October 2003 Moms and Kids [Archive]

Renrel

07-31-2005, 07:54 PM

Hey all - Found you! I am back from a weeks vacation. It was fun but sharing a 3 bedroom beach house with three sets of adults and 2 toddler who are on different sleep schedules was not quite relaxing. Gabe was in our room to sleep all but 2 nights. I will give more detail later. IT is almost 11pm and I have not had dinner yet.

Errin - Yell and scream and cry and rant all you want over here. Thats what we are here for. Support through the good times and the bad.

Mittyrd- The boys look gorgous. I can only imagine how you ache to hold them more and how strange it feels to have them and yet not be with them. 2.5 months is an eternity right now but in the length of all your lives it will be but a blink, so hold strong and bitch here all you want.

Michele - I am sorry Skyler had to go through more tests. That sounds like a GI series. I had one in college. It was not painful but the stuff you had to drink was pretty yucky. Not sure how you and the docs will get Skyler to driink it but they must have a few tricks. I hope all the test turn up nothing serious but enough that you can do something to make things better and ease your mind.

kerrykate

08-01-2005, 04:34 AM

Hi ladies! It's so nice to see everyone over here :)
When we went on vacation a couple weeks ago Lauren wouldn't sleep in the pack and play, she'd crawl right out so she ended up sleeping with us the whole time. Since we've been home the little stinker started crawling out of her crib and getting in bed with us:rolleyes: So now she's in a toddler bed and loves it. Although I have to sit with her until she falls asleep..

replies from WC:
Mittyrd~ The boys are precious, they are looking bigger since the last pictures you posted.

Erinn~ I'm glad your starting to feel better, and that's great they'll monitor you so closely next time.

Here are a couple recent pictures:
http://images.snapfish.com/3445%3A%3C6323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2323%3D%3A8%3B%3D% 3B%3A3%3D3232%3A8%3B%3A%3B26%3B%3Cnu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3445%3A%3C6323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E234%3C%3D%3A6%3A%3 D%3A23%3DXROQDF%3E232399%3A94%3B63%3Aot1lsi

Jenyfer9

08-01-2005, 10:37 AM

Woo hoo! I was wondering if I was just missing the boat and not seeing us over here...

Things here are great! TJ has really taken to being the big brother. He's so cute... he'll give Will kisses, he likes to "help out" the best he knows how. I've also discovered that while he's still not super verbal (maybe only 10 words or so), he understands TONS!

Will is now just shy of 3 months old... can you believe it? Also, in the last week, he's started sleeping through the night consistently! HORRAY!

Of course, we still don't have their naps overlap at all here... TJ will wake up from his just as Will is going down. Oh well. That's why sleeping thru the night was such a wonderful thing!

Renrel

08-01-2005, 06:37 PM

Kerrykate - Love the photos! :D
Jen - Glad that TJ is taking to big brotherhood so well. what a weight off your shoulders! And Yeah for sleep through the nights. It would be great for you if their naps coincided but if you want a brightside at least you know you can spend at least a half hour or so alone with each of your boys so they get some one on one attention.
--
Our trip was nice but all but two nights we had to share a room with Gabe. He woke up between 4:00 and 5:00 each morning and I had to take him into bed with us which is not something any of us is used to. He would nurse and then turn and twist trying to fall asleep once he realized we really were not going to get up and play. As he turned he would bump into us and yell out "Stuck" than if we pushed his feet or head off of us he would yell "no pushing" :rolleyes: At one point DH and I both responded at the same time "no kicking!" It was nice in some ways to sleep with my baby again but I really don't know how the co-sleeping families get any sleep. I also scared myself half to death when I woke up and saw a pair of unblinking eyes staring up at the ceiling. Turned out, thank g-d, that it was Gabe's lovey not Gabe.

Gabe got to spend alot of time with his 2 year old cousin and my parents, sister and bil. 2 year old got a sex education class watching the diaper change as well as a fair amount of Gabe' s naked time. She kept asking "what's that?" And when we told her she said "like daddy."

He also got to go to the beach about 4 times and loved playing in the sand. The water at the beach, not so much. He loved the little todder pool I set up on the deck. He and his cousin mostly threw toys into it and then took them out. After climbing in once with his clothes on and feeling how yucky it was he would run up to me and demand I takes his clothes and diaper off so he could play in the pool.

We went to the amusement park twice and Gabe love it. He rode in a car with his 3.5 year old cousin who was thrilled to have a playmate and was begging to go on the scariest adult rides. He also rode the train, merry go round, flying bumble bee and a floating duck. He won a stuffed fish at a game where you bang a hammer down to make a frog fly up in the air and hopefully in to a bucket. (daddy helped a bit but Gabe was definately playing the game). He also had a good arm throwing a bucket of ping pong balls once he switched to righty.

His scheduled was shot to heck. We often did not get to a resturant for dinner till after 7pm so he was lucky to get to bed by 9pm. Thats the problem when you vacation with a family on a differnent schedule. My nieces goes to be between 9-10 (if you are lucky) and gets up between 9-10. Gabe goes down between 7-8 (when we are being good about getting him down) and get up between 6-7 (unless we are very lucky.) He also only got 2 baths the whole week. :o

DH and I got very little along together time. We had two night alone in a room, a few hours at the beach one day, a few hours in the house one afternoon and a mad run to the notery to get papers signed for his house closing (selling not buying). In the evening when my parents would have babysat we were to tired to ask them to.

