Come Watch the October 2006 Babies Grow!!!

[marathongirl]

James had his 4 month WBV today. He weighs 15 lbs 3 ozs and is 25.5 inches long.

Hope all is well with everyone!

[maplekitty]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid224/pcf0bc48b38d49389c10dc3f8b5595309/eaac9965.jpg

[TaterBaby]

Happy Valentine's Day!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k176/chiogirl_01/Vday.jpg

[Maxicat]

Oh Maplekitty, that is such a cute picture. Don't you just love how they look at you, with so much love and trust.

[MichelleRenee]

I remember thinking everyone was crazy when their DC's were going to bed at 7:30 at night. Well Tristan has officially moved his own bedtime up to 8:00. I just don't know what to do with all that free time at night!

[Rippy1010]

Last night Logan had such a TIME! Aaaaahhh! I literally wanted to scream at the top of my lungs ... but I didn't. :D

His usual night is asleep and in crib by 8pm at the very latest, and STTN to between 6:00-6:50. Last night ... down at 7:55, up at 10:30, down at 11:15, up at 3:40, down at 4:55, up at 6:50 to leave.

GRRRR!

[Mrs-Mac]

Grace had her 4 month WBC yesterday. She is now 12 lbs and 24 inches long. She's such a peanut. The Ped didn't seem too worried about how small she is. I guess he'll just make sure she continues to grow and puts on weight. Besides being small, she's doing well and is healthly.

DD is still sleeping pretty well, except she now wiggles up the crib and her head will be pushed up against a side of the crib. I think it wakes her up sooner than she would normally wake up. So we now try to move her down without waking her up. :rolleyes: Of course that doesn't always work.

One thing I made a "sleepng priority" was to make sure Grace can fall alseep on her own (vs putting her in the crib alseep). Several friends stressed the importance of that to me and I've really worked at it. I won't say that there isn't any crying, but its not a lot (I won't let her cry for more than 15 minutes) and hopefully a little crying now will mean less crying when she is older. I hope no one takes any offense to what I'm saying. I fully understand what its like to have a baby who won't sleep. There were many nights I would do WHATEVER it took to get her asleep (boucing, swing, whatever) and have her stay asleep (sleeping in my arms). So for what its worth, my advice would be to really pay attention and don't let the baby get overtired. I put Grace down when she's sleepy, but awake. She nurses, then we rock, I sing and then I put her down. Also, I have read that a well rested baby will accept sleep more readily, and I do find that to be true. Anyway, I hope all of us mommies are getting enough sleep!! :)

Maplekitty and Taterbaby Such cute Valetines!!!

Rippy Wanted to check and find out how things are going will your DS and your parents with watching him? Did you talk to them? Are they better when you pick him up? I just wanted to see if things are better for you!

Kimber I also wanted to see how things have been going with your mom and your jealously with her other grandbaby? Are things better? Did you buy the 1st Grandchild frame?!?!? :D

Hope everyon else is doing well and had a nice V-Day!

[Rippy1010]

Rippy Wanted to check and find out how things are going will your DS and your parents with watching him? Did you talk to them? Are they better when you pick him up? I just wanted to see if things are better for you!

Thanks so much! You're so sweet! I think that it has been a combination of (1) I've resigned myself slightly, and (2) they have gotten a little better. On nights that they know my DH is on daylight (he works swing shift), I am out the door very quickly. On nights that they know DH is on 3-11, it takes a little longer to get out of the door. Also, once Logan started solids and started getting a regular dinner cereal, we started getting out of the door quicker because I told them that there was more involved in our nightly routine at that point.

All in all, it's working out pretty well now. Unfortunately, I still miss him like crazy though, and still wish that I was either working from home, or a SAHM. :(

Thanks again for asking. It made me smile to know you were thinking about it. :D

[TaterBaby]

Mini vent ahead: Is anyone else tired of comments on their DC's weight, whether he/she is big or small? DD tends to be on the smaller size and I get so many comments about how she's small bc she's BF'ed and how she needs more than that to be satisfied. Umm, she IS satisfied thankyouverymuch. Just this weekend in a restaurant a stranger came up and asked us how much we paid for a lifesize doll. We all laughed and then she asked how old DD is and how much she weighed at birth. I replied "4 months" and "7 lbs 8.5 oz." The woman then said "OMG Child, you are not growing at all." Excuse me??? :mad:

[Rippy1010]

Tater ~ That would be very annoying. It would get to me, too, if perfect strangers said things like that to me. I don't get comments on size from strangers, they just ask how old he is. Very rarely they ask the weight. Sometimes they say "wow, he's only so-and-so old ... he looks like he's 9 months old", to which I then have to get in to the whole "well, if you saw his father you'd understand" conversation. :rolleyes: :o Why are people always so nosy?! I've honestly never done the "questioning a perfect stranger" routine, and I'm taken aback by it when other people do it to me.

And we thought it would end after our pregnancy ... HA! :rolleyes:

[KimberDK]

Tater - There was a thread about this in Parenting. I think so many people make comments that don't have a lot of thought behind them, and you can't take it too seriously. In the course of a single day, someone will tell me Mia is so big for her age, and someone else will tell me how tiny she is for her age. None of them know what they're talking about, because her weight is just about 50th percentile. I think people just like to seem like they are knowledgable or something, so they make a comment. When Mia was about a month old, we were sitting in a restaurant and I knew she was getting hungry so I was planning to start feeding her as soon as we had ordered. While the waitress was taking our orders, Mia started crying, and the waitress looked at her and said, "Oooh, that sounds like a gassy cry!". First of all, the waitress was about 16, secondly Mia is not a gassy baby and doesn't even have a gassy cry, and thirdly she was crying because she was hungry. That was evidence that people will just say stuff even thought they don't know what they're talking about.

Mrs-Mac: Thank you so much for asking. I was just about to answer, but Mia woke up so I'll be back...

[MidwesternGal]

Mrs-Mac--Thanks for the suggestions about sleep. I have been trying to do that with DS for naps, but the little bugger does,not. like it! He will often either pop his eyes open and lay and stare until he starts screaming. I have yet to have him fall asleep doing that, even if I leave him for 1/2 an hour. Always results in screaming. Sigh. Oh well. I'm hoping to introduce a "lovey" to make it easier in a few months.

Weight Comments--Oh yeah. I get them all the time! DS is large, and he's breastfed. When people ask how old his is, and tell me he looks mature, that's fine. I get that. He does look like a "boy" and not so much a baby. But then they ask what I feed him, and when I say "breastmilk," they raise their eyebrows--like they don't believe me!! As if I'm feeding him steak behind everyone's backs or something. :rolleyes: I'm a bigger gal, and then they look ME up and down, like I passed on "fat genes" or something. FWIW, DS really isn't fat, though he does have a buddha belly, esp. when he is propped up. . . but his height and weight are pretty darned proportional (both over 75% for his age). So it's not like he's a little round ball!!

Kimber--Great comments in "that" thread!!! I think you know which one I mean.

Maple--How is Robyn's strike going? Did you work through it? DS had been acting like that, and know what? I got my stupid period. I hadn't had it since tossing the pills a month ago. So that could be a possiblity too. (Getting your period back usually decreases supply and makes them fuss, as it changes the taste a bit and makes them work harder).

[MichelleRenee]

New collage for front page:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Tristan%20Michael/collage2-1.jpg

[Rippy1010]

MichelleRenee ~ Great collage! The bottom center pic of Tristan on his belly with his head up makes me smile ... what a cutie!!

[MidwesternGal]

Great pics, Tater, MichelleRenee, and Maple!!!
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I forgot to add that we FINALLY have a baptism date scheduled, and it works out for when my sister is back from the Peace Corps to visit!! Wahoo!!! And, instead of being at the 9 am morning service, it will be at the 6 pm Saturday service, making it easier on my parents, who have to drive 3.5 hours to get here.

Now the question is--What to serve?? I figure it should be more "meal" like instead of just sandwhiches. I was thinking lasagna and garlic bread. . . can you leave lasanga in the oven for 1.5 hours on a low temp?

I'm going to order a cake too. I'm so excited!! I love to plan "parties!"

In other news, it's supposed to be in the 40's next week. . . so I can finally take DS out and about in his stroller!! Yay!!

[MichelleRenee]

Rippy1010 and MidwesternGal, thanks!!!

QOTD:

Does anyone else have a DC whose crying sometimes resembles a temper tantrum? When Tristan is asleep and he wakes up to eat he fusses for about 20 seconds and then starts screaming. By the time I heat up his bottle (30 seconds at most) he is screaming, shaking his head back and forth, flailing his arms and kicking his legs. He looks like a little, tiny 2 year old throwing a temper tantrum. He stops as soon as we give him his bottle. (he sort of fizzles out with grunt, grunt, grunt, siiiggghhhh and then pigs out) It kind of makes me laugh now because he overreacts so much, but I guess I am wondering if this is a preview of our toddler years.

ETA: MidwesternGal, I am jealous! I want to plan a party! I am already working on his first birthday party because I just can't wait!

[Mrs-Mac]

Rippy - glad things are getting better for you. And I so hear you about wanting to stay at home. I'm going back in June and although I'm grateful and so glad to still have time at home, I sometimes get hung up on the fact that I will be going back. Like I forget to enjoy being home with her now and just focus on the fact that I will be going back. I have to remind myself to enjoy everyday with her now and not think about the future too much.

Taterbaby - I always get comments about DD's size. She's little (12 lbs at 4 months). When people hear how old she is they are shocked. Luckily, the comments are always followed by "oh she's so cute" so it doesn't bother me too much. I was, however, very prepared to hear some comment from my MIL about her size and my bf-ing, but amazingly, she didn't say anything.

Midwestern - Every baby is different. I'm sure you will be able to find what works for you two. I just know that sometimes its good to hear different approaches, ideas, etc. And like you I LOVE party planning too. My SIL once served "soups" at a party once. White chicken chili, regular chili, two different soups, bread. They were all things that could be prepared in advanced and kept warm on the stove and in crockpots. It seemed to go over well.

Kimber- I forgot to respond about your question about being totally immersed with your baby earlier...it really struck a chord with me. I worry that it is me and I worry that I'm losing who I am. A good friend has concerns about getting married bacause she sees too many women lose who they are...they give up so much of themselves and becomes a "wife". I don't feel like that was ever a concern for me. After I got married I was still me...a scienctist (and a bad speller :rolleyes: ), out spoken, confident, etc, but also a wife. But now I feel like I'm no longer some of those things. I don't feel confident a lot of the times as I try to figure out what the heck I'm doing. Grace is so much the center of my world, I'm not sure how to define myself without her. I now find it difficult to spend time with my friends/co-workers because none of them have kids. They don't relate at all to my life now. And honestly, do they really want a 4 month old at lunch? Probably not, but I don't want to go to lunch without Grace. Most of the time I'm okay feeling that way, but I just have the same concerns you do. And I don't really have any words of advice, but maybe to let you know you aren't alone in how you are feeling.

