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

[LeslieR]

Yay!!! I was wondering about you!

Congrats Ellyn and welcome to the world Broderick!

I think it's official that all the babies are here now.;) One of these days I'll get around to starting the new thread.

I'm so sad-our babysitter (the swing) just died. I have no idea how to put new batteries in it, so we're going to have to tough it out until Sal gets home tonight. :eek: :p

Janet, I can't believe how big Anders is now. 2 months already! Time really does fly, doesn't it?

Hope, I have not heard back from the LC yet, but as soon as I do, I'll be sure to post here!

[LILRTL]

OMG. MY NIPPLES ARE PACIFIERS TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: So so so sore. He nurses for 5 minutes, sleeps for 30, fusses a little, nurses for 10 minutes...and it goes on and on and on. HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP


And on that note - I promise to catch up soon - lots of family issues going on right now. Glad to see most everyone is well!!!!

[hope0805]

Lora -- So sorry! Are you opposed to a pacifier? Jonah was doing the same thing to me and I did introduce it last week (3.5 weeks after birth). I only give it to him after he has nursed for at least 30 minutes or if it's been less than 2 hours since he ate so I know I am not masking hunger, and it has been somewhat of a godsend to us. I am NOT a big fan of pacifiers, but some babies just like to suck and I for one couldn't stand it all day and night like that. Just a thought (and please no one flame me for suggesting the use of plastic to substitute for a breast)!

ETA Congrats Ellyn and welcome Brody!! And thanks Janet for the tips on the 2 mo appt. Anders looks great and is obviously growing well!

[LILRTL]

Hope Oh we use pacifiers. ;) They are godsends. I don't know what it is today. He's sleeping much more than usual, too. Maybe he's trying to fight a small cold....?

[Mickey&B]

Okay I'm back, Little guy has been taking 15-20 minute cat naps ARGG!!! I am glad I am not the only mommy being used as a pacifier :p Yes we did introduce a pacifier but sometimes he takes it some times he doesn't!

Okay let me try to play catch up!

Breast shields I forgot who now but someone asked about getting larger ones. I did my pump in style came with the standard size 24 and I went up to 27, after realizing that pumping was more irritating than nursing, and wondering why I was making such a mess after pumping (milk pooling in the shield) Ahh so much better now!

Halloween
I am sure we won't go out and trick or treat but for the sheer pleasure of taking pictures and taking him to see family I will be dressing my little guy up. I actually bought costumes last year at baby style after I found out I was pregnant (I know everyone thought I was crazy) but I got them for like 5 dollars a piece and they are so cute and cozy. One is a butterfly and the other a daisy. I saw one on the site that was a chile pepper soo cute!

Congrats Ellyn and welcome Brody!!!

Baby Whisperer
I read it and I think she had some really good ideas and techniques, along with some good insight into infant behavior, respect for infants. Like Sears and Weisbluth she talks a lot about watching/listening/responding to their cues.
Kat
I never really feel engorged either, but I know he is getting enough milk, as a matter of fact the LC the other day said I might be overproducing. Then again I am a human pacifier these days so that might have something to do with it, also my little guy eats about every 1 1/2- 2 hours so maybe I don't have enough time inbetween to get engorged. I do however feel a heavy feeling when they are full. I am pretty large breasted even before pg so that also might have something to do with it.

I hope I didn't miss anyone! Gotta go and get some cleaning done my house is a total mess and it's driving me crazy, how do you mommies do it all?????

[LeslieR]

Luke will not take a pacifier. I sure wish he would cuz my nipples could really use a break! :(

Lora, we are going through the same thing here today.

The LC called me back and I told her what was going on. She asked if Luke had the white patches in his mouth and I said no. She suggested putting Lotrimin on my nipples 3-4 times a day (wipe off before nursing), making sure my nipples are dry after nursing, and changing the breast pads when they are damp. She also gave me some tips on fixing his latch. I was surprised that she didn't want to see us-she only said that they would need to see him if he did develop the white patches. I guess we'll try what she suggested and go from there. I'm having Sal bring home some shields, too, because I really need a break from the pain!

[hope0805]

Mickey&B, That was me about the breast shields. I got the 27 mm and they were still too small. Now I am up to the 30 mm, and they are tight (still rubbing) but feel better. Pumping is definitely more painful than nursing for me...

A follow up question for anyone who uses a Pump in Style: How far do you turn the suction knob when you pump? Maybe I am turning it too far (e.g., using too hard a suction setting) and that is what is causing my discomfort?

Leslie, That sounds strange to me, but I guess take her advice, see what happens, and watch Luke. When a LC first suspected thrush in me, she said something similar -- use an antifungal cream and watch for anything more serious. But everything I've read says that *if* you have thrush, just treating you won't work. Maybe the articles I found are overly cautious in suggesting that treating the baby is required if the baby has no symptoms, I'm just not sure. I will let you know what if anything my pediatrician says tomorrow. In the meantime, hopefully the shields will help you get some relief.

I've been on here waaay too much today -- must ... try ... to ... get ... something ... done before hubby comes home and wonders what I did all day!!

[LeslieR]

Hope, I thought it was strange, too, especially after I read from those links you posted. I'm surprised she didn't ask me any more questions. For example, Luke has a horrible diaper rash that looked similar to the picture of that little girl baby's. I thought it was a symptom of the dairy allergy and had his dr look at it at his appt last week. She didn't mention thrush and prescribed Hydrocortisone 2.5%. I have eliminated dairy from my diet, but we won't notice a difference until it's been 14 days so I won't even know if the rash is from the dairy or if it's from thrush.:rolleyes: So frustrating. I hope you get further with the ped tomorrow!

[MurphysLaw]

Congrats Ellyn and welcome to the world Broderick!


Angelina has been an angel ALL DAY LONG. She wakes to eat, stays contently alert for about 10-15 minutes, then fusses for maybe 5 or 10 then dozes for 2+hour naps!!

I started reading Happiest Baby on the Block last night, and I honestly believe the 5 S's help soothe!!
Swaddle - so they can't flail and disrupt their sleep or scare themselves
Side/Stomach - they say lay a baby on her side or stomach, but I rub her tummy
Shushing - loud white noise to mimic the womb
Swinging - rhythmic, motion(love my swing!)
Sucking - sucking on anything(nipple, finger, pacifier)

Just thought I'd share that insight! :) Hope it helps someone, anyone!!

[adore_one]

We do the 5 S's and I can honestly say robert has NEVER cried over 5 minutes - maybe once to 10 but seriously he is just so calm. I HIGHLY recommend the 5 S's (and babywearing because that calms him down a ton too!)

Oh I also posted pics from our photshoot yesterday in my LJ come look - if anyone does not have access let me know and I will add ya! :D

[Daniel's Kitty]

adore one I don't think I can see your LJ. I don't remember who you are over there. There aren't too many that I can see, but since most people can't see mine since I can't remember who is who.

[adore_one]

I am adore_one over there as well...what is your id over there? add me and I will add ya back ;)

[Mickey&B]

Hope Before I changed sizes on the sheilds I would have to put the suction of the PNS all the way up to get anything out, now with the smaller ones I only go up to about 3, and I only pump about 5 min max as suggested by the LC. That might help with the soreness.