We went to a party on our way back. They had a mini moon walk set up and that was great for Gabe. It was a bit much when the older kids were in it but between watching them and bouncing alone with one other 2 year old he learned alot about rough and tumble play. I think he is a bit less tenative about all the physical play the boys do since that day and less worried or upset when he fall down or bumps into things. Though he still likes to beg kisses off me for all his boo boos.

It was also very funny at the party. TThe couple has one child, 8 mths old and she was playing in a playpen. We put GAbe in there, at his insistence, and the baby immediately crawls up to him and uses him as a pull up toy. Gabe looks at me in mild terror and says "Gentle!" This time I was very happy he knows not to hit or push back, but are you suppose to tell the toddler to be gentle not the infant? Also all the 2-4 years olds begged to get into the playpen that they were all screaming to get out of a year or more ago.

jay&erinn

08-01-2005, 07:53 PM

Hi Ladies- I don't have a lot of time. I have a busy week, and it's almost 11:00. I need to get to bed.

We had a nice weekend over here. DH and I went out with some friends- something we rarely do. I did, however, find out a comment that was made about my miscarriage that I'm not sure how to take. My mom and MIL are good friends. My MIL was really proud of the fact that she and my SIL figured out I was pregnant before we told them (why they felt it was necessary to let us know they figured out our secret while I'm in the process of miscarring is beyond me). Well, my MIL told my mom that when she told my SIL (did you follow all of that?) that I miscarried that she commented that Oh, now she feels guilty. I'm trying to figure out why she feels guilty. Unfortunately the only answers I can come up with are not nice ones (my MIL and SIL are big gossipers and most of what they say is not very nice). Were they joking about my last miscarried and what would happen if it happened again; where they wishing it would happen again; what? I wouldn't wish a miscarriage on my worst enemy, let alone a second one. I guess the hard times show you who really cares.

kerrykate: Lauren looks so cute in her bathing suit. Mia would be very jealous of Lauren's Elmo sprinkler.

Karen: Good to see you over here. How's Luke?

Renrel: Thanks for the support. Hope your vacation was fun. I'll have to read about it when I have a little more time.

mittyrd: How was your first day back at work?

jenyfer: I'm glad things are going well. TJ sounds like he's adjusting great.

Renrel

08-04-2005, 05:49 AM

Just a quick post to keep us on the front page. We are doing OK over here but Gabe seems to be hitting the terrible 2 for real. Very obstinate about what he wants to do and who should do it. Throwing fits when he does not get his own way. DH made the comment in jest the other day, Who took MY son. I don't like THIS kid. I plan to reread some chapters and articles on 2 year olds again now that the situation is real and decide on how to handle things. We have not done any time outs or anything like that yet. We either ignore, explain why he can't do things his way or give in, depending on the situation. Actually what I try to do when I can is change the dynamic. Like this morning he was insisting I carry him out of his room to look for daddy and I wanted him to walk by himself. He threw himself on the floor crying something along the lines of mommy pick gaby up. So I picked him up but immediately rolled over on to the floor so that he was untop of me. Then I picked him up in the air over me. Then I dropped him down. So yes I did pick him up, but not in the manner he had been expecting or demanding. It was a new game and we both saved face.

Last night I was on my own with Gabe. DH went sailing with a friend. We stopped by Marshals where I picked up some new toys to go in the closet for future use. Then we played in a kiddy pool in the yard. Gabe was thrilled that he could make foot prints with his wet feet on the black top. He also peed the pool, but I was happy that he commented on what he was doing. A step toward potty learning - He is aware of what he is doing. Next he needs to become aware of what he is about to do, and then that he can hold it in.

Tonight I work late and DH has Gaby duty.

mittyrd

08-04-2005, 06:28 PM

I've been too busy to post but still reading along. My first week back at work has been ok. It's hard b/c i get such limited time with the babies but at least I get to pop in on them during the day (3 times a day). I haven't been taking a lunch break so that I can hold one of them during that time instead. I feel guilty about it but I figure it will be better for them to have more time with me when they are discharged. Sam is now at 3.5 pounds and Matt hit 4 pounds today. Both are off their oxygen also as of yesterday :D So progress is being made.

Jake has also hit the terrible 2s. He can be very dramatic when he throws himself down when he doesn't get his way. He really doesn't know anything about the boys but I think he gets a sense that all is not as it is usually. DH and I were arguing the other night after he went to bed (which we rarely do) and Jake got so upset that he stood up in his crib and screamed at the top of his lungs until we took him out and showed him that we were ok and not mad at each other anymore. He's been having trouble sleeping again off and on and sometimes will be up for hours in the middle of the night. Not sure if it is because he wants the company or it's his teeth (we blame everything on teeth, don't we??) Whatever it is, it $uck$! Last night he slept all night which was very nice for a change.

Hope you all are doing well!