[maplekitty]

Maple--How is Robyn's strike going? Did you work through it? DS had been acting like that, and know what? I got my stupid period. I hadn't had it since tossing the pills a month ago. So that could be a possiblity too. (Getting your period back usually decreases supply and makes them fuss, as it changes the taste a bit and makes them work harder).


well...its off and on still...She was doing so well and actually excited to get the breast again for a few days - and then she got her shots the other day and now she's back to crying as soon as I put her in the nursing position :rolleyes: I've come to the conclusion that it's okay, and she'll nurse when she wants to and when she doesnt, she'll get the bottle. I'll just keep pumping and keeping my supply regular for her. I'm really hoping she'll still come around.
As for my period....I never went on the mini-pill after birth, and I still dont have AF yet. I have been getting what feel like period cramps once a month - so maybe just ovulation pains? I really dont want my period back, haha isnt that funny?! i quite like not having a period!!

[KimberDK]

Midwestern - Re "the other thread": thanks! Your comments were also really great. I actually think there were a lot of good replies in there - almost every post (other than the OP) is pretty insightful.
In other news, it's supposed to be in the 40's next week. . . so I can finally take DS out and about in his stroller!! Yay!!
OK, THAT made me just snort out loud! It is supposed to get into the 40's here too this weekend, but in South Florida, that is absurdly cold. People are like "Lock the doors, bar the windows, the temperature is plumetting to the 40's!!"

Mrs-Mac: That is helpful to know that other moms are feeling what I am, even thought it may just mean that we're all nuts. ;) I doubt it, though. About the other jealousy issue, it comes and goes. Nobody has done anything idiotic lately (like when my dad wouldn't let me speak to my mom that time because Olivia was over), but my own feelings fluctuate. I need to work through them and figure out why I feel that way. Yesterday, my mom told me that she had just spoken to my brother ,who told her that Olivia just got a pair of sandals. I was thinking, 'Ummm, ok. That doesn't seem ineteresting enough to bear repeating - Mia has about 20 pairs of shoes, including 2 pairs of sandals', but I just figured maybe my mom was just looking for something to say or whatever. Well, we just spoke and she told me again about Olivia's sandals ans I got all irritated this time and said "I didn't think that really was interesting enough to say the first time, why are you telling me twice?". And of course I'm ashamed that I got so rude because my mom didn't do anything wrong at all - her worst crime here is repeating herself. But it made me feel so snappish for some reason, like 'who CARES about Olivia's stupid sandals?? Am I supposed to think that's adorable or something?'. It's like when it comes to Olivia, I turn into someone I am NOT, because any other person I know, I would love to hear about whatever random stuff they get for their kids. If one of my friends said she'd gotten her daughter sandals, I'd want to know what color and style and hear all about them. Wow, as I type this, I see I do have Issues (capital "I" on purpose!). I haven't got the frame yet, but I'm still thinking about it. :)

MapleKitty - I'm so sorry you are still having on-and-off issues with Robyn's nursing. I can imagine how hard that must be, but you're handling it really well.
________________________________________________

A Really gross question about poop: I think Mia is feeling a little under the weather. She had a slight fever the other night and she's a bit lethargic. She is pooping more than usual too, and there are whitish chunks in it. She's EBF. Has anyone else ever seen whitish chunks in DC's poop, or have any idea if it means anything?
________________________________________________

Mia on Valentines Day:
http://www.kdkdesign.com/images/mia/72_021407_valentine05.jpg

[Rippy1010]

Kimber ~ Did you get that onesie from Old Navy? I got one for Logan that says I {heart} Mommy in navy blue from there. Also ... is it whitish chunky-chunks or more the size of seeds? Oh, and also ... I friended you on LJ. :D

[TaterBaby]

KimberDK, She is PRECIOUS! I especially love the bow. I have to tape Lainey's bows in her hair. :rolleyes:

Thanks for all the replies to the weight question. I will have to check out the thread in parenting. Somehow I missed that one. The thing is, neither DH nor I are petite in any shape, form or fashion. We're both quite tall and could stand to lose a few lbs. :p In fact, we, and everyone else it seems, thought we'd have an amazon child and now we have this little petite thing. We just returned from her 4 month WBV and she is 12 lbs and 24 inches. That's 25th percentile for weight and 50th for height. The dr. said to keep BFing her as much as she wants and that she is growing perfectly. She didn't even push cereal on me. We can start that anytime we'd like.

Bad news about the appointment - DD has another ear infection. She had one over Christmas and it was miserable. She had a fever, was fussy, didn't sleep at all, etc. This time, I had NO idea. She's been her usual sweet self. In fact, last night she STTN for the first time in a month at least. The dr. said this one probably came on gradually and wasn't bothering her much, but that her ears looked pretty bad. So we start on another round of amoxicillian. I really, really hope she's not one with chronic ear infections!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Tater - Easton was in 25% for weight and height at his 4 month WBV. Dr wasn't concerned at all about that, probably because he was only 5lbs 6oz at birth.
------------------------------------
Easton has now had rice and oatmeal cereal (which he loves, more than rice) sweet potatoes (we have to revisit these, they were 1 feeding only so far), peas (first bite was shocking, then they grew on him) and now he is having carrots (same reaction as with peas) and next we will try Barley (had gotten coupons from Beech-Nut for $1 off a box of cereal, so got more oatmeal and a barley to try, since they didn't have mixed) cereal sometime next week. After that we only have green beans and squash for him to try, besides retrying the sweet potatoes. We then move to fruits. He is actually looking forward to when it's cereal time. He gets it 2 times a day now. He gets between 5 1/2-6 1/2oz of formula in a bottle.

He still wakes up at night for at least a half to full feeding, depending on his mood. Can't complain though, he sleeps pretty much through the night with the exception to that one feeding.

Got annoyed at the mall today, at least 3 people said she is so cute. He was wearing a green fleece sweatshirt with matching fleece pants in white, with his blue blanket wrapped around him keeping him upright in the mall stroller (we didn't have one in the car, since we had to run around getting a tire and rim for DH's car this morning and I needed to stay close to his work to pick him up after) I was like how can people think he is a girl. Salesperson said it at JCP as I was buying his little duck (was .97), I said his name and that he would like the toy. Another woman said to the other sales woman in another store, she is cute, the other woman said she is a he, see the blanket and his face. She apologized and said he is really cute and asked how old he is. Same store another salesperson said she is adorable, what's her name. I said HIS name is Easton, oh he is adorable. I was always pleasant with the people although I was getting annoyed with the her thing.

Our V-day we spent taking my car to the shop at 8am and getting a call at 3:30 that it needed some $$$ work and wouldn't be done until Saturday or possibly Monday. Then at 4 we headed to get the rim for DH's tire just to end up not finding the place and no one answering the phone at 4:45 when they close at 5. So we were pretty ticked about that, so headed out at 8 this morning to get a rim from the same place, just to end up going elsewhere since we still couldn't find the other place and their phone just rang and rang at 8:30am. So annoying, but found another place and got the tire on and finally DH got to work at 10.

[KimberDK]

Rippy - No, those seed things are normal and she does get those too. These are a lot bigger...closer in size to jelly beans, but not as smoothly-shaped. Could I get any grosser?:rolleyes: Yup, the onesie is from Old Navy. Dan once saw a kid wearing an "I Love Daddy" t-shirt, years ago. And he told me that he wanted to have a kid that wore a shirt like that, so I have been looking for one ever since. I was psyched when I saw those at old navy! My local store didn't have any smaller than 3-6 month and Mia is still in 0-3 onesies, so I had them locate one for me at another store!

Tater - Thanks :)

[TaterBaby]

I found the weight thread and now I feel like a completely oversensitive mom! :o

We are going on two nights of STTN after our very looooong sleep regression!

[bunnybeth]

Had a busy week. Simon's had these little "rash" spots on his head for the past week or so now, and we were keeping an eye on them. Daycare noticed them on Wednesday afternoon and called me to pick him up early. So, we went to the ped and it turns out he has ringworm, yuck! Because he's so young, the ped didn't want to do the normal prescription, so we're currently waiting on the paperwork to go in to a specialist. I hope we can get it cleared up quickly!

And, with all the size talk in the thead, that reminds me that Simon is now officially in 6-12 mo socks, his feet are so big! And, since we were at the ped, I found out he now weighs 14 lbs, 6.5 oz. I wonder how much he'll be a few more weeks at his 4 mo WBV.

Tater BF does not cause small babies, Simon is certainly proof of that. I don't mind comments about him being big, I get them all the time. But, I hate any comments that are negative about BF. Babies eat all they want when they're BFing, with few exceptions. And, babies are the size that they are, just like adult people can be big or small.

Midwestern Oh my gosh, babies should have a bit of a belly, regardless of what body shape they'll have later. And, I believe that you're not feeding him steak, LOL! :D

For Simon's baptism, we just did sandwiches, but we needed something easy to clean up. I think lasagna would be fine for your party, that's always good for group meals, IMO.

Temper tantrums We call that "baby rage" and it's usually when he's hungry and I'm not feeding him fast enough. He wants it in his tummy- instantly.

[kate's mom]

Tatermom Congrats on the STTN- I hope it continues. I am completely jealous. Meg was up every 1 1/2 hours last night. Makes for a tired mommy!!

More later my boss just walked in.

[Rippy1010]

Temper tantrums We call that "baby rage" and it's usually when he's hungry and I'm not feeding him fast enough. He wants it in his tummy- instantly.

I was having my own "baby rage" last night in the car. Logan was sick of sitting in his car seat (IN THE CAR) last night on the way home from the store to buy formula. He literally screamed/cried for 15 minutes the whole freakin' way home because he wanted out of his carseat. I know he was starting to get hungry, but he usually doesn't act like THAT when he's hungry. If I could've gouged my eardrums out, I would have. Are we still at the age where they are too young to worry about creating bad habits, and too young to worry about them becoming brats? Are we starting to enter the shady area now? Because I keep worrying that Logan really IS having temper tantrums!!!

[Ericka_Jarett]

midwestern - you could even do baked ziti if you don't want to bother with the work of making lasagne, that is always a hit with big gatherings

[bunnybeth]

I was having my own "baby rage" last night in the car. Logan was sick of sitting in his car seat (IN THE CAR) last night on the way home from the store to buy formula. He literally screamed/cried for 15 minutes the whole freakin' way home because he wanted out of his carseat
Simon did that on the way home from daycare on Monday and the car almost always calms him down! It took awhile after we were home to calm him down even. At least it hasn't happened again yet.

[Rippy1010]

Same here, bunnybeth ... it took a really long time to calm DS down once we got home and got him out of the carseat. The car usually calms my DS, too. It was very bizarre - - and nerve-wracking. I'm sorry you had to go through it to, but I'm glad I'm not alone. ;)


Kimber ~ I'm PMing you something now because I didn't know if I should post it in here since it's about a different thread.

[MidwesternGal]

Kimber--Cute pic!! Does Mia have brown eyes? They sure look that way!! They're so big and gorgeous!. . . . There is a poop thread in the parenting section, you may want to post there regarding Mia's diaper issues. Just do a poop search and it should come up.

bunnybeth--Oh no! Ringworm! How did your DS get that? From daycare? I hope the specialist can take care of it quickly.