Hotsling Aidan hates it!!!! but seemed to tolerate the Baby Bjorn for about 15 min or so. I think I might have gotten a size to small and maybe he just feels to snug. I tried it at a time when he wasn't sleepy or hungry and still he had a fit, any suggestions???

forgot to mention in my last post that I went to Target and found a cute pumpkin beenie and a glow in the dark sleep and play just in case the costumes don't work out!
Ohh found a picture of one of the costumes!
http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0001/www.babystyle.com/images/product/17953_mid_t.jpg
and how cute is this one!
http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0001/www.babystyle.com/images/product/11302_mid_t.jpg
they have some really cute ones!! Only $20 and $2 shipping at babystyle!

[alex67]

We also do the 5 S's and it puts Trenton right to sleep. We hold him on his side cradled in our arms up against our chest and rock him in an up and down motion that way, while he is sucking on his paci, swaddled in a blanket, and we are sushing at the same time. He is usually out within 5 minutes max.

Wish I had known about the 5 S's when DD was a baby!

[Daniel's Kitty]

I use a pacifier too. Or a finger. If I tried to offer a nipple everytime he just wanted to suck I would be attached to him constantly. He loves to suck. But nothing but the nipple will do if he is hungry.

Mommy Brag: We went to a funeral and I survived feeding time!!! I fed him first in the lobby so he wouldn't disrupt the service and then he decided he wanted more after the service while I was changing his diaper so I was in the bathroom in a comfy chair. I NIPed. The bathroom was so much more busy though. I am so proud of us!

[Daniel's Kitty]

I will have to try that to calm Ben down so he can sleep.

I am planning on getting a Swddle Me tonight since we didn't make it last night and Ben wound up so cold that he woke himself up.

[LeslieR]

I don't think we've ever used the 5 S's all in a row, but I do the loud shhh'ing ALL THE TIME. That definitely works!

[MurphysLaw]

I don't think we've ever used the 5 S's all in a row, but I do the loud shhh'ing ALL THE TIME. That definitely works!
Try using them together...when I first read it, I was like, But I DO these things. Then it said how much better they work by simply combining two or three, or ALL of them together. I can say, it worked last night, and all day today! She still fusses a little, but only until I can get coordinated enough to start the 5 S's. :D Def a Happy Mommy Here!!

Kat - Congrats on NIP! I don't know if I'll ever get over my hangup! I don't usually give a rat's ass what anyone thinks of me, but I'd feel weird about being stared at..I don't like being stared at by strangers in the first place! Who does?! My baby's appetite is more important than any stranger, but an odd look or comment would probably make me say something not very mommy like, then I'd look like a total bitch and horrible mom(I have a mouth like a sailor:o). I figure it's best for me to keep pumping.

Michelle - Did you see the info about the Bjorn that Stacy posted a few pages back? There was info about how it's not good for baby's spine/hip development. If you don't like the hotsling, maybe you should check out the wraps. They take some getting used to, but are SO comfy for baby AND mama! I just got mine the other day and Lina and I both LOVE it!

Very cute costumes...I saw a pink flower one kind of like that I was thinking of getting...It was a Tom Arma, but I can't remember where it was. I don't think she'll be big enough for one though. She's STILL in PREEMIE clothes at 6 weeks!!

[MurphysLaw]

I just wanted to post a few pics of my angel tucked away in her wrap!! (Don't mind me, this was before shower time & I look AWFUL!! :o)

http://images.snapfish.com/3449988%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D36%3A%3D%3B83 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B379%3A%3A7%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3449988%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D36%3A%3D%3B83 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B379%3C3%3C7ot1lsi

In that last pic it looks like her head is thrown back, but really she just has her chin propped up on her arm. You can see it much better here:
http://images.snapfish.com/3449988%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D36%3A%3D%3B83 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B379%3C435ot1lsi

And another one just for fun because I love playing dress up with my life-sized doll!:
http://images.snapfish.com/3449988%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2329%3D36%3A%3D%3B 83%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B379%3C3%3C8ot1lsi

[HollyMN]

Kim, she is so cute! Now I need a wrap!

L-O-V-E
I'm going through the same thing as you are - I remember because we had the same due date. I've been reading the breastfeeding thread, and my guess is that Caleb is going through the 6 week growth spurt. I think they suck and suck to get our supply up for the growth spurt, and that the six week one is the big one.

Side note - why didn't I learn this at our hospital breastfeeding class? What a waste, I could have bought more nursing bras with that money. There was nothing wrong with the class, I just learned more when I was in the hospital with the nurses or online or books than I learned in that class. Which is fine except that is the only source of info that I paid money for. For one thing, they should have emphasized the 3 week growth spurt. At three weeks, we were rocking him and walking him and all sorts of things to get him to calm down. I didn’t think he was hungry because he just ate. We didn’t realize that was why he was fussing and didn’t feed him. Tonight, I just got in a side-lying position on the couch, turned on the tube, watched reality TV and said “have at it”, and just switched sides when I got too sore, without my going to get him or watching the clock or thinking of a schedule. They say that babies are more subdued after the growth spurt, I am very much counting on that!

Actually, the same goes for the childbirth class too, I learned more online and from other people's birth stories. Anybody else feel like their classes were a waste? I liked going and felt like it was something couples just do when they're pregnant, so oddly I'm glad we went for the experience and to hang out with other pregnant couples and eat cookies, but not for learning anything.

[Mickey&B]

Kim It wasn't that I didn't like the hotsling, it's that Aidan didn't believe me I really wanted him to like it :( I read the article, and I am having my cousin who is chiropractor look into it some more. I thought I would try it since he hated the wrap and I was at my wits end. I am hoping that going one size bigger with the sling will do the trick.
Your little one looks so cozy and happy!

Holly I hear ya a little for warning on these growth spurts would have been nice! Aidan is just at that 3 week mark now and well I have just learned to accept that I may not be able to leave the house, and that I am going to be used as a human pacifier!

[sarahanna115]

Kim Had to pop in and say that the wrap looks great! Lina looks very comfortable...and how cute is she in the pink dress?? CUTE!

---
I'm experiencing SEVERE LACK OF SLEEP! Yesterday I couldn't even walk straight. We had a FOUR HOUR LONG appointment at the hospital for his follow up and it was killer. He was such an angel baby until he had the last straw with all the poking and prodding, 3 hours later. Then he squalled for 45 min straight. Poor baby!!! It kills me to not be able to help him! The good news is, he got the all clear "treat me as a normal baby" instructions! WOOHOO! Meaning, I can start breastfeeding! And we tried last night and he would have nothing of it. I pumped a little before I tried and even put a cold pak on my nips and he would latch for 2 seconds and then arch his back and start screaming. He is not a boob man. :( But we'll keep trying, they warned me this would be hard! Also we started to switch him from his formula to my stored breast milk and I think it hurt his stomach, he squalled nonstop from 8-10 last night. :eek: And now he is doing this wake up every 2 hour thing where he eats just a little and then falls asleep, then wakes again soon after to eat a little more. So we are up ALL NIGHT LONG. I felt lucky to get a 3 hour stretch of sleep last night. Oy vey.

In the words of Leslie - why didn't anyone tell me motherhood was this hard?! Oh my gosh.

But he is worth it...aren't they all??? :D

[Cosmogirl]

Sarah Wake Noah up! When he falls alseep, wake him up! He'll get use to eating more and not falling asleep oin the breast. Hang in there sweety, I hope it'll work well for you!

CONGRATS ELLYN!!! And welcome to your little bundle of joy! I was really hoping everything was ok for you both!

Kim Life size doll you said!!! :p She sure looks like it! They really love the wraps do they. William LOVE the cradle hold, and falls asleep instantly, wll, when hs isn't already cranked up of course!