AlisonCO

08-04-2005, 07:18 PM

Hi! Things have been crazy busy here, but it always seems that way. Aidan is doing well but having some of the terrible 2 stuff that you all mentioned. He gets easily frustrated when he wants something and can't tell me - I have started to ask him to show me and that helps sometimes. He also is really into testing the limits. Today we were throwing a ball back and forth. Thne he started playing with a toy car and threw it to me. Right before he threw it, he looked right at me.

He also has been having sleeping issues - man, when does this end?:) He has been so restless from 4-6 am. Sometimes he talks and sometimes he cries. But, he has been taking a really good pm nap so I can rest then.

On a silly note, his favorite words are Water, OhNo and Penis - penis sounds more like Pe-nice like with a french accent. It totally cracks me up.

I am now about 35 weeks and feeling more ready. We got the baby's room painted and this weekend we plan to bring in the bassinett and carseat. Just in the past couple of days I have become really uncomfortable and sore. Plus DH and I still have not been able to narrow down our names so she is nameless right now - that is almost stressing me out the most!

I need to get off the computer and onto my exercise ball to try and stretch and relieve some of the pain and pressure. Hope that you all are doing well!

Renrel

08-05-2005, 06:24 AM

Mittydr - I am so happy to hear they are getting so big and are off oxigen. I am glad your first week bad has not been too hard on you and that you get to see your little boys during the day. I also rarely use my lunch to eat lunch or otherwise have personal time. I spend it nursing a toddler while other toddlers stare and ask why he is eatting my belly.

Allision - 35 weeks already! Wow. Don't feel bad about the name. We still did not have a firm choice as we were packing up to leave the hospital 3-4 days after DS was born. My mom was calling him Bubba till than. As for the favorite words - A couple of months ago Gabe was showing off that he knew the parts of his body and totally shocked his 10 year old niece by saying penis and grabbing his crotch.

Errin - How are you holding up? You are in my thoughts.

Michele - How is Skyler? Any word on his test results yet?
--

DH and Gabe had fun yesterday at the water park. Not much whining or inisisting on being carried. Gabe insisted on holding hands and DH was fine with that compromise. But DH could not get him to sleep until after 9pm.

We are realizing that we are going to need to come up with a consistant way of dealing with fits. It is going to hard. Seperating out the request/desire to be held and carried,which may be part of a seperation anxiety thing -If I am going to be brave and independant for 8 hours at daycare than I should be able to be dependant and clingy at home with you- that I think we need to allow and the throwing a fit if we say no or suggest/encouage him to walk by himself. We don't want to teach him that he can get what he wants by throwing a tantum but we also don't want to teach him that he can't depend on us for emotional and physical support when he needs it. I think we will be starting some kind of time out routine though and a plan to leave the playground or store or whatever if he starts throwing a fit because he can't have or do something he wants. Totally sucks when you only have those few hours a week together but I guess that is part of parenting.

kerrykate

08-05-2005, 12:11 PM

Hi ladies!
I'll jump right in with being in the thrones of the terrible 2's. She loves to test me :rolleyes: She'll grin at me right before she does something she knows she's not suppose to. We're also in sleeping hell right now. Life use to be so easy, we'd put her in her crib and 11 hours later she'd wake up. She started climbing out of her crib so we bought her a toddler bed but she won't stay in it. She'll only fall asleep at night if one of lays down with her...in our bed or on the couch. So she's been falling asleep on the couch while we watch tv then we put her in her bed and during the night she gets up and climbs in bed with us. This morning when I woke up she was in bed with us so I asked dh when she came in here and he said he had know idea. The little stinker just climbed in and made herself comfortable sometime during the night. The only good thing is when she's in bed with us she'll sleep straight through until 7-8.

I am sooo looking forward to this weekend. It's my best friends bachelorette party. 5 of us girls are leaving at 11 tomorrow morning and going to Cincinnati. We got a room at the Marriott and are going to lay out and lounge around all afternoon. Then we've got a few more friends and the bride's sisters coming down to meet us for dinner and drinks downtown. I'm going to miss L, but I know she'll have fun with Daddy and this Mama needs a break ;)

Renrel~ Sorry about the fits but I can definitly relate. Time outs have been working really well for us. You just have to be consistant. When we first started doing them I would sit her down and she'd get back up, I'd sit her down, she'd get up. She finally got the point and will sit that one minute until I get her. Good luck, isn't this fun :eek:

Alison~ I can't believe it's almost time to have the baby! Picking out names is so hard! Put a few in the back of your mind and I bet something will click when you see her.

Mittyrd~ That's great news the boys are putting on weight and off oxygen. Hopefully the next month will go by quickly so you can bring them home.

Erinn~ That's so nice you and dh got a night out. What's up with MIL and SIL talking/gossiping about your miscarriage? That's so insensitive, I'm sure neither of them have had to go through something like that and just don't get it.