Temper Tantrums--None here yet. If DS has just woken up, he'll make these anxious kind of noises while I get ready to feed him. It's a weird semi-yell/whine of sorts. He has fits when I put him in his crib to nap though, but that's sleep related, not a tantrum.
__________________________
So DS has turned into an extremely fussy fussy baby. It used to be that he'd fuss only when hungry or tired. Well, since he decided he no longer needed to nap, he fusses all.the.time. And I mean always. He's not happy in his jumperoo, his walker, on the floor, with a paci, without a paci, nothing. He fusses if he rolls himself over on the floor, but then fusses if I roll him back. It's driving me batty. I mean, I can handle some fussing, but all day long? Oy. The last couple of weeks have been pretty bad. It's becoming a constant day long whine of varying volumes. DH will come home and try to "fix" the whining by various methods that I've all ready done. For me, I'm hoping to be able to tune it out soon!! Crikey.

[Rippy1010]

Midwestern Gal ~ I really feel for you. DS is like that a lot of times on the weekends. I know it drives me INSANE!


Does anyone just wish that their DH was a little more parent, and a little less babysitter? On some things, I admit, it's partially my fault because I like to be the one to do bedtime, solids, baths, etc because I really enjoy the quality-time. But, if DH is spending time with DS so that I can get dinner ready or do some dishes or some laundry (etc), DH can never just BE the parent ... he's more of a babysitter. He will hold DS and play, but as soon as he's fussy he's running at me saying "what do you think is wrong", or "what do I do?". It makes me crazy some days.

Also, DH kind of seems disinterested in "quality time" with DS. If DH is home at night (works swing shift, so not always home when we are), he will play with DS for about 20 minutes but then I guess it gets boring, or he's more interested in what's on ESPN, or something. Meanwhile, I kinda want to spend as much time as possible playing with DS since I only get to see him for an hour to 1-1/2 hours before he has to go to bed. I guess I just don't understand where he's coming from ... why wouldn't he want to just spend as much time as possible playing with DS.

Is anyone else experiencing anything like this?

I don't want my post to seem like I don't appreciate DH. He is very helpful with a lot of the housework, and works very hard to support our family. But, it just seems like the "infant" phase is too boring to him or something. I just get worried sometimes that DH and DS won't ever have nice father-son quality time later because they aren't bonding now. :rolleyes: I think I must worry too much.

[MidwesternGal]

Rippy--YES, I have a DH who is a babysitter and not a "parent." It annoys the crap out of me. Like, I have a WAH job. So when DH has the day off, I ask him to take care of DS (minus feeding, since he's bf) for the afternoon while I get some work done. Well, DH will do it for about oh, 20 minutes. Then either A) come to get me for a diaper change or B) put him in his walker and then DH watches tv until the point where DS fusses which is when C) DH gets me to calm him down. DH will also ask me to take DS when he wants to get himself something to eat, go to the bathroom, etc. Um, what does he think I do all day long? Never eat, never pee? A hired babysitter would do more than that!!! Grrr. But as I've mentioned before, FIL pretty much did/does nothing with regards to actual caretaking of the kids when they were young, so considering what my DH does do is a plus.

[maplekitty]

Rippy - Omg, yes! I've often thought to myself that DH acts like a glorified babysitter and not like a parent. I feel like I make all the decisions, I have to "teach" him how to do things with Robyn, and sometimes I wish he would just pay attention to how I do things so I don't feel like I have to show him or tell him how things are done because he's "doing it wrong". But at the same time I try really hard to restrain myself from being bossy about her, or not letting him figure things out on his own. It's just that sometimes I feel like, we've had her for four months now, you'd think he'd know how to do some things or what to do to console her when she's crying. Often I'm sitting there watching him as he's trying to figure out how to console her, and I just say "sit her up on your shoulder Curt", or "she needs a bottle"...and I think it seems so simple to me, why can't he figure it out!
Then there's also the issue of equal amount of time we hold or play with her. I feel like I'm with her all day long, so when he gets hoem from work doesnt he want to hold her and be with her. Especially when he expects me to start dinner and clean up, all the while looking after her....while he's downstairs practicing his drumming, or outside cleaning up the yard....I just want to say, "listen buddy, I can't do it all, it's your turn!" And don't even get me started on the nightime wakings....he just rolls over and goes back to sleep, after I've been getting up every 2 hours! Ugh, that annoys me so much....and I come back to bed and he'll rub my arm or something as if to say "there there babe, I know you're tired" - then why doesnt he take *just one* feeding and let me get more than a 2 hour stretch of sleep!!!

wow, okay that just turned into a vent, LOL...that was good to get off my chest! ;)

[Rippy1010]

Thanks for commiserating with me girls ... I could have written both of your posts. :)

I also try not to be bossy ... but sometimes I just think it's so obvious that Logan just wants a particular thing and how can DH not understand after observing the sytem for the last 4-1/2 months. DS will get so fussy if you just sit on the couch and hold him ... he either wants you to play with him or walk him around the house ... he's an on-the-go baby. ;) But, DH doesn't want to be torn from the tv and I end up eventually just getting DS back again because I'll hear DH saying things like "I don't know what you want, why can't I get you to stop crying" even after my several nicely-worded attempts at guiding him in the right direction. {sigh}

Oh ... and I totally get the "can you hold Logan for a minute, I have to go to the bathroom" or "can you either pour me a drink or hold Logan for a sec" or any combination of things that get the same point across. Not that I mind pouring a drink for my husband, but (1) how have you not figured out how to hold your son with one arm, and do something else with the other?, and (2) how do you think I manage these things when I'm home by myself with Logan?

Grrr. Boys.

ETA: Yes, maplekitty I think you needed to vent that out. LOL! ;)

[nutter13]

Hello October Mommies!

It's been a LONG time since I've been here and I wanted to update you on what happened...

At 24 weeks I had a pain in my side and started to shake, it was so bad that I called the on call OB who told me to head to the ER. The pain had subsided (and come to find out it was just indigestion) by the time I got there but decided to get checked out anyway. I was contracting every 2 minutes (just BH, they were normal for me and I knew things would be fine). IV fluids did not slow them down, so they put me on meds and admitted me for 48 hours. Before I was to leave they wanted to do an u/s to make sure I had not dilated. I was just waiting for the results so I could go home when the perinatologist came in and said "I have good news, and bad..." I had not dilated, but I had been diagnosed with a condition called vasa previa. At the time I had never heard of this and learned that I would not be going home and would be delivered by c-section between 34-36 weeks. I was completely shocked!

What is Vasa Previa?
Vasa Previa occurs when one or more of the baby’s placental or umbilical blood vessels cross the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby. When the cervix dilates or the membranes rupture, the unprotected vessels can tear, causing rapid fetal hemorrhage. When the baby drops in to the pelvis, the vessels can be compressed, compromising the baby’s blood supply and causing oxygen deprivation.

Occurrance
Vasa Previa occurs once in every 2,000 to 3,000 births. The fetal mortality rate is estimated to be as high as 95% if the condition is not prenatally diagnosed.

Please check out the International Vasa Previa Foundation (http://ivpf.org) web site for more information.

I spent 13 weeks in the hospital or 95 days. I was monitored 3 times a day. I was allowed to go to the bathroom and take a shower, and one 30 minute wheelchair ride a day. It was the most challenging time of my life, especially being away from DH and DD who is 2. DS is doing great, he was delivered at 35 weeks, spent 4 days in the NICU and was discharged with me. And I am SO glad to be home with DH and DD again. We are so thankful we went to the hospital that day, it is a true miracle!:D

I want to make as many people aware of this condition because the outcome can be prevented if prenatally diagnosed (lucky for me I had a transvaginal color doppler--transvaginal u/s with color to see the blood flow--done in the hospital, which is what diagnosed me. If a woman has any of the risk factors the foundation and anyone who's been through VP encourages further testing be done to rule out VP. And if they are diagnosed with vasa previa it is recommended to be hospitalized around 28 weeks, I was kept b/c of the ongoing contractions.

I follow along often with you girls and am so glad to see how well everyone is doing :)

[MidwesternGal]

nutter13--I'm so thankful that your baby is healthy!!! You must have been so scared!! Your post made me tear up a little bit--thank you so much for the information regarding vasa previa. I had never heard of it. Warmest wishes to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story!!! You may want to put a small post in the pregnancy, labor, and pp thread as an FYI regarding a little known medical condition.

[maplekitty]

nutter13 - hey we were wondering what happened to a few of you who stopped posting. I'm so sorry the end of your pregnancy was so challenging, but I'm happy to hear all is well with you and baby :)

[Rippy1010]

Hi, nutter. Wow ... I'm so sorry that you had such a rough time and such a scary condition. I would have been horrified. I'm relieved that everything turned out well in the end and DS is doing well.




I know I'm one to internalize everything, and blame myself for everything but ...
Does anyone else feel like they've somehow failed when their DC has sleep regressions? I've had two awful nights in a row with DS, and as I'm sitting in his rocker at 2:00 in the morning I just keep thinking to myself "there must be something I'm doing wrong, why won't he sleep now after he's been doing so well". It makes me crazy.

For anyone else that has successful journeyed through a sleep regression ... how long do these things last?!?! :o

[Ericka_Jarett]

Rippy - you haven't failed. Babies regress all the time. Easton was doing well and went backwards for a while and just started sleeping thru again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Easton is up to 2 bowls of cereal and at least 1 of those times with veggies. We are trying sweet potatoes again, he has enjoyed carrots and stands peas. Thinking of doing 2 bowls of cereal (breakfast and dinner) veggie for lunch with a bottle and veggies with dinner too

He rolled over in his crib last night. I know several other babies have been doing it for a while, but the ped said he may not do it at 4 months like some babies, since many don't do it until 5+ months. He did do it a few times at 3 1/2 months.

[kate's mom]

NutterI am glad that everything worked out for you and your DS!!

Rippy Trying to figure out sleep has been the story of my life for both of my children. I also internalize everything : did I lay her down too soon, too late, is she hungry, etc.....
We have been in a sleep regression for the last week. Meg was up every 1 1/2 hours for 4 nights. Finally last night she gave me a 7 hour stretch of sleep. Thank god, because I was about to lose it yesterday I was so tired.
I do not think there is any rhyme or reason to why babies have sleep regressions, I just think they do.
My other DD did not sleep well at night until about 7 months and then she was a champion sleeper. She would sleep from about 7-7 with no wake ups. She is still a wonderful sleeper at 2!
Around 5 months her naps started to organize and lengthen. She was only doing 30-45 minute naps before that.
I am REALLY hoping that this happens with Meg.
I hope that you get some sleep soon and that this phase passes quickly for you.
I wish I had more advice, but I want you to know that you are not alone.
Sorry this was so long.

[Rippy1010]

Ericka ~ Thanks, chickie. Wow, Easton is being a champion eater with his three meals a day. Way to go! I've been blaming the gassier cereals on a portion of Logan's sleep issues. The oatmeal and the mixed grains make him sooooo gassy even after the gas relief drops. If the gassiness doesn't get better, we might go back to just rice cereal once we start the veggies and fruits. Logan has never rolled over (unless you hear my parents tell it ... :rolleyes: . They still say he's rolling over). He absolutely despises anything having to do with being on his tummy; thus, no rolling over. But, in the last week, I have noticed him working VEEERY hard at rolling from his back to his tummy. He's now able to get up on his side and just about tipping over ... he can't seem to figure out that last little push. LOL.

kate's mom ~ Thanks! I do that, too: did I put him down still hungry, did I wait until he was overtired, etc, etc. Everything that does or doesn't happen with him ... I blame myself. :rolleyes: :o Logan was sleeping 8-6:30 (give or take), but his naps have always been awful. He was/is doing 25-40 min stints only. I tolerated it because I would tell myself "at least he's STTN" and the ped even said he may not be taking long naps because he gets so much quality rest at night. But, if he doesn't STTN and he doesn't take good naps ... makes for an unhappy home, to say the least. LOL! Hopefully 5-months will be the magic number for napping in our house, too. HA!