Michelle Have you thought about trying something else. A sling, or a Mei Tei maybe. The sling is adjustable, so you'd be able to see if he really hates it.

William:
We had a good day yesterday until 7:00pm I guess. He slept 17 hours total :eek:(form 9pm the day before to 9 pm yesterday night. (how much sleep should a baby this age have???) But at 7:00pm, forget it, he DID NOT want to sleep. It was really hot last night, maybe it had something to do with it. He was falling asleep, and then waking up again. He finally went down at 11pm, and slept until 4.
I have also started t read the baby whisperer, and so far I like it a lot. there is good info in there too. I haven't read the happiest baby on the block, maybe I should.
Tonight is my OFF night...Awwwww :p

[Daniel's Kitty]

I may wind up putting Warning Typing with one hand in my sig. I always have Ben in one arm.

Growth spurt Ben didn't seem to eat a whole lot more often, but it was a longer feeding and he would suck harder.

costumes Ben is goi ng to be a Pea in a pod. I liked the lizard or dragon costume, but they only had it in a 0-3 months at BRU.

Kim If that is you looking bad I am very envious!!! She sure looks great!

Cosmo I like your new name! Aww, how cute, what you going to do when he gets it? I have read that most babies sleep on average of 16 hours.

Sarah We had to work on keeping Ben up at first, but now he stays up until he is done.

[Daniel's Kitty]

I also wanted to say thanks for the SwaddleMe rec! We love it!!!

[Red'sGirl]

Kim I have a PIS and I start out on the first setting and let it go for a while. When I slow down on teh milk I'm getting, I'll turn it up to 2 for a while, just to get as much as I can.

On that note, I forgot to drink my Mother's Milk tea, and my supply definitely reduced by a couple of ounces! :eek: How long do we have to drink that stuff? I need to add a pumping - I think my supply is going down. Ugh! And that "oh so convenient" milk storage container - is already full! And I couldn't fit two bags in each one, so now I'm stacking on top of the container. How am I going to store all this milk?! I def. need it, since I'm traveling Oct. 29th and MAY have added a trip on Oct. 20th (though I might take her to that one).

Kim Happiest Baby on the Block is brilliant. I read it - but I learned even MORE by watching the video. It's amazing how well it works. We use it on Arrena. She doesn't always settle down so immediately, but she always soothes and it doesn't take that long to put her to sleep. Unfortunately, nothing worked last night until DH gave her gas drops - then she fell asleep immediately.

Holly Arrena is starting her 6 week spurt now, too. She's eating more and slightly less times in between. Plus, she's just a bit more irritable - maybe because I wasn't feeding her quickly enough. It took me a bit to realize that her schedule was changing and that I needed to adjust. :rolleyes: I hear that they get so much easier after this point. I hope that's true!!!!

So I have a funny/weird story to tell. I had my 6 week appt with the OB/Gyn yesterday. FYI, everything seems fine, though I still have the slightest bit of bleeding, and my hips are still a bit out of alignment. However, my appt. was for 10am and I had the girl with me. We weren't seen until 11:15!!!! Why?! Because my popular OB was being interviewed by Access Hollywood regarding C-sections! Yep, it was a story about Britney Spears and she was the unrelated expert. Ugh, my doctor has gone Hollywood!! :)

Gotta go. I'm picking up my dad today at the airport. He's the only family who hasn't met the girl (oops, Dh's brother hasn't either, but he'll probably wait until she's in high school! :rolleyes: ). I have a lot of cleaning up to do before then. He's only staying 24 hours! Our family is so weird. They all came, but none of them stayed for any real amount of time. I think we like that, though, because DH and I are pretty private people. We like our families, but we're happy to be alone.

Gotta find a Halloweed outfit!

[LeslieR]

Val, William is so smiley! I can't wait until Luke gets like that!!!

I have figured out that my son does better when we are out and about. He behaves so well when we have errands to run. It's amazing. He always seems to have a meltdown right at the end of our Target trips, though. lol I bought a nipple shield, so we'll see if that helps with my pain. I also bought two more bottles-the old school Platex with the brown rubber nipple and liner and a Dr. Brown's. We'll see what happens. I am determined to get this child to love the bottle as much as he loves the boob!

Remember how we were talking about portraits? I just got a call from the place that took Luke's picture in the hospital-apparently the package we bought included a home sitting. I don't recall this at all, but then again, I was a bit out of it the first two weeks of Luke's life! Anyway, we set up an appt for Sunday at 9am. Now we have to decide what he will wear! I have no idea where we are going to take these pictures either. You can barely walk in our living room because of the baby paraphernalia everwhere!

Kim, man, you look awesome! And now I really can't wait to get my wrap. I wish I would have done more research and bought a wrap before Luke was born. But, who knew he would be the type of baby that likes to be held upright all the time. He really hates the cradle hold and only tolerates it for eating purposes.:rolleyes: I love that picture of Lina in her dress! Don't ya just love playing dress up? Luke has so many outfits that he hasn't worn yet in 0-3m and he probably won't get to wear them either.

[philnikki]

Ava is doing well. Still eating every 2-3 hours even on formula. We are going to up her from 3 ounces to 4 now at each feeding. She still is up at night too but I am getting used to it. We are going to the Ohio State football game this weekend and we are leaving her with my MIL and FIL overnight sat. night. I am excited to have some one on one time with DH, but also so scared to leave her! What if she knows its not me holding her and thinks I abandoned her?!? I know that is completely irrational, but still...I know its incredible important for Phil and I to get time alone too. We both came from divorced situations and we are pretty paranoid about not going down that road too. So we have talked about making sure we have alone time when we have kids since before we were married, but its still hard.

I made Ava's one month picture appointments yesterday! :eek: I can even belive that she is almost a month old already!! My baby is growing up so fast :(!!!!

I thought I would drop off some pics!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d734b3127cce944577f38e9500000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d734b3127cce944574254fea00000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

[namrodda]

Sympathizing with so many of you! I think we're in the 3 week growth spurt too. My nipples definitely feel like a pacifier. He takes one too but it doesn't stay in unless I'm holding him. I can't wake him up when I want to and I can't get him to stay asleep when I want to. Despite his great sleeping at night the mornings make me exhausted constantly feeding, sleeping, fussing, feeding...Kat I'm with you on the typing with one hand all the time. Sarah Good luck honey, I give you so much credit for trying! Be patient, some men are just butt men! No one told me it was this hard either!

Right now were trying to CIO and I am struggling sooo much...Why do they have a way of making just the right pitiful noise to get your attenion :confused:

This has been the worst week, Kevin got home AGAIN last night at 11 and told me as he left this morning he won't even be coming home tonight which means I won't see him until Sunday. He might as well have gone to sea and its worse knowing that dang boat is just sitting at the pier and I can't even talk to him...I can handle the days SOO much better when I have a break in the evenings...and I've had no break. I appreciate my little guy much more if I can just put him down...ever! Knock on wood he doesn't decide to sleep less at night too, thats all I have....

I'm having serious problems eating too. I'm either not hungry or starving but don't have time/free hands to make anything worth while so I just grab something as needed....unless I've gone out or someone else is around to throw something together. Yesterday while waiting for Kevin around 9:30pm I started feeling sick and realized for the whole day I had a pepsi, some milk, a little water, a cookie, goldfish and a kit kat. Nothing remotely healthy :mad: My mom called this morning and I just started crying so she brought me a salad...I feel so helpless!

