor/delivery went well, with the exception that I didn't get any drugs!! :mad: DH and I are very proud parents, and Dylan just loves his baby brother. Lucas is doing great, he's just perfect. I'm having so much fun being home with my boys.

I'll post some pictures later. Now I have to go back and read everthing I missed over the past few weeks.

[LeslieR]

Nikki, ya know, I never even thought of saline drops. I'll have to ask Sal to bring some home. I've tried the aspirator on Luke a couple times, but it doesn't seem like it gets anything out and he really hates it, so I feel like I'm just wasting my time.:rolleyes: I plan to talk to the ped about it at his appt on Thursday, but I'm glad to know Luke is not the only one with this problem. Is Ava only like that at night, too?

Congrats Jillian and welcome to the world Lucas!

[kerbahr]

Alice - Glad to hear BFing is going better. The nipple shield is working for us too, I have heard from many moms that it is pretty easy to wean them from it after a while too. Emma still needs to use it, but I figure I'll keep trying to get her to eat without it and eventually she'll catch on. At this point, as long as she's eating, I don't really care that much...

To all you moms who are nervous about BFing in public...

I borrowed one of these from a friend this past weekend and it is AWESOME!!!!! I came home and bought one that night! They are a blanket with a apron strap at the top to keep it from falling off while you are BFing. There is also a plastic piece in between the straps that bows out so you can look down and see your baby when he/she eats. They come in fun fabrics too!

http://www.bebeaulait.com/gallery/2.jpg

They're called a Hooter Hider or Bebe Au Lait. You can purchase them at Bebe Au Lait (http://www.bebeaulait.com/)

They are about $40 with shipping, but WELL worth it!!

[Daniel's Kitty]

we had our two week appt this morning. Ben is up to 10 lbs and 22 1/2 inches!!! Now I know he is eating enough. The dr said that my sore nipples should get better soon and told me that his wife was sore for the first month. He also said with Ben's sucking I shouldn't let him use me as a pacifier. I love the dr.
Kat

[Daniel's Kitty]

Val happy to hear that he hasn't had to have surgery.

[sarahanna115]

Alice I'm glad things are getting better!!!

Val I'm SO GLAD to hear that William doesn't have to have any surgery!! :D That is great news. I am sorry you had such a scare. Hopefully the next test will go perfectly and you won't have to worry any more!

Kat That is great, Ben is 10 lbs now! WOW! Way to go!

Congrats Jillian and Welcome Lucas!! Can't wait to see pics of your little man (men)! ;)

PJs Absolutely "dressed up" in my tank tops, tees, and any loose, baggy pants/boxers I can find!! I've looked like absolute poo these past few weeks! And I don't care one bit. ;) (Except for how I'm going to look in all the pictures we've taken! Oy.)

Outings We haven't taken Noah out yet but he's had plenty of excitement I'd say what with a helicopter ride when he was 3 hours old and all the hospital chaos. My ILs came over Sunday and I had to give him up to be held by all the eager aunts and his grandma. We both survived. :) I'm going to have to take him out soon, I'm on day 5 of being house-bound!!

Our home visit nurse came today to weigh Noah and *sigh of relief* he has gained weight! He is now 7 lbs, 10 oz. We are trying a new thing with his feedings, letting him eat what he wants and sleep when he wants, instead of force-feeding him which is what the hospital had us do (2 oz every 3 hours). He eats less than 2 but is still waking up on his own to eat every 2-3 hours. I'm so pleased he is gaining weight and that the nurse is ok with our feeding change up! Still no feeding tube needed, that is a huge relief.

Today is my first official day home alone with Noah as Jeremy is at class from 8-6. So far so good! I gave him his bath and put a cute outfit on him, took a few pics, and I've even had time to put makeup on, bathe both dogs, clean the kitchen floor, and eat a big lunch all to myself. Thank God for a content and sleepy little guy! (Except for when he is pooping, he is a mad man and likes to scream!) Hehe.

I'm so glad everyone is still updating and keeping up this thread, I'd really miss it!!

[LILRTL]

Dear Lord, Sarah - I can't even get all that done with DH at home! :p You're SuperMom!!! :D

Val So glad to hear William doesn't have to have surgery!!

Congrats, Jillian!!

Alice That's great that things are getting better!!
__________________________________________________ ___________

Sorry to any people I have missed over the last few weeks. I think we all understand now, though, right? ;)

Leslie I have zero ideas for the new thread. :p Aside from the first couple posts - organized by birthday or by username...or both... I would love to have a place to keep an "updated" pic - maybe a monthly pic or something? Just a suggestion!