Renrel

08-06-2005, 07:34 PM

We had such a great day today. Gabe was a bit tough just before and through lunch but after his nap he was great. We took him on a hike and feared we would carry him the whole way or have to leave after he threw a fit in order to teach him he can't get what he wants that way. Instead I had to carry him for the first 5 minutes or so. Then he wanted to get down to try and go into the pond. He was a bit disappointed that he was not allowed in but throwing nuts into the pond quickly distracted him from that. We saw a 5 inch tadpol, tons of little fish (who were trying to eat the goldfish crackers Gabe threw in, we could see the crackers being pushed around the pond), a dragon fly landed on DH
s finger as he was pointing out a frog to Gabe. It was just all really really neat. Then we got Gabe away from the pond to walk a bit and he walked the whole hike himself. He was such a trooper. A good deal was up hill and we though he would tucker out. He called it a ramp and tramped up the whole thing and then found a path with some rocks the required a bit of scrabbling and he did great holding on to DH hand. He fell twice I think, was upset for 30 sec or so and then either dust off his hands on his own or was fine after a bit of a hug. He made us play ring around the rosy at the top of the trail on the highest rock. On the way down DH found a huge leaf and Gabe was so excited by it we had to wait for other people to catch up with us because he wanted to show them his leaf. He just stood there saying See my leaf over and over till they finally reached us. We went out to Friendlies for dinner right after since it was already 6:30. Gabe stayed in a great mood at the table till the food arrived, which took awhile and than ate well. He stayed in a good mood all the way through going into his crib, which was probably close to 9pm.

Renrel

08-07-2005, 05:50 PM

Hope everyone else had a good weekend. We spend nearly all weekend going places to entertain Gabe. Today we went ducking hunting after some time on a really good playground and found one ducky to eat our bread. After a bad nap we went to a water park that was a bit too much for Gabe, lots of heavy spraying things. So we left and went to the one DH discovered that is much calmer and has lots of puddles for stomping and just dangling feet in.Gabe has been there 3-4 times now after daycare but this was the first time the water stayed on for any amount of time since the park closes at 5 or 5:30. Gabe had fun scooping water and throwing it up in the air or at us and was again fasinated by making hand and foot prints on the dry pavement. He also had alot of fun on the climber, it amazes me that this kid who is not particularly tall is climbing real ladders designed for 4- 5 year old kids. Then we went to a party friends who just closed on a home were throwing to show of the house before they start renevations. Gabe loved the empty rooms. He kept running around and in and out of closets yelling, empty or All Gone! After the party we headed home and our downstairs neighbor was doing some gardening. Gabe was very excited to help water the plants and point out that he knew the green things were tomatos. But the best part was this friend had found two HUGE catipillar, big fat 3-4 inchers. You could see the eyes and mouth on it easy. Gabe was fasinated. He himself commented that this was the Big Fat Catipillar (as opposed to the hungry one). He asked to have it walk on his arm, like we did with a inch worm, it probaby would have been fine but the catipilliar and a red pointing thing at his tail and we were not sure what it was for. But between all the wildlife on the hike yesterday, the catipillar and duck today and a few dogs, cats and birds it has been a real wildlife, nature study weekend.

Oh, Gabe latest expression is "sooo cute." Which he says in reference to just about any animal. And he is sooo cute when he says it.

On the not so good side Gabe was a lousy napper and eatter today, but at least he did not get too cranky.

Renrel

08-09-2005, 05:58 AM

Nothing new over here. We are doing fine. Just popping us back to the first page.

Gabe had alot of fun playing in his splash pool yesterday after daycare. I loved watching him takes cups of water to all the plants to water them and then having a water fight with daddy and the hose. The fact that he doesn't melt down when he gets spashed thrills me, though we are careful that his splashs are usually pretty tame.

I also caught the kids playing a big game or ring aound the rosie at daycare when I picked him up. I was very happy to see him holding hands with one of the other kids as the teacher got them set up and that he reached out to take another kids hand when the teacher said it was time to go around again. I don't usually get to see him that directly social and intereactive.

We are making plans to have a miniget away the last weekend of August to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary. MIL will probably take Gabe and his cousins will be visiting her too. DH and I soooo need some time alone together. At night I am just to tired to talk about anything real or meaningful. Figuring out Gabe's lunch and sorting some laundry is about all I have in me.

mittyrd

08-09-2005, 07:28 AM

It's been hectic being back at work and visiting the babies and all that. THe babies are doing great - Sam reached 4 pounds today and Matt is now 4.5 pounds. Most of their weight has gone to their cheeks :rolleyes:

Jake is really into testing us right now. He gives us that little smirk too either right before he does it or right after. He is hitting and shakes his head NO to EVERYTHING!! We are also having a lot of trouble getting him to go to sleep in his crib. All of a sudden he prefers the floor. We put the car bed in his room since he didn't seem to want to be in his crib but he thinks it is just a giant toy and only wants to jump up and down on it. I think we might take it out tonight. So...we've been letting him fall asleep on the floor and DH moves him into the crib once he's asleep. Any suggestions as to how to get him into his bed?

Jake met Sam Sunday night and didn't care for him much. In fact, he screamed the minute he saw me holding him until I gave him back to the nurse. Wait until he finds out there are 2 of them!! I anticipate a hard transition for him once they come home.

Renrel

08-09-2005, 07:59 AM

Mittyrd - Glad the boy are growing so big and strong. I saw pictures you posted in the other threads. They look wonderful. I have the greatest respect for you at the moment. Such a burden is on your shoulders and you are marching on. Work, newborn pre twins and a classic 2 year old to contend with. I think you and DH should start dreaming together of a getaway you can do as soon as the twins are able to spend a night or two away from you. I realize that may not be for quite a while but being able to visit the planned getaway in a daydream now and than and knowing it is waiting for you at the end of your present triathon may help get you through the current status quo. I feel like a wimp being that I am scared of the next year just dealing with a 2 year old. You are my current nominee for mommy sainthood.