[MidwesternGal]

Count me in the club of hoping that the 5-month mark will bring about better STTN and napping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (As my 4-month old chews his fingers in my lap, because he's screaming anywhere else, due to the fact he's tired but won't.go.to.SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!)
____________-
In other DS news, he discoverd his feet/toes and his right ear. So now when I change his diaper, he holds his own legs and butt up for me!! Unfortunately with the ear, he tends to pull on it and he'll give ME a dirty look when it hurts. Go figure. Oh, and he has no interest whatsoever in his left ear.

Here he is "helping" me change his diaper:
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/midwesterngal03/Ihavetoes02Saturated.jpg

Here are a couple photos in his new outfits I got the other day:
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/midwesterngal03/ImCuteFeb15.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/midwesterngal03/SmilingFeb15.jpg
TM, could you add this last one to the front page? Thanks!

[maplekitty]

sleep regression, STTN, napping - story of my life!! I've been wading through the 22 pages of the Sleep Habits thread and have come away with some good pointers. I won't get into it too much here because I just wrote out a huge post in my journal. So, if anyone is interested....come by my journal! We can all commiserate on the sleeping thing together! ;P However I have just convinced DH to start waking up a few time during the night with DD because I was getting way too exhausted on the mere 2 hour intervals of sleep!

[Jenzen01]

Add me to the list of sleep-deprived.

Ada was up so many times last night, I lost count. We were doing so well in the beginning, and the last month has been pooey.

She rolled from back to belly on Sunday. And, she's got her feet figured out. She's been grabbing them and rolling from side to side.

I'm feeding her solids twice a day. In the morning, she gets cereal and in the evening cereal combined with a fruit or veggie. So far, she's had bananas, squash and sweet potatoes. She's doing very well, and most seems to be going down the hatch.

Ah, but gone are my nice breastmilk diapers. Phew. You can definitely tell she's on solids. And, boy, does my baby have stinky farts. She can clear a room. So unladylike.

That's all for now.

Jen

[Michelle]

Sleep deprived? Oh yeah! Between in-laws in town and Madison not STTN anymore, I'm exhausted! I'm too tired to post and talk about it now, but count me in! :)

[MichelleRenee]

Yeah, I think I am experiencing everything that everyone else is.

Sleep regression: I wouldn't really call it regression... he has always been a failry good sleeper, but it is so hard when he sleeps 8-hour stretches 5-6 nights in a row and then spends a week sleeping no more than 4 hours at a time. Yes, I feel like a failure at these times.

Glorified babysitter:, totally! Mike is so great, and so in love with Tristan, but I honestly wonder what the heck he would do if I wasn't always here helping him. I think it bugs him that I automatically know what is wrong when Tristan cries. (I will be in the shower and hear crying and yell out "he wants his pacifier!!" It doesn't take a brain surgeon!!!) And whenever it is time to eat he just hands Tristan to me. On V-Day I had to force Mike to let me find a sitter for Tristan. He wanted to bring him to dinner with us. Of course he did!! He never has to hold the baby and eat at the same time!!

Nutter, wow! What a story! I am so glad you and baby are OK! Welcome back!

Overall we are doing pretty good. The constipation is pretty much gone and his skin has been clear for over a week now! I still have to slather him with lotion a few times a day, but it is still way better than before! Thank goodness for soy formula!

We had our first night away from him this weekend. Mike took me to the Renaissance for V-Day and Tristan stayed with my mom. I was so worried he would be too much for her but they both did great!!

We also started with our new sitter today. She is amazing. I am SO glad the other one quit because I feel a thousand times more comfortable with the new one. All along I thought my "discomfort" with her was just new mom paranoia... but really it was my instinct telling me to find someone else. I have got to learn to listen to myself!

[Rippy1010]

Oh yes! Logan has found his feet, too. He also holds his feet and butt up during diaper changes ... the little helper. LOL!!! Do you think finding their feet is halfway along to sitting up unsupported? I've noticed that Logan can sit up unsupported for 2-3 minutes when he is really focused on playing with his feet.

MWGal ~ Those pictures are precious! :D

[bunnybeth]

The big thing is yesterday DH stayed home with Simon all day. Since he didn't have work and daycare was closed it was something that had to happen, but DH was so nervous he tried to talk me into calling in sick. But, it went so well. I knew DH could do it- I've made him help out with everything except breastfeeding and bottle cleaning so far. So, he can do diapers, dressing, bottles, playing and whatever else is needed. He even remembered to give him tummy time and didn't just stick him in the bouncy or swing *all* day. Only called me once, and that was to give an update, not ask advice. Granted, Simon is an "easy" baby, but I'm still proud of both my boys and their day home together. :)

nutter That must have been such a scary time for you, but I am so glad it worked out so well in the end. A healthy baby and mom is the best outcome!

Rippy I had another bout of "baby rage" last night, and the only thing that calmed him down was a cold teething toy. Teething already? My parents said he could be well before any teeth break through. Perhaps Logan is as well?

As for DH, I've pretty much forced him to do pretty much everything baby, so he'll do it when he has to, even the things he doesn't like to do such as dressing DS. But, he does put DS in the swing, bouncy or whatever more often than I do, and has admitted to waiting for him to be older in order to "do more" together.

Midwestern The ped said it was probably from a pet, so I had my parents bring their dog to the vet and we're bringing our cats this weekend. If not, it may just be daycare. We've been putting lotramin on it and at least it's not getting worse. Cute pics of your little guy!

Rolling and feet grabbing Simon discovered his feet about 3 weeks ago, but he's still not holding them all that often. This past week, he's started rolling from back to front. He doesn't do it all the time, but it has happened on a couple of different occations.

Does anyone else have a crib explorer? Simon always wakes up in a totally different location- end of the end, pressed against the side, perpendicular to the sides. The other morning, he woke us all up when he kicked on the musical (Tiny Love) mobile... which is not even designed to be turned on by the baby!

[Rippy1010]

Perhaps Logan is as well?
Yes ... I think he does have some early-teething pain. Sometimes he has a piercing painful cry and immediately shoves anything close enough for him to reach right in his mouth and chews on it. Poor thing. Sometimes, though, I truly think he's just being a brat because I'm not responding as quickly as he wants me to (aka - driving the car). LOL! :p



Logan has developed a new little thing lately ... if we are eating food (particular a hand-eaten food like pizza, sandwiches, pretzels, etc), he will try with all of his might to grab it out of our hand and/or pull it towards his mouth and he opens his mouth real wide and/or makes chewing motions while he's doing it. It is soooo funny!!!

[MidwesternGal]

Thanks for all the compliments!

We had the 4-month WBV today. Boy oh boy, does DS hate shots!! He screamed so loud, it was silent for about a full minute! Yikes! He's been out of sorts all day today, too. Hopefully we're better tomorrow. He has a "hot spot" where two of the shots were. . . is this normal? He didn't have them last time.

Stats:
Height--27.5 inches (off the charts!)
Weight--15 pounds, 11 oz (75th percentile)

So now he's back on the chart for weight, but off for height. Flip-flopped from the 2-month checkup!! Doc and nurse were a little concerned about lack of weight gain (only 6 oz), but since he's having plenty of wet diapes and at least 1 bm a day, they said it was okay.

Doc said to encourage him to sit up more (he has no interest whatsoever). We discussed solids, but she's fine with my decision to wait until 6-6.5 months as long as week keep BFing until then.

bunnybeth--Hopefully your DS and your furbabies get cleared up soon!

Rippy--Everyone has been telling me that DS has been teething for MONTHS now. I asked the doc about it, and she said the drooling and fussing are pretty bad until the first 1-2 teeth break through, and it should be much better after that. BUT, she did say teething behaviour can be up to 4 months before you see the first one!

MichelleRenee--Glad to hear you like the new babysitter better. That must take a load off your mind!

[Rippy1010]

Rippy--Everyone has been telling me that DS has been teething for MONTHS now. I asked the doc about it, and she said the drooling and fussing are pretty bad until the first 1-2 teeth break through, and it should be much better after that. BUT, she did say teething behaviour can be up to 4 months before you see the first one!

Thanks! Oh, I think I will just die if it's 3 more months of this before the first tooth breaks. :eek: :o LOL!

[AmyS]

There must be something in the air because AJ has started having issues sleeping at night again. Sunday night he was up every 45 minutes screaming. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with him to save my life. (As he starts screaming again as I type this......) We're weaning him off of the swaddle because DH is afraid he's going to flip over in his sleep and not be able to breathe. Right now we have the legs and 1 arm out. After another day or so I think I'll let the other arm out.

WBV last week
27.5 inches
19 pounds 9 ounces

Holy cow is he a big boy! We just installed his Marathon car seat today because he was just too heavy for me to carry in the SnugRide. The doctor gave a a script for an anti-fungal cream for his cradle cap. It was horrible- pussy and crusty and so itchy for him. He did ok with his shots. He screams more when the nurse holds his legs for the shots than he does when he gets them.

DH the babysitter? I could write the same thing everyone wrote in their posts. How hard is it to do the dishes and have AJ in the highchair or the exersaucer? How do you think I do anything during the day, huh? It really bugs me how the two of them just plop down on the couch and watch tv. Play with your son, don't get him into the nasty habit of watching television. I can't stand it. Ummm... Amy, I think he's wet. Ok, you know where the diapers are! :confused: I don't get it.

Happy Fat Tuesday Everyone!!

I just realized I've neer posted a pic of him. Here's my cutie in his 3 month pics.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a123/amy_stanis/0003.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a123/amy_stanis/ajbw.jpg

[MichelleRenee]

MidwesternGal, yes, it is the BIGGEST relief!!!

AmyS, what a chubby little cutie!!! Tristan had the same horrible cradle cap. It was oozing everywhere and was just a solid layer of greasy yellow crust over his whole head... not pretty! The worst was when he woke up one night to eat and his sheets were SOAKED under his head from the oozing. The next day we ended up switching him to soy formula (at the peds rec. He also had rashes all over his body) and it cleared up LITERALLY in 2 days. That was almost 2 weeks ago and I still can't stop touching his soft little head! I hope the anti-fungal cream works for your little guy! It is sad when you know they are so itchy and uncomfy!

Tomorrow is day 2 with the new sitter and I am actually *excited* about it. She actually called me the other night just to check on Tristan and tell me again what a great day they had.:D

[Rippy1010]

Wow, MichelleRenee! Your new babysitter DOES sound wonderful! How nice that she just called to see how he was doing and to reiterate what a great day they had. Finding someone like that would definitely put my mind at ease. I'm glad that you were lucky enough to find her!

[Pamela]

Nutter, great to hear from you! Glad that everything ended up ok with you and your son.