The hurricane totally skipped us. Our house is like 8 miles from the NC border and they got hit somewhat down there but it wasn't so much as windy here...or so far anyway.

Red'sGirl That is so funny about your doc....did I really hear that Brittney had a c-section because she doesn't like pain?? Oy..

Oh my good news, despite all my worry about my supply and what Jeb is getting he had gained 13.5 ounces in 7 days yesterday at his check up! So were up to 8lbs 9 oz. The ped said not to worry one bit and let nature do its thing...I guess we over think things too much.

I swear I'd go crazy without this board to vent on

Oh small blessings, by the time I finished this post he has passed out!!! So angelic when they sleep, little devils...

[Daniel's Kitty]

Aww she looks great!

Ben's Grandma (my MIL) came down to visit. She bought a whole bunch of clothes for him. They are really great cool and cold weather clothes. It is so cool. Ben missed his nap though.

[Daniel's Kitty]

If they didn't look so cute when they were asleep we would strangle them all! JK.

FOOD? Although I am trying to eat a tv dinner (Stouffer's), but Ben wants to be held and cuddled so he is fussing.

[Cosmogirl]

So William let me read the baby whisperer today. (good boy!)
And I'm really glad I did read it. There are some common sense in it, and there are things that are a bit more explained then in HSHHC. But I,ll be combining the 2 methods at my liking...I guess i'll call it Val's parenting :p I like her EASY thing, and I realised that I have been doing it backwards. Plus she kinda told me what to do when I put Will down to bed, and he doens,t want to. I tried it, and it worked. YAY
Oh, he is up...got to go!

[sarahanna115]

Alice I'm so sorry your DH can't be with you sometimes and is gone a lot! Huge hugs. I would go crazy too! Your mom was so sweet to bring you a salad. I'm with you - no time to eat! I pick at things all day long because I don't get a straight 10 minutes to cook and eat something healthy! If only these little guys would sleep a bit more - yeesh!!

Noah is driving me crazy...little angel baby he is...but man! This is like the third day in a row he is sleeping for 30 minutes, then up for 30 minutes to eat, then sleeping, then eating...but all in such short amounts of time that I can get NOTHING done around the house! Everytime I get up when he is asleep I have maybe 10 minutes before he fusses and I have to go get him again. And he is eating like a MACHINE, just can't get enough. I don't know how to handle this schedule and I can't wait til he takes longer naps during the day. I think he just wants me to hold him while he naps personally - but I can't help but want a little free time. Thank God his bouncer is working for him right now. *crossing fingers*

Kat They do look so peaceful and sweet when they are sleeping! Then I mentally picture his "scream/mad" face - hehe. They sure know how to change when they are awake and wanting something to eat!!

[alex67]

Trenton had his first real outings today. In the am DH and I took him to my work to visit and while there, I set him up with his health insurance, life insurance, and dental. (I know it is kinda early for dental but it doesn't cost me anymore to add him and it just saves time later.) Then in the pm, DD and I took him to Target to pick up a few things. Both times he just slept in the car and while he was out. Not even a peep out of him. I was so pleased that it went smoothly!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Bouncers are the greatest things in the world! So are swings!

I think we all have a bunch of eating machines!!

Ben hasn't wanted to nap all day!!! He is so tired! He isn't fussy so I am trying him in his crib with the mobile on. He needs to get some sleep sometime or I I am in for hell tonight. And I really don't want to tell him to shut the f up again since that made me feel pretty bad. He is really cuddly today.

[Mickey&B]

What would we do without his thread!
Oh Vey what a day we have had. I just got Aidan to sleep agian, maybe this time he will sleep more than 10 min. I tried to get my car washed this morning and he screamed/fussed the entire time, I nursed him for about an hour and then we attempted to go to Savon and he screamed the entire time until I took him out of his carrier and held him! We got home and I have been nursing him since about 12:30 and it's now 4:30 I finally gave him some Mylicon drops and he is finally sleeping! I swear I have been in tears for the past 2 hours!!
DH is sleeping cause tonight is his first night back to work.
namrodda I totally understand about needing that little break, and how much of a difference that makes!!

Eating/Food does M&M's and Hershey's Kisses count? I got to eat a sandwich today only because DH held it for me while I nursed Aidan. Most days I just snack.

I think Aidan hates his carseat What the Hell am I going to do???? He SCREAMS!!!! when ever I put him in it and it lasts forever!! Any experienced mommies delt with this???

[sarahanna115]

Michelle Does Aidan calm down at all once the car is moving? Noah was like that too (unless he was already sleeping in his carrier beforehand) - but as soon as I get on the road (and hit lots of potholes and bumps!) he falls asleep and is really quiet for me. As soon as I stop (like one day behind a school bus) he will start fussing. Weirdo! They are so particular aren't they??

So I have some pics! I figured out my UBW today!! And it is SO CHARMING. Ya know why? I put Noah in it and he's been sleeping for a long time! I actually got some of my mail pile taken care of and even ate a little, threw some laundry in, etc. I have a feeling he'll keep me up all night now. I intend on waking him up soon for a bath and he can play with his dad. But man, I love this wrap! He didn't like the tummy-to-tummy hold because he likes to lift his head and look around, and then would sometimes bonk his face off of my collarbone. I figured out the cradle hold and he has been snoozing and eating there ever since. Sometimes if I sit still though, he wakes up and fusses until I get up and walk around more. He keeps me on my toes, yeesh.

Here's some pix for the fun of it (it DOES get boring home all day alone hehe so I took several trying to get a good shot):

Horrible mirror shot but oh well!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/smP1000935.jpg

My little man snuggled up
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/smP1000926.jpg

And thank God for a swing!!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/sarahanna115/P1000838copy.jpg

[Sarah]

Sarah, can I give you a totally unsolicitied piece of advice? :D You have the wrap a little too low, IMO. You might cause back pain like that. You may want to try getting him a little higher, up right under or on your boobs. It may be more comfortable for you in the long run. Ignore me if you want to, or if I am butting in too much. ;) Your son is too sweet.

:D

[Daniel's Kitty]

We have the same swing, Ben loves it!
Although today he doesn't like anything that isn't being held by mom! :rolleyes: I love him but I was hoping to get more laundry done. Our SwaddleMe is in the washer! Ben is so overtired that he is getting fussy.

[sarahanna115]

Sarah No that's great, I welcome advice!! I found that the sling actually got lower the longer I wore it. I will have to try and get it tighter so it stays up there, it makes sense as it would support him better. Again thanks, and don't worry ever about offering helpful advice! :)

[maren]

Thank god for this thread. It helps SO much to know that you all are experiencing the same things that we are with sleep issues, fussiness, etc...

We had a hell night last night. Reilly had diarrhea 4 times b/w 6pm and 8pm and when I called into the After Hours service for our pediatrician they suggested we take her to the emergency room based on some dehydration signs. UGH!!! (We had to spend 48 hours in the NICU when she was born b/c they were concerned about a couple low temps she had, which ended up being nothing, so I really want to avoid the hospital at all costs.) So while I was freaking out, I called a friend of ours who's a pediatrician and he said as long as she's nursing and urinating ok we could wait until the morning to take her into our doc's office so that's what we did. We had to feed her every 1 and a half hours though, and added some pedialyte in between a couple of those feedings, so we were basically awake all night. But the good news is that it looks like it was nothing. She isn't dehydrated and should be fine! But it was really scary at the time. I'm SO glad we didn't go into the emergency room. I don't think I would have handled that well. I understand they need to err on the side of caution, but I do think that recomendation was slightly extreme.