Have you considered moving the crib matress to the floor and just letting him sleep on that, through the night. Maybe that would help transition him from crib to bed. But if he is happy sleeping on the floor I don't see and actual problem with letting him since you must have childproofed the room for the toddler bed anyway.

Renrel

08-12-2005, 05:35 AM

Hope everyone is out enjoying summer and that is why this board is so quiet.

Nothing new over here. Yesterday we went to the playground and Gabe was running around in the water spray naked. Then he started tugging on DH's pants asking to see his penis. :o DH thought this was very funny but it was a bit hard to explain why we could not accommodate. At least Gabe is a boy, I think it would have been harder to handle if Gabe was a girl asking for the same thing.

Our latest milestone is Gabe understands the concept of "3". He has been point out where there were 2 things for awhile now, as of two days ago he can identify when there are 3 things.

mittyrd

08-12-2005, 07:51 AM

Still here. Been so busy so I only get to look at the computer at work these days.

The boys are doing great. Matt is just over 4.5 pounds now and Sam is just over 4 pounds. They both took their first bottle Wednesday. They are only allowed one a day for now until they get better at taking it. THey didn't do very well with them but that is to be expected. We are going to try breastfeeding tomorrow. I am visiting them alot although I don't get to hold them very long b/c I am "working". I did get to give them their bottles Wed. and yesterday and will do it again at lunch today. They are gettign so much cuter now that they are filling out. When I look back at pictures from their first few weeks I can't believe how small they were and how big they have gotten. The doctor seems optimistic that they will be able to come home sooner than expected. Maybe the week after labor day or the week after.

Jake is doing better about going in his crib at bedtime now. We haven't even brought up the car to him for the past 2 nights. He still plays in it but knows that the crib is where he sleeps. For now anyway. He's been having so much fun playing at daycare that he is absolutely filthy when I get him. I have to put him in the bath as soon as we get home b/c he is that dirty.

New picture:
http://images.snapfish.com/3446%3A87523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448 %3D%3A4%3C6%3B3b282%3B3423%3D3232%3A%3B695%3A%3B8% 3Bnu0mrj

AlisonCO

08-12-2005, 07:46 PM

Hi everyone

Just wanted to bump us up! Things are going pretty well here. DH has been gone for a couple of days and luckliy is back tomorrow - I just do not have the energy to keep Aidan busy all day by myself these days.

He is a talking, running fool these days. He will pretty much repeat any word that we say and remembers most of them. He knows all of my immediate family's names and all of our dogs names (there are 5):) He still loves water but now also loves trucks, construction equipment, farm equip etc. His new words are fire gin (fire engine), bocat (bobcat), digger and tracker (tractor.) We live near a huge construction site so most afternoons DH takes A over there to see and hear the trucks. We also rented a Barney DVD where he goes to the farm.

Last weekend we drove to this old mining town that is now a huge gambling town and took a train ride around the mountain. It was an old coal train and it was loud - A had a great time and wanted it to go faster.

? - When you kiddos are upset, frustrated or having a meltdown, is there something that they want or ask for? The reason I ask is that Aidan is again obsessed with the pacifier and it is the first thing he asks for when he gets upset or has a little tantrum. The paci's only come out at naptime and bedtime, and the rest of the time they are asleep in a basket in his closet. He often goes and gets his stuffed frog and I am fine with that because he obviously needs that comfort.

mittyrd - Thanks for sharing your photos - the boys are precious!
Renrel - Aidan also asks to see DH's "pe-nice".

Hope that you all have a great weekend!!!

jay&erinn

08-13-2005, 10:39 AM

Hi Ladies. I've been around, just not able to post lately. It's just been crazy. Last week I worked 40 hours in 4 days, kept up with the house, started coaching volleyball again and packed for us to spend a long weekend away for a mini family reunion. I felt like I ran non-stop. Work has become really busy for me. I don't have any appointments open for 2 weeks now- I've never been that busy. It's exhausting, but at least I feel really productive there now. This past week DH has been off working on the house non-stop. We now have a deck :D . It's so nice. Of course now we have to buy a grill and patio furniture. I guess it's the time to do it. It's been hard being so busy at work and coming home to deal with Mia on my own since DH is so busy. We also have DH's family in town this weekend (the SIL who made the comment about my miscarriage). Guess I need to put on a happy face and forget about it :mad: - you don't get to pick your family.

Alison: Mia is also becoming obsessed with her "pa pa" (pacifier). She immediately asks for it when she's upset or tired. We try to reserve it for when she's truely hurt, bedtime and long car rides, but sometimes it's hard not to give in. One of the parents magazines had a little side note on kids and "loveys" this month or last. It said pacifiers are still very acceptable and often needed at this age. At least it made me feel better about her still using it.

mittyrd: The boys look so much bigger. They are adorable. I bet they come home early from the hospital. I think docs tend to give worst case scenario so you don't keep getting disappointed. What "milestones" do they have to meet before they come home? Is it a certain weight? I was a premie (although not nearly as early as your little guys) and I had to stay until I hit 5 pounds (things are very different 30 years later) and able to suck to eat.
I bet Jake is in for the shock of his life. Once he gets used to sharing you and your DH, I'm sure he'll grow to love those little ones.
My cousin is due in about 5 weeks with her second (her first will be 2 in October) and everytime they mention a baby, her daughter says, "no baby" and goes and pouts. It should be interesting.