MidwesternGal, your son is too cute! Love those pics!

AmyS, what a cutie!

MichelleRenee, your new sitter sounds great! I'm glad it worked out so well for you.

[bunnybeth]

Rippy Have you tried actual teething toys yet? I got out one of Simon's that's filled with liquid and goes in the fridge to cool down, he totally loves it even more than chewing on his normal toys.

Midwestern Big boy! With him being so long, what size clothes is he mostly wearing? It seems the length is the big deciding factor in Simon's size. Simon also has no interest in sitting up. Guess our boys just don't care yet!

AmyS I didn't know cradle cap had anything to do with fungus. Maybe it is similiar to ringworm? I thought Simon had cradle cap at first, until the red circles formed. Cute pics of your little guy, love that smile in the first one!

MichelleRenee So glad the new sitter is working out for you. After a few days seeing Simon liking his daycare, it was a load off my mind to know he was doing fine all day when we're apart.

[MidwesternGal]

bunnybeth--He is mostly in 6 month clothes. Some 3-6 still fit if they are cut a bit longer. A lot of the 6 month things are a bit baggy in the legs, width-wise (and sometimes waist). However, that's what he needs because of his length. The little Gymboree outfit he's in a couple pages back, the yellow shirt and white pants--the white pants are 6-12 month and waaaay too big around the waist.

AmyS--Adorable pics of your boy!!

Pamela--How funny that you got the jumperoo. . . because my parents picked us up one today--I was walking through Target talking to my mom and the phone, and told her we were going to get it, but they had all ready bought it!!!! They're bringing it down on Friday, I'll post a pic later this weekend. If I remember correctly, Ericka was the first to get it and recommended it--she should get a commission from FP! How many of us is it, about 10 or so? LOL.

Question: Have you started baby-proofing yet? If so, what have you done? I'm wondering when I should have things ready. DS is quite the little mover all ready (he is trying to slither!!) and I'm terrified I won't be ready. I am going to get the door handle covers, the drawer latches, and cupboard latches. Other than that, I'm not sure if any more is *absolutely necessary,* other than reminding DH not to leave things laying around. Or, are you planning to get those little plastic "yards" to put up in the family room?

[kate's mom]

MapleKitty I saw your post in the HSHHC thread. I will be interested in seeing what responses you get. I am in the same boat as you. I can get Meg down with out a problem. We even put her down drowsy but awake, yet she still wakes up all the time. I have been following the every 2 hour rule since birth and it hasn't helped with her nightwakings. I am not opposed to CIO but not for a little while longer. I was hoping not to have to do it with this child.

MichelleRenee YAY! I am so happy that you found such a great sitter. It makes it a little easier to leave your child when you find the right person.

AmyS Your little guy is so cute!!

Sleep or the lack of continues with us. Luckily Meg is a really happy baby without sleep, too bad her mom isn't. She did give me one really good night, so I got a little energy back.

More replies later

[Rippy1010]

MW Gal ~ I would say, other than the rest of your list, the only thing I would add is outlet covers. Both DH & I know children that have stuck keys in outlets ... one baby lost it's hearing in one ear from the trauma. I am not planning on getting the plastic yard, but I am planning on getting a gate for the stairs. (But the gate, and things like that, I will wait on until DS is really moving around on his own ... our household has a while longer to wait on this anyway. DS isn't all that interested in moving anywhere right now. LOL!).

[Ericka_Jarett]

Midwestern - too funny that you got the jumperoo too. Your little guy will love it. Easton has been doing the spinning for about a month now, he use to get scared when he would turn and be facing the bookcase, but now he knows he can just keep going around and will see us again. He can really get his jumperoo swinging, we still don't have him on a number, I tried last week putting him on 1 and he got so frustrated because his toe barely touched, so we went back to no number and he is still on tip-toes and not flat foot, so we are leaving it on that setting for now.

Baby Proofing - I have different baby proofing items that I pulled out after I dissolved my diaper cake business. I have outlet covers (I actually already have them in Easton's room and have since I pulled them out 3 months ago, didn't want to misplace them), his room is the only one with exposed outlets, aside from 2 in the livingroom, all the others have huge items in front of them. We have door latches for the laundry room double doors, under the sink cabinet, door under the oven and the oven door, and DH's desk cabinet. I bought the cabinet latches for the 2 big cabinets in our kitchen. I plan on getting a strap for the fridge, coffee table (has 2 drawers) and our linen closet that stands free outside of the bathroom. All other doors have turning doorknobs on them, so we are not worrying about those until he is much older and can open them (he has to be tall enough to reach them first) and then we have our front door but that we keep deadbolted just like the backdoor, so we have a while before we worry about that. Our tv cabinet has a key to lock it, so once Easton is moving, we will just take the key out and hang it so that he can't get to the DVD player or DVDs. I have bumper corners for our coffee table and my mom bought us 2 gates already (still boxed), we may put another at the kitchen entrance to keep him in the livingroom, not sure yet. One will go at the bottom of the stairs and the other at his room (then we don't have to block the top of the stairs and will keep him from the bathroom) DH was talking about a plastic play yard for the livingroom, but think that will be possibly more of a pain, so we will see how he does at first with the other baby proofing. We don't need stove knob covers as the knobs are up past the burners instead of down low. I want to get the [b]mesh netting for stairs] as we have wrought iron banisters in the stairs and the space on the bottom part of the stairs is big enough that Easton would be able to stick his head between the stairs and the railing and also since it's ort of decorative above, he could probably put his head there as well. A friend of mine brought her 2 kids over soon after we moved here, and we had to keep a tote in front of 2 cabinets in the kitchen as her youngest was exploring and her oldest was getting into the tv cabinet so we had to take the key out after we locked the doors after he got a movie out. Also the oldest was trying to sit on our coffee table (it has glass sort of inset with a solid base under it) Other then that it was ok. I didn't have the laundry cart in the laundry area so I just pulled the bleach from the cart and put it on top of the washer and closed the doors. So many items I pulled out in case she comes with her kids again, this way can lock the doors I need to and we don't need to worry about them getting into anything they shouldn't.

Sorry to those with sleep issues. Easton's been pretty good, although we were out last night past when he usually goes to sleep and it was about 11 before he would even consider going down, and that was without him taking his 2 hour straight nap at all. He took 30 mins here and there and 1 - 1 hour nap and was asleep in the car on the way home, as soon as we parked, he was wide awake. Once upstairs at 11, I had to pick him up and rock him a little as he was not wanting to sleep. He finally went down at 11:15 and slept til 5:30 got up to eat and went right back down after having 6oz. (Note to self, try to be home for his 8:30-9 bedtime.)
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We go to NJ this Sunday to meet up with some people from a Disney board I am on for lunch, that should be fun. Then visiting a few friends while we are there. My car has been in the shop since last Wednesday, still not finished, hopefully today, they keep finding new issues after the finished the repair work on the leaking coolant. Hopefully it will be fixed today and I get it back. We got our state returns so far, that was a nice surprise to see last night. Just in time to pay for car repairs.

[AmyS]

bunnybeth- I thought I read somewhere, and of course I can't remember where, that cradle cap can be caused by a yeast infection on the scalp. Whatever it is, the cream is working! His head is almost clear for the first time in months!

[TaterBaby]

Babyproofing: I'm dreading this. I have collectibles and non-kid friendly decor everywhere, even in DD's nursery. Her bookcase is full of classic Peter Rabbit figurines and dishes. Lots for me to do! One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is attaching furniture, like bookcases and dressers, to the wall to they don't topple over on your DC if he/she is a climber. We also have a stair rail where the spindles are too far apart.

[Pamela]

MidwesternGal, its too funny how many of us have the jumperoo now!

[bunnybeth]

Midwestern I totally understand that! One of Simon's outfits he outgrew in length (pants with attached footies) and it was still too baggy in the waist! Another friend of mine had the same problem with her DS and we were saying they should have a store for lanky babies! LOL

AmyS That's great to hear! I'm hoping we get a script for a stronger anti-fungal (currently using OTC) on Monday and get Simon's ringworm cleared up just as quickly.

Tater We have shelves we installed pretty high up in Simon's room. Could you do something like that for Lainey's Peter Rabbit stuff and then just put unbreakable stuff in the bookcase?

baby-proofing We haven't started doing anything yet, but we have started buying stuff. We'll be doing: locks on all drawers and cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms; outlet plugs; gates on top and bottom of stairs (we have 3 stories in our house); cord winders for blinds. We'll wait to see if he's a climber before doing anti-tip straps. Still have to figure out what to do with the food and water bowls for the cats though. And, I have to measure our spindles on the bannisters to see if they're too far apart.

[Rippy1010]

Still have to figure out what to do with the food and water bowls for the cats though

UGH, tell me about it! Ever since I got a BFP, I have been thinking about the cats' litterboxes and how to keep DS out!!!!

[kenswife]

Hello everyone! It's been f-o-r-e-v-e-r! I'll tell you, the switch from 2 kiddos to 3 really made my hands a lot more "full"! :) I love it though! It's the best job in the world.

It's funny that I popped back on right when everyone is talking about the jumperoo, as I am picking one up tomorrow!

Rolling and feet-grabbing[/B} ~ Must be the age! :) Ty never lets his poor feet go. I have to pry his hands off just so I can get a new diaper on him when I'm changing. He's totally content putting his feet in his mouth though, so he spends a lot of time on the floor rolling around with his feet up in the air.

[B]Babyproofing ~ I can't remember the days when our house wasn't babyproofed! Ha. But then we have 3 kiddos. I imagine our house can be un-babyproofed somewhere around the turn of the century ;) J/k.

MidwesternGal ~ And I thought my boy was LONG! You beat us by 1.25 in.!! Kids fluctuate so much with weight so I wouldn't worry to much. Sounds to me like he's growing just fine ;)

AmyS ~ Double "holy cow" ...LOL! You have one healthy boy. I thought my little guy was big but now he's looking small in comparison. I loveeeeee big, healthy babies!

MichelleRenee ~ Congrats on the new babysitter. There's nothing better than trusting the babysitter your little guy was with. So glad you found someone like that.

Our update -

Ty is soooooo incredibly mellow (until he's hungry of course). He's a momma's boy 100% and I love it (for now). He's not fond of food. We tried some cereal a couple weeks ago and he had a terrible stomach ache w/crankiness for the whole entire day. I think he's got a super-sensitive belly. Thank goodness my doctor is all about taking time with kids. So, he's okayed Ty to try food whenever we see fit. He didn't mind us waiting until after 6 months to really try the food again. I'm still BF'ing exclusively so he's fine with that.

He gets up once a night and we finally got him sleeping in his crib for most of the night. It's given me a nice break and has allowed me to start sleeping in my own bed (versus the bed in his room) again. I forgot how much I missed that bed :p But he still likes his "mommy-time" from about 5am - 7:30am. But I don't mind that at all!

His current stats (as of 4 months):
Weight = 16lb. 4oz. (95%)
Height = 26.25in. (95%)

I'll try to keep up a bit better in here for sure!

[Rippy1010]

Question ... does anyone know:

What happens if you put DC to bed (night bedtime, not naps) about an hour earlier than normal? Does DC end up not treating it as bedtime? Do they just treat it as bedtime, but maybe get up an hour earlier the next morning?