My other good news is that I'm now 10lbs away from my pre-preg weight. I can't wait to get into my jeans. Hopefully it won't be to long now. :) Oh - one question about DTD and the 6 week mark. Do I really need to wait for my doctors ok, or just for 6 weeks to pass? I had a c-section if that makes a difference.

[Cosmogirl]

Sarah I actually wanted to tell you the same thing Sarah told you, and I was feeling a bit bad also to give you this unsolicited advise... :p Listen, UBW is a REALLY stretchy wrap, so it will sag a bit more then other wraps. So when you tie it first, tie it more tight then you'd think, so after it will have sagged, you'll be comfy. Otherwise, you'll keep on reattaching it all the time...again, unsolicited advise, i'm off your case, promise! :p
And if you want my opinion, this kid would LOVE a sling!!! He looks SO comfy in there!!!

[LeslieR]

Maren, that is so scary! I'm so glad Reilly is okay!

So, I'm convinced we have a yeast infection. I just sat on the couch crying while feeding Luke. I am in so much pain. I read all of this info about it and now I know why he's been wanting to eat so much and why he screams at the breast occasionally. THIS SUCKS! My car is still not fixed, so I don't know how I can get us to our dr's to get prescriptions. Today would have been the day to do it since Sal is off, but noooo! That IBCLC I spoke to said they only needed to see Luke if he had white patches in his mouth. WTF? From what I've read, we BOTH need to be treated. I don't know what to do. I can't go on like this and I don't think Luke can either. I really, really, really don't want to quit bf'ing, but I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I don't know how we're going to beat this thing. And my husband who is normally very sympathetic and understanding is being no help whatsoever in coming up with a solution. :(

[Cosmogirl]

Leslie
Put Monistat on your nipples 4 times and day, and apply one coating in Luke's mouth 4 times a day. You can also put the monistat on your nipple prior to feeding, and let Luke nurse on it. (then you can do it at every feeding). If you apply it in his mouth, take a cotton swab, and aplly it EVERYWHERE in the mouth. (inside cheek, palate tongue...) That is what I had to do when I had it, (and mind you, I got it again...I forgot to throw out the vit D bottle!!! Guess where we caught it again! :rolleyes: )and it worked. Sal should be able to bring this to you since he is at the pharmacy, and you don't need a prescription. You can also apply the violet thing (in french it is violet de gentiane. I'M sure Sal must have heard of it...) You apply it once a day in Luke's mouth. THIS IS REALLY MESSY!!! So 4 times the monistat, and one time the violet thing. (It is like methylen blue, but it is violet.) It is going to take 14 days to do the treatment. But you should notice a good amelioration within the 3-4 first day.

Leslie, forgot to say that the violet, you only use for 7 days, and no more. But with the monists, you can use for 14 + days...
Good luck!

[sarahanna115]

Leslie Huge hugs! I am SO SORRY you have to deal with this, you and Luke! I feel so bad for you. I hope it goes away soon! Don't give up on BF, from what Val wrote, you can get past this. Hang in there sweetie!!

Val Thanks hon for the advice! I am going to tie it tighter tomorrow and try to see if that helps! My little wriggler man really stretches it out! ;) I'm so glad I have this thread to learn how to get things right!! I don't know what I'd do without you girls!!

Noah latched on and BF worked tonight!!! -- Well, for 5 minutes, but it was definitely a huge start for us! He sucked away for a few minutes and got real drowsy. It was so sweet and I wanted to cry I was so happy it was working! Then he seemed to get uncomfortable and couldn't re-latch and got mad and I decided to give him the bottle so he wouldn't get too frustrated. We'll keep trying but that gave me some hope! (And yay, he is sleeping for me right now, hopefully he has a good stretch until his next feeding!)

[Mickey&B]

Leslie Big Hugs Sweetie! As Sarah mentioned you can get through this. I know it's frustrating but don't give up!

Sarah Yeah Noah Way to Go!!! And for you too Sarah I know it has been such a struggle!

Okay Wraps, which one should I get? aparently my little guy doesn't like to be in the cradle hold in my hotsling and since he mildly tolerated the Bjorn I am thinking a wrap that I could hold him in a more upright position might work. I tried doing some research but I am now more confused than ever. If you guys could post which ones you have and how they work for you that would be great!

[namrodda]

honestly thank goodness for this thread and knowing I'm not alone! I actually managed to get a few things done during a nap and treated myself to delivered food tonight so I actually ate some protein. Not sure Kevin will understand and not sure I care at this point!

Sarah Congrats on a sign of success! Thats great and it really is an emotional thing when it works...I hope that gives you enough encouragement to stick through the frustrating times. He looks so cute in his swing! Do I have the only baby who hates his swing? Whether its moving or not he just screams after realizing hes by himself after 5 minutes...

Leslie oh you poor thing, my nipples are wincing for you...eek. I hope you get some relief really soon and Sal helps out! Is there anyway he can take time off to get this resolved?..I would think whether your baby's able to eat or not is a big deal! Be strong! You're a great mom!

[hope0805]

Leslie, I'm so sorry! My pediatrician didn't have much helpful to say either -- she gave me a prescription for Nystatin (antifungal) and told me to apply it to myself 4 times a day. Like your lactation consultant, she said that b/c Jonah has no white patches, no need to treat him. I got the prescription filled and am going to paint it in his mouth too -- it is a liquid that is safe for babies. Not sure what else to offer, except for a shoulder to cry on and someone to let you know they are going through the same thing. The other thing Val mentioned is called "Genetian Violet" in English, if you want to have Sal get it.

Oops, crying baby, gotta run.

[Cosmogirl]

Thanks Hope I wasn,t sure about the name...

Sarah I know it isn't the same situation, but when I wean Will off the shield, that is how it started! So keep going mama, you'll get it!!!

Michelle When Kim was looking for a wrap, I wrote an overview of them. It is a think a couple pages back. You might want to look at it...I'll try to find it for you.

*********************************
SO! after one week of working hard on WIlliam to make him learn how to nap properly, I'm nearly scared of the results!!!

He actually slept through the night!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! From 10 to 5 am!!!! No need to say my boobs were about to explode!!!

He slept a totaly of 16 hours yesterday, and MOST of the time fell asleep on his own. I read the entire baby whisperer yesterday, and she had some excellent tip that I feel I can use mixed with the Weissbluth theory. What she taught me that I didn't understand in W. was how to help them go to sleep unassissted, insted of using the CIO solution which obviously Will is to young for. It isn't perfect yet, but we are getting there.

I've been recording his naps and all for the last 4 days. At first, threr wasn,t any pattern, but I saw one starting itself yesterday. He sleep through the night, waking up once or twice to eat, but sleeps 12 hours at night (eat, fall asleep immediatly after). Then he wakes up around 9-10, and has some wake time. Goes back to bed for a big nap of 2-3 hours. Then wakes up again around 12-1, eats, has some wake time again, and falls asleep for anohter long nap until 5. Then eats, and falls asleep again around 6 for a shorter nap. Then it is eat, and bath, and setting up for the night. Takes some time to put him to sleep sometimes, but he would be ready around 9-9:30 (but sometimes he cries...) and then off for the night. I don,t know how long this will last, but this is good. I CAN'T believe how well is he doing this!!!

What I find hard though, is I find that the only thing I do during the day is to feed, and try to nap a baby. I feel like I don,t get to see him as much as when he was napping beside me...:( but I know it is for his well being though.