Renrel: Gabe is such a bright boy- good thing I'm not worried about Mia keeping up with him or I'd be really worried by now :rolleyes: She's just learning the idea of one or more than one (it usually relates to one paci or two pacis- of course she always asks for two). She'll occasionally try and count along with us as we walk stairs or with something on TV (usually Elmo), but after three she typically mixes up what numbers she can say.
Good luck planning your get a way. I'm jealous. I wanted to get away in October with just DH (it would be a first since Mia came along), but between his work schedule, Mia's b-day, 1 neice's b-day, my cousin's little one's b-day, her baby being due, and a wedding, there seems to be no time. Then we run into the holidays and bad weather, so I think it'll be awhile.

Mia's definately acting 2. It's very frustrating at times. We are using time outs sporadically and they seem to work well. She'll pitch a fit over absolutely anything, throwing herself on the floor, kicking and screaming. I think DH and I are shocked since we're both very easy going people and we seem to have produced quite a drama queen. Maybe she'll be an actress :rolleyes:

Thanks for asking how I'm doing. Most of the time I'm doing well now. I'm impatiently waiting for AF to show up (should be in the next 2 weeks) so we can start trying again. A few people have hinted that maybe we should wait awhile before trying again (the docs have said we can try again right away). I must have had enough, because I asked the last person if they thought I'd be any more ready to lose another baby 6 month from now. Guess I was having a bad day.

mittyrd

08-13-2005, 11:10 AM

Erinn: You do seem crazy busy. The discharge for the boys is not based on weight anymore (Matt will be 5 pounds by tomorrow) - it is based on if they can take all their feeds by mouth and be spell-free for 7 days. They both just started getting bottles on Wed. and we tried out breasfeeding today. The doctor doesn't see them going home before Labor Day but it sounds like it will be before their due date. Jake is definitely in for a traumatic time when they come home - to be honest, I'm not looking forward to that part of their homecoming. It's the thing I worry about the most.

Are any of you letting your kids sleep with a pillow? If so, is it a baby size? If so, where did you get it? I am looking around for one for Jake b/c he loves pillows but can't find a small one.

Renrel

08-13-2005, 07:21 PM

Quick post because it is hot and late and I am tired, but Gabe seems to be fasinated with penises lately and I wanted to share this funny story. Gabe asked to sit on the potty yesterday while I was working late. Then he told DH he had to sit on his potty too. (maybe this had to do with my reading him a potty book recently) anyway Gabe points down and says "little penis" than he points at DH and says "big penis" And so it starts. ;)

We had a fun time at a party today. Gabe enjoyed the bigger kiddy pool and even splashing with other kids. We kept him out way late though, it was after 9 when we got home. Luckily he fell asleep in the car and transfered. He loves parties because he gets to eat all the junk I don't give him at home.

Renrel

08-14-2005, 07:02 PM

We took out our first splinter tonight. :( We had to attempts at it. The first Gabe was nursing and DH tried to get it with tweesers but it as a no go and Gabe cryed, though not that much. The second attempt was after his bath and we let him watch his wiggles DVD. A second shot at the tv in one day and mommy offered, he did not ask, so he was happy about that. Daddy got the splinter out with a needle this time and Gabe said ouch a few times but he did not cry at all and did not fight us. I was soooo proud of him for being so brave. I think the fact that the tv was loud and the wiggle are so viberate help keep him distracted.

kerrykate

08-15-2005, 12:58 PM

Hi ladies!

We've been so busy here. We had my 10 year class reunion on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. Lauren stayed the night at my parents house and woke up crying for me at 11:30pm. My mom ended up kicking my dad out of bed and had Lauren sleep with her the rest of the night.
Today is my nieces 6th birthday and my brother and SIL just found out today that she has diabetes. They had suspicion of it so they took her to the doctor, I guess her blood sugar was so high when they tested her she had to be rushed to the hospital and has to stay over night tonight. I feel so bad for them, they have a long road ahead.
We're looking at yet another house this evening. We've looked at several lately and even put in a couple bids but we always miss out. It's getting frustrating.
Lauren has been fantastic lately. I think we had the terrible 2's from 12-21 months because these last few weeks she has been wonderful. She is listening great, singing all the time, plays with her baby dolls nonstop, slept until 8:30 Sat and Sun is counting to 11, and she pooped on the potty Saturday morning :D :D

alison~ Lauren use to cry for her paci ALL THE TIME. We only gave it to her at nap and bedtime but she would whine for it constantly. It made her miserable and drove us crazy so we would give in half the time just to stop the whining. I was really dreading it but we had to put a stop to it. So I bought this stuff called Thum at Walgreens. Your supposed to put it on thumbs to quit sucking and fingernails to quit biting so I put it on her paci. The main ingredients are cayenne pepper and citrus :eek: Anyway it was so easy I'd give her the paci and she wouldn't want it because it tasted bad. Within a few days she wasn't even asking for it. I don't know if your ready to get rid of the paci all together since Aidan has changes with the baby coming but if you are this really worked great for us.