I'm mulling over going to a concert spur-of-the-moment tonight, but the concert starts at 8, which is usually right when I'm placing him in the crib. My sister has never infant-babysat before, and has never put a baby to bed and so I was considering putting him to bed before we leave, but that would mean putting him to bed earlier than norm.

Suggestions?

[TaterBaby]

Rippy, I think if you do the same bedtime routine as usual, he should treat it as bedtime. I don't think you'll have any problems, except maybe a little fussing when your first put him down. My experience is that fussing only lasts a few minutes tops and DD is out for the night. Have fun at the concert!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Easton went down last night about 1 hour before normal time. (gave him a bath earlier and so he crashed early) Is Logan use to your sister at all? Make sure to give her info about if he should wake up. For us Easton woke up after being asleep for about 4 hours to eat and then he went back down for another 5 hours.

Have fun

[bunnybeth]

Simon broke out in a rash and DH took him in to the ped yesterday. She thinks it's probably an allergic reaction, maybe to the Lotrimin we've been using for the ringworm. So, we stopped using that along with the scented lotion after bath. It was still bumpy this morning, but less red. Hope it clears up soon!

Rippy I figured out the litterbox- it's in our laundry room and I'm going to put a gate across the door which the cats should be able to jump no problem. BUT Connor will not use the box if we put his food in the same room, so the dishes can't go in there. Maybe I should just gate off the entire kitchen?!?

We have put DS to bed at slightly different times, and sometimes it effects the wakeup time, but that's about it. Enjoy your night out!

kenswife The foot eating makes me laugh. I call him my little yoga man when DS does it. :)

[Pamela]

QOTD: What colour eyes was your dc born with, has it changed so far?:, DD was born with blue eyes, and at 5 months they're still blue and haven't changed at all yet.

I'm totally fascinated with baby's eyes changing colour!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Eyes - Born with blue and will keep them, but probably will have a brown center like DH's have. DH and I both have blue eyes

Says around 6 months they start to change : http://vision.about.com/od/childrenvision/f/eyecolorchange.htm

[Jenzen01]

Ada had her 4-month WBV today. Here's her stats:

Height: 26 inches
Weight: 16 pounds, 10 oz.
Head: 17.5 inches

She's in the 95th percentile for height and weight. Her head is off the charts.

Only bad thing is that she has two bad skin patches on her head. It's either bad cradle cap or possibly psoriasis. I'm supposed to put cortizone on it twice a day to see if it gets better.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Jen

[MidwesternGal]

Rippy--I'll be the odd man out on advice, because our DS tends to get all out of sorts if we don't stay within the same 1/2 hour or so for bedtime. The next 2-3 days really suck. But, we do it all the time, I just deal!! It's not horrible, but just a lot more fussy in the evenings and harder to put down.

Eye Color--I'm confused. I thought they had up to 6 months to actually change, not that they changed around 6 months. However, if that's the case, I'm all for it!! DS's eyes were a dark dark blue at birth but have since gotten really light. Since he looks soooo much like DH anyway, I reallllly wanted his eyes to be brown like Mommy's!!! There's hope yet I guess!!! (OF course, I think his eyes are beautiful as they are, I just wish he had something of Mommy's!! hehehe)

Jen--No advice, but I hope your DC gets better soon!!!
__________
We got the jumperoo today. DS LOOOOVES it. I'll have to post a pic. We didn't have any batteries for the part that needs it, and he's still enthralled with it.

In other news. . . DS learned to SPIT!!!!! OMG, it's crazy. He is currently sitting on my lap spitting allllll over my hands. Not like, the hoc-a-loogie type of spit, but more the general all-around "phew" if you know what I mean!!

Hope you all have a good weekend. We're in for some nasty weather here again!!

[maplekitty]

Hello...has anyone seen my baby Robyn? because I'm sure that the child who slept for 8 straight hours last night is not my daughter!!! :p

[marathongirl]

Man this thread moves FAST and I am just SOOOO far behind! I do read just about every day, but rarely have the time to post. I wish I could do individual SO's!

eye color - DD kept her brilliant blues and I think/hope DS will too.

sleeping - nope. In 4.5 months DS has slept 6 consecutive hours exactly once. DD was 18 months old before she STTN so I'm really not expecting much to change anytime soon. I guess I've just gotten used to extreme sleep deprivation.

jumperoo - I'm going to bring DD's old one up this week. DS already loves the exersaucer.

rashes - ugh. DS was covered with exzema (no idea how to spell it). We've been covering him with vaseline and using a prescription cortisone cream for flare-ups.

rolling over - I think we're almost there! He does this funny scootching on his back to spin around.

solids - we started them last week. Hated rice cereal, but absolutely loves sweet potatoes. That's all we've tried. He nurses like a champ, so I'm not rushing to introduce a bunch of things.

That's about it here. DH leaves for Brazil for 2 weeks on Monday so we're going out to dinner tomorrow to spend an hour of QT together. I'm nervous about handling both kids by myself for that long on so little sleep.

Hope all is well with everyone!

[Roxygirl]

Just checking in.

We actually had our 4 month WBV on Feb 9th (exactly 4 mnth old)
Her stats were

Weight: 15 lbs 1.5 oz
Height: 2' 1" (I guess our ped measures in feet.) Hard to believe she's 2 feet tall.
Head: 16.26"It's crazy how big all our little babies are getting.

So funny about the feet to mouth and in hands constantly. I swear every time I notice a new milestone, I come on here and everyone else is talking about their baby doing it too.

Kendall loves to play with her feet and it's definately her new thing.

QOTD: I know people are talking about keeping kids away from litter boxes, we already have a baby gate up to ours to keep the dog out (into the laundry room). My question is: how do people with dogs plan on keeping food and water away from baby?? Dogs can't "jump over baby gates". Just curious.

Anyways, heres a new pic. Finally got her mass of hair into a ponytail. So cute!!!http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w264/Scrapgirl79/IMG_3095.jpg?t=1172271219

[maplekitty]

roxygirl - omg look at all that hair!!! sooo cute!!!

[kate's mom]

Maplekitty Yeah on the sleep! I'll keep my fingers crossed that it continues!

Roxygirl Kendall is so cute! I love the pony!

Marathongirl Good luck while your husband is out of town. My husband left for 1 week and I actually did better than I thought I would with 2 kids. THe hardest part was getting them both to bed on my own. I also tried to get out of the house once a day, or have someone come over so that I could talk to an adult.

Jenzen Good luck with the doctor's and the skin patches. Hope they get better soon.

eyecolor Meg's eyes are still blue. My other DD's are blue so I think that Meg's will probably stay blue.

Feeding Schedule I know some of us are starting solids, just curious what everyone's feeding schedule's look like?

Thanks!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Roxy - Kendall looks so cute with her ponytail

Marathongirl - I'm sure you'll do great

Feedings: Easton has been on solids for a little over a month now.

-Started with Rice just at night for dinner after about 2 weeks
-Oatmeal was just at night for a week
-Tried sweet potatoes, gave up after more came out then went in, so waited another week to try again.
-Added peas to the Oatmeal at night only
-Tried carrots after a week with the oatmeal
-Tried the sweet potatoes again after a few days of carrots
-Added another cereal feeding, now in the AM and PM
-Give just a veggie around lunchtime (1/2 of a started size jar)
-Pears after a few days of the extra cereal feedings. (not really sure how he likes them, he reduced wanting food to 1 time a day again, not feeling well I think)
-AM feeding is cereal and fruit
-Afternoon is veggie only (unless didn't want AM combo then we use that one)
- PM feeding is cereal and veggie (unless didn't want AM combo then we use that one or if he had it for afternoon feeding)

Bottles I feed about 30 mins after each solid meal (leftover after making cereal) and a bottle before am feeding, bottle after the pm feeding and a feeding or 2 in between. He drinks about 6 1/2oz in a bottle now. If he doesn't want solids, just give him a bottle

[kate's mom]

Thank you Erika Jarrett. I was more curious about the times for bottles/bf and then food. I am trying to figure out how to fit everything in.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Sorry.

Sometimes after he wakes up if it's before 9, will just give him a bottle. I usually give him a bottle with the leftover formula after making his am cereal about 30 mins after he eats, he seems to want it then. If he is hungry between AM and afternoon, will give him a bottle, if not then after his afternoon veggies he gets a bottle, then he will get a bottle 4 hours or so later, then a while after that he will get his pm feeding and a bottle 30 mins later, depending on what time he gets to the solids, he may want another bottle right before bed. Sometimes he wants a bottle in the middle of his sleeping, sometimes he doesn't. Last night he took 2 bottles of 6oz each.

[Ericka_Jarett]

We found a veggie that Easton absolutely LOVES, I had all veggies but green beans and squash at home, so today I picked a pack of both up. Gave him green beans tonight and he loved them, didn't even make a face while eating them. All that's left is squash which we will try next week. I have all the fruits except for prunes (not getting them since Easton gets Apple/Prune juice, don't need non-stop pooping)

He is also on #1 on his jumperoo.

[MichelleRenee]

Eye color: Tristan's eyes have been a drak grayish-blue since he was born. Mike has light blue eyes and mine are brown so I am really curious to see what color Tristan's end up being.

Jumperoo: He has finally gotten the hang of actually jumping. (he just sort of wiggled before) He loves it!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Tristan%20Michael/DSC01058.jpg

Rashes: Tristan did great on soy at first but the rash has come back a little. I am going to try keeping him on soy and we are going to continue our strict skincare regimen to try to avoid switching him to Nutramigen. (it is so expensive and it made him spit up all day!) Our skincare regimen:

Morning: Wash his head with Selsun Blue. Slather his body with the extra moisturizing Aveeno baby (dark blue lid). Put Rx hydrocortisone on any areas that are broken out. (especially his head if it is getting bad) Put regular hydrocortisone on his cheeks if they are really red.

During the day: Use the Aveeno lotion at LEAST 2 times during the day on his body. If his head is really bad we will put Aquaphor on it during the day.

Evening: Same as morning without washing his head.

It can be a PITA but it is worth it to keep him from being itchy!

Rolling over: When on his belly he tries to push himself up on his knees which makes him *sort of* roll a little, but nothing close to a full roll yet.

Keeping animal food/litter boxes away from baby: Our house has an attached garage. We keep the litter box and cat food in the garage and we installed a "kitty door." (We got it at Petco. It was very inexpensive ($15?), easy to install, and we barely notice it is there.) I am thinking that even without an attached garage this could work. You could install one on your basement door, a closet door or a door to another room and keep the box/food in there and the door shut. Pets can get in and out, baby can't!

To everyone who is bottle feeding: Are you still on slow flow nipples or have you switched to fast? About 6 weeks ago Mike accidentally gave Tristan a bottle with a fast flow nipple and he ate way too fast and then threw up the whole bottle. (of course this was in our bed in the middle of the night too) So I am nervous to try fast flow again. I wish Playtex made Medium flow nipples!

[Ericka_Jarett]

We started using medium flow back at 3 months or there abouts. We won't go to fast flow until he is about 9 months or more, as they have the x cut in them and would go in too fast and all over more then in Easton.