Now the only thing that botheres me, is that since that he doens't eat as often as before. Granted, I think before eating was his way of winding down, but what he does is eats about 4 times during the day, and has a cluster period right before bed. Yesterday, he ask 2-3 time within 2 hour periods. But still it is less then the usual 3 hours schedule he use to have. The thing also, is I always am under the impression tht he doens,T eat as much, but since there is more time between feeding, my breast are fuller too. So I guess, he doesn't need both then...He pees right, and has 1-2 stools a day, so I guess he takes what he needs...

I'm officially stuck with thrush again... :mad: this time, I won't ofrget to throw awy the dam vit D bottle that I'm sure is responsible for this! :mad: Back to putting cream In Will's mouth , and myself!

[Cosmogirl]

Michelle there you go:
The best wraps for newbors are the strecthy wrap .Works until about 35 lbs I think. There are also woven wraps, but they don't hug the baby as much and are more recommended for older kids, although some mom use them with newborns and love them. These one works for toddlers too over then 35 lbs, so the plus is you get to use them longer...

Stretchy wrap:
1-Hug a bub (the one I have, LOVE it. But more expensive. I bought it second hand. Love the color, and it is the most supportive strechy wrap out there IMO. So won't sag too much)
2-Moby wrap; not really fun as far as design, but not expensive. 35 $ I think. Good support, and really soft! A little hotter though If you want a black plain one, this would be an excellent choice! www.cottoncradles.com
3-Mama Kangoroo: More stylish, but a tad less support according to the moms at the babywearer site. But really huggy for baby, and not as hot.
4- Cuddly wrap: Carla already mentionned it. Again, according to the moms on the babywearer site, not as supportive then the HAB and Moby, but REALLY soft.
5-Ultimate wrap (or something like that): really stretchy and I heard not as supportive...but never saw
6-Hot mama: again, never saw, but it looks like it is the least strechy of all.

there ar TONS more, but these are the most popular ones that I heard of.

The woven: again, you can use them longer, but not as easy IMO to learn on them.:
-Ella Roo: hand woven in guatemala, nice colors, not as hot!!!
-Didymos: Hotter, but more sturdy. Again, nice colors
-Storch: REALLY sturdy, but not as soft as Didy. Hotter then the Didy.
The 2 last are really pricey!
-again, tons others, but these are the most popular one.

Good luck choosing!

Oh, and Michelle, a Meit Tei could be a good option too. It hold the baby in a upright position, and doens't have an as big learning curve...but I do love my wrap too! Just a thought

[LeslieR]

I got an appt for Luke to see the dr at 11:30. Poor Sal has to come get me because I called him crying. I'm soooooo tired. Once again Luke slept from 8:30-1am and what did I do? Watched Survivor, filled out the invites for Luke's baptism, and obsessed over the yeast infection. I'm so tired and achy that I feel like I'm getting sick again like I was a couple weeks ago. He wouldn't sleep all morning and now-completely passed out in the swing.:rolleyes: Wish us luck!

[Cosmogirl]

Sorry Leslie about being so tired...you,ll be fine soon, don't worry. I DO understand about watching survivor though!!! :p

[Mickey&B]

Thanks Val!

Leslie, again I'm sorry I hope this gets better soon!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Sorry Leslie
Survivor was good though!

Sarah Yea!!!

Question I am trying to track down places to sign up for coupons and stuff for babies. I want to give a list to Daniel's brother for Ben's cousin that should be arriving in April. I am going to see if I can find any threads that have already been done, but if anybody knows them please tell me.

We had an over tired fuss-butt on our hands last night. He finally fell asleep around 8 after refusing to nap all day. He slept till 1:30 and then from 2:20-4:40 and then 5:20-9:30. He did great after he fell asleep the first time. He was dead to the world.

[adore_one]

michelle right now on the yahoo babywearing swap there is a HAB wrap for $45 email me if you want me to reply to her. I can set you up and show you the post.

sarah - YEAH! It is the little victories that will add up.

I am going to nurse again today and I am SCARED - scared it will hurt and scared he will have forgotten what to do...wish us luck.

I get my HAB today (from another trader) and I am SOOO excited! Val thanks for all your help with that. I think I am going to get a didy when he gets older but there is a storch coop coming up. Do you have opinions on those?

Oh and R is one month yesterday - here are some pics:
http://essinoriginals.com/robert/images/DSC_0136.jpg
http://essinoriginals.com/robert/images/DSC_0099.jpg
http://essinoriginals.com/robert/images/DSC_0060.jpg

We surprised his dad yesterday with a little photoalbum of pics I made. I had the photographer come out (without him knowing) take the pics and I put together 16 wallets with little paper borders and laminated them all then bounded them together. DH owns a pool company so he is around water all the time now he has an album and he does not have to worry about ruining the pics. He was SO excited. So this week we really just made that album - isn't it funny what becomes a major accomplishment vs. before?

[Mickey&B]

Stacy Thanks! I ordered my hotsling from attached to baby I was going to exchange it for a bigger size but I think I may try to return it and get a HUB instead, I have to check the site first to see if she even carries those. I let you know.

OMG! I think Aidan is going to fall asleep in his bouncer!!! He still hasn't taken his morning nap! Nope he has the hiccups now!

Stacy I just checked the site and it looks like $45 is such a deal, I would love to get in contact with the person!

[adore_one]

okay email me adore_one @ yahoo and I will email her it is slightly used but for the price difference!

also I got my oopa from ATB so maybe look at a pretty ring sling there or a meitai - yes I am addicted, but I want to try and see what we like the best so I am trying a TON LOL

[Cosmogirl]

Adore YAY!!! Which color did you get???
And I also saw that HAB on the trading site. WHAT A GREAT DEAL!!! (Michelle you should def. consider this!)
There is a storch coop coming up??? (I missed this piece of important info!) To me they are really different then the sterchy wrap. (they are woven, I'm sure you know) But more comfy for your back in the long term. A bit more hotter then an Ella roo or a Didy, they are thick material. but nice colors, super well made, and most of all really sturdy. Didy are nice too, I think the choice of colors are nicer(pop more), they are not as thick (at least hot) as the storch. They are IMO softer then the Storch. DiDy are usually more expensive. I'd day go with the color you prefer, either Storch or Didy, and you can't really go wrong. I'll start soon looking for a used oneon the boards...there are some GOOD deals on there sometimes!
LOVE the pics, there are adorable!

[Cosmogirl]

There was another one for sale, a sage one for 60, slightly used...

[Mickey&B]

Stacy you've got mail!

[hope0805]

I just ordered a basic black sling from prettymomma sling.com for $29.99. Babywearer gave it good reviews, so hopefully I will be happy.

Jonah has napped well today and I wasted it, shopping on line and doing I'm not sure what. Now he will need to eat again soon, and I won't have gotten anything accomplished ...

I do have an update from his 1 month check-up, though, to post really quick.

Stats:

22 in long (75 %)
10 lbs 10 oz (75 %)

That is up from 19 in long (15 %) and 6 lbs 12 oz (15 %) at his last appointment! He has gained SOOOO much weight, I am so proud of my little hungry monster. It's so much, in fact, that I asked the pediatrician if it's possible for a newborn to eat too much and/or gain too much weight. She said no, not at this point, just keep doing what we are doing.

Gotta run, he is crying and hungry *again* I think.

[shellbell516]

Rachel had her 1 month check up today too.

She now weighs 9 lb 11.5 oz and is 21.5" long. She gained almost 1 whole pound in 2 weeks. Evidently the hospital didn't get an accurate length meaurement when she was born because last time she was 21" long.