Mittyrd~ The boys are so adorable! Lauren sleeps with a regular pillow but only for the last few weeks since she has moved to a toddler bed. When she was in her crib she had a small one she slept with but I bought it at a craft show so I know that doesn't help you much...

More later, got to leave work.

Renrel

08-18-2005, 10:22 AM

Kerry - So sorry to hear about your niece. Scary stuff but at least they caught before she went into shock and it is so much easier to handle the illness these days then it was when we were younger. I hope they get it under control quickly and that a cure is found in our lifetime. And I am happy to hear that lauren is doing so well. I hope this phase lasts a good long time.

Daycare let us know that Gabe is acting out a bit lately. Nothing to big but being defiant and not listening. Like today one of the teachers was reading a story to some of the kids. She told them all they had to sit down if they wanted to listen to the story. Gabe was the only one who would not sit. She closed the book to indicate she would not read it if Gabe did not sit down. Gabe just stood there looking at her with a look in his eye and a smile. Then she told him if he would not sit down he needed to go play with something else. Again he just stood, looked at her and smiled. Asserting himself in a very calm way, making her job hard. I think may be easier to stand up and redirect a kid who is screaming than one who is calmly challenging your authority like this. Anyway, I am actually a bit relieved that he was acting this way. I am such a goody goody and I want Gabe to be more "normal." Not a problem kid but not a teacher pet either. That, however, does not mean it is OK to ignore or allow the behavior, but I don't have any idea and neither does the teacher. She told me it is not a big deal at this point but she likes to give parents a heads up so that if it does become a big deal (doing it all the time rather than now and then) it does not come as a suprise. By the way, the teacher he is giving this attitude is the one I like the best. She is very no nonscence while still being very caring and aware of each child. She is the one most likely to understand what I am getting at when I ask a question about his behavior or attitude.

Renrel

08-19-2005, 05:44 AM

I was just thinking today, as my birthday and anniversary approach next week, how my life keeps changing so drasticly each year.

1999 - a 35 year old single woman who has been dating a, somewhat, older man for way way way too long without a promise of future together
2000 - an 36 year old engaged woman, living with her finace, with out an engagement ring or a wedding date/place, enjoying a trip to Greece.
2001 - a 37 year old newlywed on her honeymoon
2002 - a 38 year old married woman starting to work on making a baby.
2003 - a 39 year old married woman, still working full time (but with a reduced work load thanks to a super boss), about 8 months pregnant with a husband working full time and going out of town to school every other weekend with homework all week.
2004 - A 40 year old married stay at home mom with an amazing child, preparing to return to full time work while her husband, who has recently finished his MBA with a double major from a great schoool, is preparing to leave his consulting gig to seek other emloyment that will use his new degree.
2005- A 41 year old married woman struggling with working full while her child thrives in full time daycare and DH who is unemployed, looking for work, and taking care of all the house stuff (cooking, cleaning, shopping).
2006???? Hopefully a healthy pregnant mom, working part time, with a toddler in part time pre-school, with a husband busy working at a new job he loves bring in big bucks and the owner of a new home.

No wonder I am feeling kind of tired and dazed and out of control. As soon as I adjust to one set of parameters my whole world changes again. All for the good, but still, transitions are hard on the psychi.

How about all of you? I would guess there have been mega changes in all of your lives over the last 4-5 years as well.

Jenyfer9

08-19-2005, 09:39 AM

Good question Renrel!

1999: a 24 year old, in a long distance relationship that doesn't EVER look like it will be anything more than that, even though there's a ring on my finger (but that's another story).
2000: a 25 year old who has just met the man of her dreams 3 months prior, but who also lives half a continent away...
2001: a 26 year old who decided to go back to school, living with this great man, about to buy a house.
2002: a 27 year old, engaged and living in a house, still going to school.
2003: a 28 year old preggo (not too exciting :p )
2004: a 29 year old who JUST found out she was preggo with #2
2005: a 30 (!!!) year old with 2 kids under age 2, living in a new house, having just sold the first house.

MY oh MY!

kerrykate

08-19-2005, 10:54 AM

This is fun!

1999: 22-23 years old, dating boyfriend (dh) for 3 years, working as a travel agent.

2000: 23-24 years old, living in an apartment with 2 of my girlfriends, got engaged on Christmas day :)

2001: 24-25 years old, Bought a crappy house with fh and spent the year fixing it up, got married in Oct.

2002: 25-26 years old, got a new job and enjoying being newlyweds.

2003: 26-27 years old, got pg in January had lovely DD in Oct. took 3 months off work.

2004: 27-28 years old, Went back to work part time in January, getting into the groove of mommy and wife.

2005: 28 years old, trying to decide when we want to TTC and thinking about building a house since we can't seem to find one to buy.

2006: Hopefully be pg and in a new house!