Not sure how the Playtex bottles nipples are, but I know Gerber's fast flow is the x, Medium flow is 3 holes. You could always poke a hole into the nipple of a slow flow with a sterilized needle and see how he does with that.

That's great that Tristan got the hang of jumping. I just moved Easton to #1 today on the jumperoo. I noticed his feet were flat at some points, so figured I would try him on a number and he did well, it got him back onto his toes a bit more.

[maplekitty]

We are using Gerber 3 holed nipples (so I guess that's medium flow). So not ready for fast flow yet, no way! I tried getting these fancy "Second Nature" bottles after someone reccomended them. They have lots of tiny holes that are supposed to mimic the actual nipple. Robyn just about choked on the whole thing and then threw everything up...so we know it was just too much for her. We still use some slow flow nipples, just because we have an assortment of gerber bottles and avent bottles that are 1 holed.

[MichelleRenee]

The Playtex fast flow don't have an X. It looks like it is just a bigger hole.

I looked everywhere for medium flow and they just don't exist for our bottles. The fast flow package says they are for 3-6 months. (I don't know what you are supposed to use after 6 months) I am guessing that we can give them a try and see how it goes.

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleeRenee - Here are some ortho medium flow: http://www.shop.com/op/~Playtex_Nipples_Orthodontic_Medium_Flow_2_Pack-prod-39531314-52696340?sourceid=298

Apparently Playtex calls them variable flow nipples, but some sites call them medium flow

[Jenzen01]

Well, after two day of cortizone, Ada's head looks a heck of a lot better. I can barely tell where the bad patches were.

And, she slept through the night on Wednesday night. Halleluah! Of course, last night was going fine until my 2-year-old woke up crying who then, in turn, woke up Ada. I got back in bed, and over the monitor I could hear her spitting (she's been obsessed with blowing raspberries). I couldn't be mad about getting up again because it was too cute.

We got a TON of snow this weekend. Our hot water heater broke this morning, and our road was't plowed until 8. Good times.

Jen

[Pamela]

Roxygirl, omg how cute is she with that ponytail!! Its going to be a long time before we can do that!

[Rippy1010]

kate's mom ~ here is our solid/formula schedule for a day ...

(the times are just estimates depending on many variables)
7:45-ish ... 6-8 oz of just formula
10:45ish ... 6 oz bottle + 1-2 Tbsp of cereal (we feed 3-4 oz of bottle, then give him the cereal and use the remainder of formula for him to sip on during his bowl of cereal, sort of ... if that makes sense to you)
2:00ish ... 6 oz of formula
4:30ish ... 6 oz of formula
5:30ish ... 2tsp of cereal mixed with 4tsp of whatever veggie we are trying
7:00ish ... anywhere between 2-8 oz of formula depending on how much he wants before he falls asleep

Some days it seems like all DS does is eat!


MichelleRenee ~ We use the Playtex Ventaire bottles. We are still on the slow flow nipple. DS gags and chokes on the fast flow that is supposedly for 3-6 months. :confused: That smile on Tristan's face is PRECIOUS!

[Ericka_Jarett]

We're going to Disney World in April!!!!

DH IMed me from work and said he was booking airfare for the 7th to 12th of April. We are now going to Disney for what is the anniversary of when we met (Easter Day) and will be coming home the evening of my 33rd b-day.

[kate's mom]

Rippy Thank you so much. That looks very similar to our schedule, except we haven't started solids yet.

Pamela Glad to hear that swimming went so well. My first daughter loves the water, I hope DD2 does.

Jenzen YAY on STTN!! Hope that your day got better!

[kate's mom]

OOPS! I hit post before I was done.

MichelleRenee What a great photo!! Trisitan is so cute!

We go for our 4 month visit on Thursday. I am anxious to see Meg's growth, but dreading the shots. :(

[Michelle]

Yay Ericka! Disney will be so much fun!

Kate's mom - We just had our 4 month wbv. I was in tears during the shots. I think they hurt me more! It's fun to see how much your child has grown though!

Pamela - That's great that your DD liked the swimming classes! That sounds like so much fun!

Jenzen - I'm glad to hear that Ada is doing better. I'm sorry about the weather and water heater. I hope that all gets better soon!

MichelleRenee - That is such a cute picture of Tristan. Gotta love the jumperoo!

- - - - - -

Madison had her 4 month WBV. It went well, but I hated the shots. I hated to see her hurt like that. She was really fussy that day but was better the next day. The dr said it was up to us on feeding her solids. He said we could do it if we wanted or we could wait until 6 months. We have a long appointment scheduled for her 6 month appointment so we can meet with the pediatric nurse first about feeding, childproofing the house, etc. Then we will meet with the dr. I think we are going to put off feeding solids for a little while and then start a little before her next appointment so that I can ask any questions that come up once we start.

Another question about nipples... Awhile back ago I bought the middle flow nipples (we use the playtex drop ins) and everytime we use them, they collapse. Whereas, when we use the slow flow nipples, they don't collapse. Is it because she is used to sucking harder to get her formula?

We got 4 month pictures taken the other day! I can't believe how fast Madison is growing up!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/404033325_bfee77d179_m.jpg

She loves to laugh!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/404033319_d5bebb6080_m.jpg

[MidwesternGal]

Roxy and Michelle--Too cute!! Your girls are precious!

Bottle Nipples--When DS does have formula, he takes the Gerber fast flow nipple the best. It seems to be much slower than the Playtex fast flow. We have a Playtex slow and fast. The slow, he plays with and it takes foooooreeeever for him to eat, but the fast drowns him.

Pamela--Great about the swimming lessons! I wish there was something around here like that--I checked at the YMCA and there wasn't any classes for mom and baby offered. :(

So I have a question: Does anyone get nervous leaving their DC with someone (like a relative or friend), that the relative or friend won't listen to their wants regarding DC? Because I was thinking of going jean shopping the next time we're up at ILs (due to DH washing a black permanent marker with our last load--grrrr), but worry about DS. I know they wouldn't purposely do anything to harm him, but that they tend to think I'm "overprotective" regarding DS. For example, DH's littlest brother (17 yr old) talks about how he and his girlfriend fed her 7-month old niece peanut butter with honey in it. I was soooo shocked that my "IL sensor" quit working and I blurted out "Omg, honey can cause boutulism, you're lucky there wasn't a reaction." MIL of course steps in and said that the tiny amt of honey in it would be okay. . . this of course, as I was just getting ready to say how pb can cause allergies too. The extended ILs feed their kids solids ASAP (before 3 months) and while usually MIL backs me up, I'm worried about her "oh a little is okay" philsophy.

So am I completely paranoid? Feel free to tell me the truth if you think I'm being overprotective!!

[MichelleRenee]

Thank you all for the compliments on the picture. I used the feature that eliminated redeye and Mike said it made Tristan look "creepy." I think he looks cute though!

He is 4 months old today!!

Ericka_Jarett, Tristan must be a nipple snob... he hates the ortho nipples!

Jenzen01, I am glad Ada's head is better. I am sorry to hear about your water heater. Our furnace broke in the middle of the night last week. Such a PITA!!!!

Pamela, I want to get Tristan started on swimming lessons but his skin is so sensitive. I worry about the chlorine bothering it. What exactly do you guys do at yours? Is it organized activity or just moms playing in the water with babies?

Rippy1010, we have the same problem with fast flow and it makes me so mad. I just don't understand why there isn't a med flow nipple other than the ortho ones for Playtex. It makes me want to go out any buy all new bottles.:rolleyes:

Ericka_Jarett, how fun! And that's where you guys got married, right? I am jealous. We are going to Florida in June, but not to Disney. I think we are going to wait until Tristan is older before we take the big Disney trip!

kate's mom, Tristan's 4 month visit in next Tuesday and it will be my first time being there while het gets shots done. I wasn't at the last appointment, but I sat at my desk at work in tears when his appointment time rolled around. Good luck to you... it is so hard to see your baby in pain, even when you know it is for a good reason.

Michelle, great pics! She has a gorgeous smile and I love that little outfit!

MidwesternGal, yes, you are being paranoid, but that is your job!! I am the same way. There are so many things that I know other people think is "acceptible" but I don't. For example, Tristan is on soy formula because the regular gave him a rash. The other day he was at MIL's house and she said that she thought she had run out of formula for him so she was just going to give him SKIM MILK but then she realized that there was another bottle of formula in the fridge. Skim milk?!?!:eek: I am always nervous leaving him with other people, but there are people I trust more than others. Our babysitter has 2 young kids and a lot of the same parenting "philosophies" that I have, so I am very comfortable with her. MIL was raised in Italy and raised her kids during a time when things were a lot different. She just isn't up to date on what is safe for him and what isn't. Don't let anyone tell you that you are being overprotective!

[Rippy1010]

MWGal ~ I do get nervous leaving DS with people for the same reason. On Friday night, my stomach was in knots for the four whole hours we were gone in case DS woke up while I wasn't there and my sister would do things different than me. :rolleyes: I leave DS with my parents every day, and they have a little bit of the "grandparents know best" attitude for things that I say I don't want him to have but they think it's okay. But it's only simple things that wouldn't cause any type of problems, and I've not let it bother me because I've weighed out how much it really matters. But, for things that are very important to his health and safety (honey, milk, etc) I've let my parents know, and they are keenly aware that they shouldn't do those things and why I made that decision. So ... this was my long-winded way of saying that if your ILs think that honey and PB are okay for a 7-month-old, then yes I think you are right in feeling worried and concerned and you're not being overprotective or paranoid. But, at the same time, how long will jean shopping take? If your only gone for an hour or two, will they even need to be feeding your DS at all?

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleRenee - yup your correct. We did get married at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. We are actually going to have Easter dinner at the resort and the head back to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and all. We know Easton probably won't remember any of it but we will at least have pictures and our own memories. It's mostly a trip for us since hubby wanted to surprise me for my bday and the anniversary of when we met. Possibly will go back in December, we aren't sure at this time. Hubby called and made all our dining reservations last night, so we are all booked.
-----------------------------------------------
Easton tried bananas today, he loved them. We were visiting and at a GTG on Sunday in NJ and he did good, was a bit fussy at times because of the teething, but otherwise was great. Our first stop was my good friend's house, she got Easton a little FP workbench, he was a little scared of it at first and now he is ok with it. We went to the GTG and that was fun. Then went to my best friend's house and Easton got to hang out with her 2 boys. Her oldest loves Easton and called him his buddy. My friend told me she is expecting #3 around the same time as the other boys b-days (they are 2 yrs and 1 week apart). She emailed me and said that when her oldest woke up, he said is Baby Easton still here, she told him that we took him home and he said I miss my lil' buddy.

[TaterBaby]

MidwesternGal, My grandparents are dying to give DD mashed potatoes and gravy! My grandmother also told me that she saw a baby the same age as DD in a restaurant gnawing on a chicken bone. Umm, no. Luckily, my parents respect my wishes and they're the ones that we'd use to keep DD. I traveled last month for 3 days and left very specific instructions with them. I found that even if they don't agree with everything, they are overly accommodating because they want to be the ones that always get to keep her!
My suggestion is to leave specific instructions and also maybe leave some solids with them, if he's eating solids yet, so they can feed him SOMETHING. People just like to feed babies it seems!