[Daniel's Kitty]

I think it would be great to have a place to put a pic if we wanted to! I love posting pics of him! I don't have a lot of ideas of how we could set up the new one.

[LeslieR]

ITA w/ Lora, Sarah, you are SuperMom! I have done NOTHING today. I did manage a shower and lunch, but that's about it. lol I am so glad things are going better with Noah and his feedings. Your little boy is a trooper, I'm tellin' ya!

Keri, so funny that you posted that as I just found out today that CC member, Lydia, is selling something similar. She has an ad (http://www.constantchatter.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=22&sort=2&cat=15&page=1) in the classified sections here. I sent her an email earlier today to see what patterns she has. Her price is $15!

Thanks for the ideas on the next thread. I was planning on starting it up as soon as we heard that the rest of the babies have been born. I'm not sure who we're missing still.

[Cosmogirl]

Thanks to all of you! I just can keep my fingers crossed that everything will go well, but today isn't a good day for him, so I'm not that positive...I know I should!

In a totally different other topic:
x-posted form parenting

Somebody wants to give us a gym mat. I'd love to have one, but there are SO many out there. I was wondering if you could help me make a decision about this. I saw the:
Gymini delux
Gymini total playground
Baby einstein
Lamaze.
Which one do you have?? Do you like it?
Any one better then the other??
Any web site that rates those toys???
Thanks for your help!

[snowzilla]

We have the Baby Einstein playmat, but it's hard to say whether or not I can give it a good review since Avery is still so young!! But she does love the music that it plays - it gets her attention and she just lays there and listens. So cute. My first two had a Fisher Price playmat, and it was nowhere as extravagent as this one is, but they loved it and played with it nearly every day. So I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you choose. :)

Avery gave me a WONDERFUL gift last night - she slept for nearly 5 hours. :D When I woke up and realized it was 5 instead of 3 am, I was shocked! It was so nice to get an extra couple of hours to catch up on my sleep - I'm obviously suffering from sleep deprivation, judging by my mental lapses....I forgot my own phone number the other day! :eek:

[QPDoll]

Well we are home from our road trip! We went out of state for a funeral. It ended up being an 8 hour drive each way instead of 5. The boys were really good though, they slept for most of the drive. We had to stop just once to feed them, we made sure they were fed just before we left, and then once on the road, and then when we arrived. They were a little fussy the last hour in the car, as soon as they got unbuckled from their carseats, they stretched and stretched and stretched.

They were good as gold during the funeral services, they didn't make a fuss and they really enjoyed the singing. Everyone was tickled to have them there though, a bright spot on a dark weekend.

As soon as we returned to our home state, we headed straight to the inlaws house and spent the rest of the weekend. I wasn't sure how that would go, but I took advantage of being there. We went to the funeral without my DH and we met up with him at the inlaws, so we took advantage of a babysitter and went to the movies each night and a couple of trips to the store.

Shopping Deals: Just an FYI - Carters Outlets have some awesome sales on. We filled in a couple holes in outfits that we had, and got a couple things at 70% off. There is also a pair of cute overalls in the new line they have out for fall, but they are $25 each. They had them on sale at 50% off so it was like buy one, get one free. Of course, I HAD to get them!

Also, Target has some really cute boys stuff - new this week. We got them a couple pairs of khaki's and flannel shirts, and then courdory jackets with jeans and a cute onsie. Good prices too.

We also went to BRU and finally got a better mobile.
We had origonally bought the Fisher Price Link-A-Doos, and it sucked. The boys didn't even pay it a mind.
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/70/84/17/0002708417031_215X215.jpg

At BRU, we bought the Tiny Love Deluxe Symphony-In-Motion = and wow...they LOVE it. They lay there and stare at it and when they are worked up, they quiet down as soon as they hear the music and see it move.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006G963.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

If you are still looking for a mobile, or need one that is better than just the cutsie one, get this, its worth the money!

[LeslieR]

Luke loves his SIM mobile, too. Whenever we give him a sponge bath, we do it in the crib and turn the mobile on and he just stares up at it. Like anything else, it only lasts so long, though. lol

Tina, I can't believe the boys did so well for that long in the car! That's awesome.

[LILRTL]

I really, really wanted to go without a mobile. But that may be my sanity saver. Glad to know both of you ladies like that one!

So, I finally bought my pump. I got this one:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000056HMV.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
The Medela Single Deluxe Battery/Electric Pump

My supply is hurting, so I was only able to get 3 oz. in about 20 minutes. And honestly? I felt like I was a cow being milked. BUT. I am doing whatever I can to keep from having to supplement with formula. We'll get there!!