She also got her 2nd Hep B shot and did pretty good, only a few seconds of crying. I even refrained from shedding tears. The doctor said that she's doing great.

We go back again on Oct 13th for her 2 month check up and will get a lot more shots then.

We're now officially out of newborn diapers and into size 1 diapers. My girl is growing!

[LeslieR]

Thanks for all of the support, girls! I really appreciate it. I don't know what I would do without our group!

So, the ped didn't think Luke had a yeast infection.:rolleyes: No white patches in his mouth and the rash on his butt is not yeast related. Now we have to go through this whole rigmarole to get rid of that rash. I told him about all of my problems and he suggested I call my OB-he thinks I might have a bacterial infection or a staph infection. So, I called and talked to the nurse and she talked to my dr and called me back. They're calling in a prescription for Bactrum or something like that. Sal said it's a cream that I will put on my nipples. Thankfully they were willing to call it in-I was suprised. She said if that doesn't clear it up, then they need to see me next week. Which they will anyway because I have my 6 week pp appt on Thursday. Oh the drama. I'm still not convinced that it's not a yeast infection, but what do I know? I'm not a dr.:rolleyes:

I managed to get a little sleep earlier, but I still feel beat down. I'm counting the hours until Sal gets home from work. lol Oh, and I forgot to post earlier that I gave Luke the old school playtex nurser (with the brown rubber nipple) last night and he took it like it was the breast. Hurray!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Leslie Yea about finding a nipple he likes. Sorry that you are having problems figuring out what hte problem is.

[QPDoll]

Im going crazy! Its non-stop crying here. I cant get them to stop. Im hiding out on the computer right now because I just cant take it any more! They are safe in the pack n play, fed, changed, etc. TGIF and my DH will be home soon and then we are off to the ocean for the weekend. Mommy needs a break.

Im now on my what...4th? formula? Were trying soy now. Day 3 of it (2 1/2) If its not helping by Monday, were off to the ped. I hope she doesnt say to give them almentum or the like, it would be about $60 per baby per week. I don't know if they have reflux, a milk allergy, lactose intolerant, colic, or are just fussy. They don't fuss THIS much when I have others here helping, when they are held and fussed over all day (read, when Grandma and family is here fawning over them). They still are fussy and crying, but its not constant. Right now they are SCREAMING. Its been non-stop since 4 this morning, except for an hour around 8am when they fell asleep both in my arms (I fell asleep with them) while we were snuggled up on the couch.

Any BTDT moms to offer advice?
Ive tried swaddeling them, giving them baths, giving them a warm bottle of forumla (with a lil caro in it for consitipation), tried laying them on a hot water bottle, burped them, took them outside...I don't know what else to do. They haven't napped, other than like a brief maybe 5 mintutes, they are fighting it.

[usafwife]

Hi everyone. The babies all look wonderful! I'm a June mommy but have been wondering about a former member of our group. Ellyn was a member of the June mommies until she had a m/c. Just wondering if she has had her baby yet? Anyone hear from her?

Thanks.

[Daniel's Kitty]

If they get really over tired they will fught napping and just get worse and worse. I know someone with triplets that was constantly trying to get them to sleep when they were babies. Ben got over tired yesterday and it took us hours to get him to calm down and you have two babies that can react against each other and keep each other awake.

[sdauer21]

Tina I don't have much to offer for advice. :( Have you tried Mylicon (or the store brand version) drops?? My nephew had major colic from about 3 weeks until the day he turned 4 months old, and he lived on those drops. That and constant movement where the only things to get him close to calm during those first few months (oh, and him staring endlessly at the moving ceiling fan - we acutally have video of my BIL holding Finn under the fan so he could be calm for a few minutes! :rolleyes: ). When I was watching him, we took lots and lots of walks. Does movement help with the boys at all? Could you pack them into a stroller and do a few laps around the block?? I so wish I had better advice for you. :( Oh, and we found a strange calmer for my nephew - being outside, as in, camping. We took him camping when he was about 2 1/2 months old, and he was soo happy. It was very weird! (maybe it was the wine my sister was drinking while we were out there ;) ). I hope you find some relief at the ocean. I've had a rough couple of days with Abby - I can only imagine how frustrated you must be feeling with two of them!! :(

Sorry - I just went back and reread your post, and realized you have taken them outside. Still no luck...

[snowzilla]

Tina, have you tried taking them for a car ride? That might put them out if they've passed the point of falling asleep and they're fighting it. Might be worth a try - drive yourself around the block a few times, go to a drive through and buy something yummy......

Noises that have worked for soothing my own cranky, overtired sweetheart are static (white noise) from an "empty" tv channel, as well as empty radio channels in the car while driving (see above)...oh yes, and the hair dryer. She loves the hair dryer.

Edited to add that you can turn up the volume on the static fairly loud - remember, the sound in the womb was fairly loud for them, and you're mimicking that sound with the white noise.

[michael'sbride]

Evan had his two month appt today. He weighs 13 lbs 5 ozs (90%) and is 24 3/4 in (97%). Had 5 shots, my poor baby. He seems to be doing alright, although he's been very crabby...no fever.

We leave tomorrow morning for our big vacation...10 days in NY. My cousin is getting married on Sunday and since i'm on maternity leave and not counting vacation days we thought we would stretch it out. My parents and brother, SIL, nephew and neice are all going too. It should be a crazy plane trip with all four kids and i'm dreading it. Just packing was exhausting, forget actually going somewhere.

I'll be back to check in when I can, but probably not until around the 26th.

[Mickey&B]

Tina I am so sorry. I had the same day around here I can't imagine having two! at one point I put Aidan in his crib and cried right along with him. Nothing seems to help him I tried going for a walk that only lasted about 20 min until he started getting fussy, and the car forget it! He screams and doesn't fall asleep :( Even the Mylicon didn't work today. DH worked last night, he got home late and then slept the rest of the day, got up in time to take a shower feed the dogs and head off to work. God I need a break!!

The good news is that in today's frenzy I tried giving Aidan a bottle of EBM and he took right to it!!! Now I am wondering if he is getting enough milk from me, maybe he was just hungry all day. I kept nursing him and it seems that was the only time he was happy :confused:

[Red'sGirl]

Coming by quickly to post - will catch up with everyone tomorrow.

Thank you moms who posted about baths and bathing with your baby. We've been giving Arrena a bath in teh tub, and she just screams through it. Tonight, I got in teh tub and gave her a bath. She got in screaming, but after a while, she realized how much she liked it. Of course, she started to cry again when she had to get out, but that was the calmest we've seen her in some time.

She's struggling with her 6 week growth spurt. it's left her fussy and always hungry, etc. She's cried more in the last 3 days............ Oh well. :rolleyes:

AND, she has a rash. I was giving up dairy (as a just in case, as I thought she might have had a reaction to it). But in teh last couple of days I had a yogurt and a small glass of milk, and now she has bumps on her face, torso and arms. I still don't KNOW that it's the milk, but the indication seems strong. I'm still going to call the Dr. tomorrw, just in case.

Hope everyone else is surviving - I have a screaming baby to attend to. :eek:

[LeslieR]

Sorry all I seem to do when I come here now is bitch, BUT, my infection has now developed into mastitis in the left breast. Kill me now!

[Red'sGirl]

Leslie Don't worry about it. You can come here and bitch or vent as much as you need to.