ETA: What really bothers me is those that won't respect DD's sleeping habits. YES, she needs a nap an hour after she woke up. YES, I'd like you to put her down drowsy instead of rocking her all the way to sleep. YES, she needs a late afternoon nap even though you think it's too close to bedtime. Argh.

[Pamela]

Michelle, Madison is just adorable, those are such great pictures!

MidwesternGal, for as large a city we live in there are surprisingly few places to go swimming and just two have parent/baby swim classes. They seem a bit pricey, but I've got nothing to compare it to.

[bunnybeth]

Not ringworm! Finally got in to the dermatologist yesterday, and the doctor is pretty convinced that the patches on Simon's head are cradle cap. He even said a little rant on how non-derm doctors will see any skin problem that forms a ring-like shape and call it "ringworm." So, he wrote a script for a cortizone to put on the patches twice a day and we're supposed to come in again if it doesn't improve in a week.

Jenzen Yes, we've got some experience with that! That's pretty much exactly what Simon's going through right now. The cortizone we're using seems to be helping already and we just got it yesterday. Simon's been blowing raspberries as well, he discovered how to last week and it's a new fav.

eye color Born blue-gray, and now they are starting to have a bit of brown in them. We're thinking they'll be hazel like my parents, who each have a blue and brown-eyed parent. Makes sense for us as DH is blue and I'm brown.

Roxygirl So cute, love the Flintstone's ponytail. ;) I think there are pet gates with doggy doors, maybe that would work. Or, limited feeding times?

nipple flow As part of our "bottle battle" we switched to fast flow to get something in Simon. So, he's been using them since about 10 weeks old. (Avent stage 3)

Michelle What a cutie!

[SlvSpring]

Hi all! Life is so crazy now with working and being a mom. I am sooooo tired all the time, I feel like I just can't catch up.
Jack's 4Month WBV was last week and here are his stats

Height-26.75 inches
Weight- 16lbs 12 oz

He is a BIG boy!!!

He is now getting up 2 to 3 times during the night and it is just killing me. I am like a zombie at work all day.

Our ped. gave us the okay for solids last week, so on Saturday we started rice cereal. The first two days he wasn't sure about it, but yesterday and today he is just LOVING it! We also got some organic sweet potatoes and organic sweet peas and I am thinking of trying one of those this weekend. I was hoping the cereal would make him sleep through the night, but no, hasn't helped at all.

Not enough time to reply to everything, but I just wanted to stop in since it has been awhile. Here is two recent photos of him at 4 months: TM- can you add the first one to the first page please?


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/100_2122.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/100_2141.jpg

[Jenzen01]

Bunnybeth - Sounds like our kids have the same thing! After a couple of days of coritzone treatment, Ada's head is completely cleared up. I hope Simon has the same experience. I still can't believe your dr. thought it was ringworm!

Slvspring - I hear ya! Ada gets up about three times a night, and I'm working full-time. It can get pretty bad at times. As long as I can get some three hours stretches of sleep, I seem to function OK. Right now, I'm only feeding her at her midnight wakeup and then sometime between 5-6. If she gets up in between, I make DH go up there and give her her nuk.

Jen

[bunnybeth]

Jenzen Looks like the cortizone is working just as well for Simon, it's just about gone already. Babies and their sensitive skin. :p

SlvSpring He has gotten big, and what a cute expression on that first pic, adorable!

[maplekitty]

How would you feel if MIL said she would only look after DC once a week?

I'd like to start taking an aquafit class once, maybe twice a week in the mornings. I asked MIL if she would agree to look after DD for an hour or so while I go to the pool just down the street from her house. She said yes she'd look after Robyn once, but not twice a week. On the one hand I can understand that maybe looking after a baby is tiring, but Robyn sleeps every 1.5-2 hours and it's *is* only for an hour or so...not all day?? And then, I thought this would quit her from complaining she doesnt ever see Robyn enough and she "misses her so much when she only sees us maybe once a week". Like WTH?? I can't help but feel a little upset because what if I had to go back to work and we asked her if she would babysit instead of us paying exorbant daycare fees, would she say no?? Am I totally exaggerating?

[Roxygirl]

MapleKitty, I don't think your over reacting at all. I would be pretty upset if MIL refused to watch DD more than one day a week. Especially for that short amount of time. Did you ask her if she had a reason?? I know that is probably not possible. As I wouldn't be able to ask my MIL that if it were my situation. But just curious.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Sorry maple you are dealing with that. Some people are just that way though. Maybe she doesn't want to tie up her days with watching the baby, even if it's for only 1 hour. Strange I know. I wouldn't have that issue with my MIL as she lives far away and has MS so can't even really hold Easton. My mom will watch him more if I need her to, once she moves down to NJ.

[AmyS]

We've been busy getting ready to visit the IL's in Arizona for 10 days. We leave next Wednesday. I kept thinking I had more time but finally realilzed yesterday that it was only 1 week. Has anyone traveled to a different time zone with their DC? I'm wondering how hard it will for him to adjust. We will be 1 hour behind. Do I just get up at 530a while I'm there and put him to bed at 630p or should I try and get AJ matched up to their time zone? Along with worrying about sleep with this time change stuff, our sleep issues have now moved to nighttime as well. I think it's because we're weaning off the swaddle. AJ is just moving too much at night and DH is afraid he's going to flip over while swaddled and not be able to move to breathe. We've weaned him out of the swaddle, but it is rough getting to him to sleep. AJ has been pretty consistently waking up at 1130p every night. Do you think he might be getting hungry at this time? He would usually sleep until 2a, then wake up to nurse. Could he be changing his feeding to earlier then STTN from that point on? I just don't want to start nursing him then and have it turn into a habit is he's going to get up at 2a as well.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Amy - we took Easton 2 time zones behind us and he did ok. Can't really say which schedule to go with. We personally had to get ourselves on the 2 hour difference so we tried to get Easton use to it too. We went away for 8 days. For us since we were going to the Grand Canyon after 1 night in Vegas didn't really push for anything that first night. Your sort of going to have to see what he does. He will be in a strange place & different environment (climate & elevation)

He could be waking up due to hunger. Babies schedules change and at this age, you can't really force them to do as you want. I wuld try to feed him.

[Mrs-Mac]

Things are pretty good here. Joining the "I'm tired group". Grace has been waking up a couple times at night. She wiggles and moves in the crib and makes her way all the way to a corner. I think this is why she is waking up more than normal. Like everyone else, I don't want to get in the habit of feeding her 2-3 times a night. But sometimes that is the only way to calm her down. So does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep baby from moving so much in the crib? She is swaddled, which I don't know if it makes a difference. We have tried just moving her down when she wakes up, but she cries big time - and thats when really the only thing that will calm her is nursing.

Eyes - I think they are going to stay blue. DD looks very much like me (or like I did as a baby), but DH has blue eyes, so he loves that she has blue eyes too.

Rolling over - She rolled from back to stomach about a week ago. Hasn't happened since, so it was probably a fluke! :)

Erika - How exciting about Disney. We are taking a family (DH's family - total of 8 adults and 4 kids) vacation there next summer. Already looking forward to it.

Michelle - Great pics of Madison - so cute!!

Midwestern - So hear you about being nervous about leaving dc. I haven't left Grace with anyone besides DH (and that's only been a couple times). DH and I haven't been out just the two of us since DD has been born. I'm wanting to and I think I'm ready, but I'm still so nervous. Not exactly for the same reasons as you, because I pretty sure that my in-laws will do as we say, but DD still isn't taking a bottle, so I worry about what happens if she is hungry.

Taterbaby My mom is the same way about DDs sleeping habits. Its a constant battle. When we went to visit my parents last month, DD was fussing during a nap, so we were letting her fuss for a little while. I caught my mom sneaking up to see her. She quickly said "But I haven't been able to get her up yet" Umm, who said it was time to get her up. Arghh!!

Bunnybeth - Hope the new cream works!!

SlvSpring - Such a cutie.

Maplekitty - I would be peeved too. It doesn't seem like you are asking too much. My parents live 3 hours away, so my mom complains she never see DD. But getting them to visit is a headache. THere is always a reason why they can't. Its so frustrating.

Grace also found her feet. At herr 4month WBC the Ped seemed surprised, said that normally happens around 6 months. Guess we all have "advanced" babes! :)
http://bp3.blogger.com/_Bp8potHi-fg/Rd5FmM_LtJI/AAAAAAAAAAM/9VgUsNH1zi8/s320/J1.jpg

[Jenzen01]

Mrs-mac - Those are gorgeous pics. Did you take them, and if so, what type of camera and lens do you have?

[Jenzen01]

Here are Ada's 4-month pics:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s229/Jenzen01/gabeada2.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s229/Jenzen01/gabeada.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s229/Jenzen01/ada.jpg

[Mrs-Mac]

Jenzen - Yes, I took the pics. And thanks for the compliments. I have the Nikon D80 digital SLR. I'm an obsessed photographer hobbiest (is that a word?). I take about 60-70 photos every couple of days!!! I've been practicing and learning as much as I can about photography for about 3 years (since my nephew was born). Before I got my new camera in Dec, I shot Black and White film (and would develop and print it myself). Oh how I miss it, wish I had the time.

The best advice I can give is to look around your house and find out where there is really good light (sunlight) and try taking pictures with a flash. And get down at their level (I'm constantly on the floor!).

I love the capture of the first one!! Too cute!! Its like your DS is saying "NOT AGAIN!!" with the crying.

[TaterBaby]

Wow! Mrs-Mac & Jenzen, Those are gorgeous pics of your gorgeous children! Beautiful!


I don't think I ever commented about Lainey's eyes...Hers are definitely not blue anymore, more like a dark green. I think they're on their way to dark brown just like mine and DH's.

So I've been back at work since mid-December and been "ok" until now. It's suddenly become torture for me. DH and I have been talking and it looks like by the end of the year, I can become a SAHM! I feel so guilty for not being in the position to SAH as soon as she was born because we can do it, it's just going to take a little preparation. However, I guess a year late isn't so bad. Now I just have to really buckle down and make it to the end of the year instead of giving my notice today like I wish I could!

[Rippy1010]

Oh, Emily!!! That is so wonderful!!!

I have to say ... I'm majorly jealous right now. :(

But how great that you will be able to stay home right at a really really fun age!

[TaterBaby]

Oh, Emily!!! That is so wonderful!!!

I have to say ... I'm majorly jealous right now. :(

But how great that you will be able to stay home right at a really really fun age!

You won't be jealous of the bologna sandwiches we'll be eating every night! :D

[bunnybeth]

The cortizone seems to be working just fine, all the spots are just about gone. Thank goodness! And, just in time for the 4 month portraits. I can't believe he's 4 months old already!

Maple I'd be annoyed by that as well, aren't grandparents "supposed" to volunteer for the occational (or more) babysitting job? Is the class something you have to sign up for in advance or not? Maybe if you could play it by ear, you could ask MIL if she'll do 2 times a week if they're on her schedule, and she can tell you which days work for the coming week. So, she wouldn't feel so tied down by your schedule.

Amy When we were 1 hour ahead in Ohio, I just continued Simon's on demand schedule, which was a little off due to traveling anyways. We were only there for a long weekend though, so no big deal about following the time zone.

Mrs-Mac We ha