Val You mentioned that the Baby Whisperer (is keeps reminding me that there's now a TV show called the Ghost Whisperer - ugh) has some tips on HOW to get a baby to sleep unassisted (w/o using CIO). Do you mind telling some of those tips? I'd really like to know.

Arrena REALLY slept through the night last night. Even after the bath, it took a while to get her down, but she slept 7 hours! From 12 midnight until 7:15am! She woke up, ate, and looked around for a few minutes (quietly), then fell back asleep and is still asleep! It's 10am! DH is wondering if we should wake her up, but I figured, why?! Hopefully, she won't be ask cranky today.

Do you think the rash (allergy) is also making her fussy? It hasn't seemed to bother her physically.

[Mickey&B]

Leslie Bitch, Rant, Rave whatever you need to do to keep your sanity!! Sorry about the Mastitis, I know BF'ing has really become a heartache with you I know you will get through it, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. That's my mantra for the week!!!

Darrien It sounds like milk/dairy might be the culprit! The rash may not be making her fussy, but a reaction to the milk in your diet might. I have been reading a lot about it lately. I guess it takes time for their digestive systems to be able to handle the lactose in dairy even if you are the one consuming it, from what I have heard/read for the most part it, it goes away at about 3 or 4 months. I have given up dairy in hopes that. that is what is causing Aidan to be so darn fussy.

[LeslieR]

My fever went up to 102* so I called the dr and she called in a prescription for me. Hurray! We should be feeling better soon. Fingers crossed! I've been in bed "resting" with the heating pad and nursing like crazy on the sore breast. Sal went and got my prescription and brought home lunch. He's such a good hubby. We've got the photographer coming tomorrow for the in home sitting and our house is a total pig sty. He's been working on cleaning up. I still haven't decided on an outfit for Luke to wear. Must do that!

Darrien, if Arrena does have a food allergy, it would definitely make her fussy (and gassy). I'm so jealous that she slept that long for you!

[LeslieR]

Thanks Michelle! :)

[alex67]

Hey ladies. Hope everyone is have a great weekend. Yesterday I decided to have a little home photo shoot with Trenton and I wanted to share a couple of the shots.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d737b3127cce9414948746bc00000006108AZuWrRk3atS

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d737b3127cce9414a3bd873500000036108AZuWrRk3atS

[Cosmogirl]

Darrien
Yeah, I didn't know how to help him get asleep unassissted, and the CIO method really wasn't suiting me now... In the baby whisperer, what she suggest, is this:
there is 3 phases to falling asleep.
1-yarn
2-Starts to fix one thing, and not close his eye. But you can see that he isn't really there, he is somewhere esle in the stratosphere.
3-Start to do like somebody on a subway, that feels sleepy, the eyes closes, and the head falls and then wakes up again, open re-opens, then re-do it again...
This whole process takes usually about 20 minutes.(to fall asleep)

You want to put the baby in bed at the end of stage 2, begginning of stage 3. This way, he does fall asleep on his own.
So you do a little routine. The same everyday, at every nap. Try to have a similar duration at each time, but if he (she in your case) goes into phase 2/3 sooner, put her to bed right away! Otherwise, she will learn to fall asleep on your shoulder/arm.

That was the point that I wanted to know:
If she starts fussing, calm her down, If she isn't too mad, just shhhh and put a hand on her tummy. As soon as she calms down, YOU STOP. If she starts again, you can do it again. But the important point is when she calms down, YOU STOP!
If she gets really mad, you can take her in your arm. Calm her down, but again, as soon as she is calm, you put her back in her crib! The writer of the book was saying that you can do this for quite a number of time at first, but if you do it right, the number will decrease fast. In our case, the first time, I had to take him in my arms about 10 times. Now, I don't have to take him anymore. I still have to shh him, and put my hand on his chest, and even that, I had to do it often at first, and now usually, by one or twice we ar ok. Sometimes, I don't even need to, he falls asleep on his own.
But you have to watch for her clues!!! If you miss the window, as Weissbluth says, she will get overitred, and she WILL fuss when you put her down. So you'll need to do more soothing to calm her down.

So that way, you teach her that you are there for her, and she learns to fall sleep unassited, and you don,t have to let them CIO, which IMO is way to early for. It is working well for us now. Will IS now able to fall sleep on his own, whereas before I started that, when I putted him in his bed awke, he would NEVER fall asleep alone. It took about a week, but the first few days were the worst. Now he sleeps more, and more into the night as well. Last night again, from 10pm-5 am, and then from 5:30-8:45!!! YAY!
She also suggest to do a cluster feeding right before bed time. That helps them to sleep through the night.

[LeslieR]

Feelin' a little better today. Still not sleeping well, though. :rolleyes:

I forgot to post that I got my Moby wrap yesterday. In all the drama here, I never opened it! I can't wait to try it out today.

Keri, can you post the link for the hooter hider again? I paged back in our thread, but couldn't find it. TIA!

[Mickey&B]

Leslie it's www.lalaling.com

No real news to report. Aidan was an angel baby yesterday he slept the entire day, and only woke up to nurse! We went for a short car ride, he screamed the first 5 or 6 minutes then fell asleep, I was able to go to the bank and the gas station. It's amazing what we consider accomplishments these days :D

[Daniel's Kitty]

Well, I am pooped, but I am waiting to make sure that Ben is raelly well asleep before I move him to his crib. I finally got out of the house today. It was so great!

I think Ben may have problems with either lactose or soy. :( I am going to try to cut out soy first since I like dairy to much to think about that until I have to. He is getting an acne type rash on him if his spit up touches his skin and I don't get it washed up immediatly. Some of the time dairy makes up half of my diet so that would really suck. Other than gas it doesn't seem to bother him it just looks yucky. I wish I knew how much of a pain bfing would be. The little stomach drank 6 ounces from a bottle tonight before he was done, and if the bottle went away he screamed until it came back. I feel like I am starving him, but if I feed him then try to pump the left overs there aren't any and the six ounces was from one pumping when I didn't have to feed him.

Leslie Sorry about all of your problems!

[LeslieR]

Can someone come over to my house and help me figure out my Moby wrap???:p I put it on yesterday while Luke was asleep and it seems like the part around my waist was too loose and he would have fallene right out had I put him in it. I'm sure I just need to practice.

Michelle, thanks for the link!

I'm going to *try* to get the new thread started right now.
(Luke and I just took a power walk and he slept through the whole thing, woke up when we got home, and is now falling back asleep in his swing. Hopefully I can get a half hour or so out of him *fingers crossed*.)

[August'05Mommies]

Sorry it took me so long to come back and post, Luke lost his patience with me!

Here is the link to the new thread: http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=6896

[QPDoll]

Our weekend camping trip was okay. The suggestions of the car ride worked, and I also tried taking them outdoors again for a walk. It seemed to sooth them somewhat, but the car ride knocked them out. Its getting better now that they have been on the new formula (soy) for a few days - however Nate is still really fussy/screaming still at feedings. He is near impossible to burp and is miserable until he does. Looking for a Dr. Browns bottle today to give it a try - I swear we have already invested thousands of dollars into different kinds of bottles! Mylicon doesn't really help, but he likes the taste so that quiets him down for a minute.

[myhoney]

Hi girls! Sorry I've been such a slacker! Bridget Clare was born 8/17 at 3:56pm, and we love her to death. I went into labor on my lunch break, and never returned to the office. We don't have a computer at home, and I'm a SAHM, so I've been neglectful. I only have a minute, but I wanted to say hi and hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying their precious bundles!