Man time flies!

mittyrd

08-19-2005, 05:41 PM

Ok - my turn:

1999 - 30 yrs old - Just broke up with the man I thought I would end up with
2000- 31 yrs old - Started dating DH end of the year
2001 - 32 yrs old -Bought house with DH (4 months after we met :eek: ). Became engaged.
2002 - 33 yrs old - got married
2003 - 34 yrs old - had Jake
2004 - 35 yrs old - sold house; bought new house, got pg again
2005 - 36 yrs old - had Matt & Sam
2006 - what else is there??? I'm done having kids and I'm not moving again.... Maybe a new job? Doubt it - I've been at my job since 1998 and it works for me - can't see leaving at this point. I think I'll be too busy for there to be anything else!!

jay&erinn

08-19-2005, 06:16 PM

I think this might make me think too hard :rolleyes:

1999: 24 year old- Graduate from grad school. Decide the best guy friend that's been under my nose since 4th grade finally looks like a good option to date. Realize he's the man I have to marry. Get first real job and hate it.

2000: 25 year old-Move in with future DH, not engaged (giving the parents heart attacks) in a major fixer upper. Get engaged, new years eve

2001: 26 year old- Get married. Change jobs. Still working on house

2002: 27 year old- Get pregnant. Change jobs again (something closer to home). Still working on house.

2003: 28 year old- Have Mia :D . Still working on house (are you sensing an ongoing theme?). Take 6 weeks off work and wished it was more.

2004: 29 year old- Put addition on house. Have 1st miscarriage.

2005: 30 year old- Still working on addition. Have 2nd miscarriage.

2006: ???? Hopefully get pregnant soon and get this one to stick ;) . FINISH the house (yea, right). Spend some quality time with DH.

Renrel

08-20-2005, 10:04 AM

I wish I could find a way to have these lists readily accessable to younger people who are in distress over their lives. Look how many of us were in a place 5 years ago where it looked like nothing was happening and not we have so much to make life meaningful.

mittyrd

08-21-2005, 08:15 AM

Good news! The boys are coming home this week - either Wed. or THur. Of course, DH just called me and Jake threw up this morning so not sure what that is about since he has seemed fine all weekend. I'm not sure if that will impact the boys discharge. I'll have to ask the nurses.

jay&erinn

08-21-2005, 10:43 AM

mittyrd: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I knew those boys would make their momma proud and come home early. Poor Jake, his life is about to be turned upside down. Like all kids, he'll adjust. It's amazing what they can handle.

AlisonCO

08-21-2005, 07:05 PM

These have been fun to read.

1999 - 23 year old - living with DH - working full time at my first job after college as a case manager - get a dog
2000 - 24 year old - engaged to DH - bought first house - bought first car - went back to school to get teaching cert - get second dog
2001 - 25 year old - get married - finish school - move to Boise - get first teaching job in SpEd
2002 - 26 year old - still teaching - get pregnant!
2003 - 27 year old - have Aidan - forget everything else:)
2004 - 28 year old - decide to stay home full time with Aidan - move back to CO and buy house - get pregnant!
2005 - 29 year old - SAHM - will have 2nd kiddo soon.
2006 - 30 year old - mom to 2 great kids - maybe go back to work part time later in the year - no more moving and no more kiddos:)

Hope that you all are doing well!

mittyrd - Yeah for the boys! How exciting!!!

Renrel

08-21-2005, 08:05 PM

Mittyrd - That is such wonderful news. I imagine you are thilled and terrified. You want them home with you but it is going to be alot of work with all three to deal with. Are you taking your materity leave now? Will you have any help at home?
-
We had a fun day today at a local fairl. It is rather big one which has been going on for over hundred years. We told Gabe it was an amusement park and since he wanted the rides he would not let us sit through more then a couple of songs of the band we wanted to see plan and thus chose today to go to the fair. DH's cousins band, who played at our wedding, was playing. But Gabe had a super time on the rides once we finally got some tickets and chose the first one.
He did this school bus that goes up in the air, in small circles- very tame, with me. He looked kind of nervous while we were on it but started to clap as soon as we got off and ran over to another ride which was jeep going around in a circle on the ground, tame but a the turns were rather fast for a kiddie ride. He had to go on that one himself and we were not sure if he could handle it but he did. It was funny because he looked like he was not sure if wanted to laugh or cry but at the same time kept looking at these really scary rides in the distance. Then he ran on to a moon walk before we could stop him and get his shoes off. We finally got him to come back to the front so we could get the shoes. He loves bouncing but was disappointed that he could not manage to climb the ladder thing to the big slide. The rungs were just to far apart for him to do, though he did get up at least one. It was so cute how the 4 year girl was trying to helo him. Then he got to ride a pony, He was on less then 5 sec before he turned to DH to be pulled off, so the walked next to the pony while Gabe babbles about wanted to ride a lion. ????? Then we all went on a flume, it really was pushing Gabe to take him on that, but it was just two big falls and very slow other than the drops. Immediately after the second drop he said "all done!" He did not cry but he did not want any more. Then he found this "climber" thing, it starts off a a ball pit, then tehre are tunnels to climb through and a rope type thing to climb/walk. He loved it. It was his first ball pit and he had a great time in it. He was a bit confused by the tunnels because bigger kids kept coming back out the side you were suppose to go in. But once he figured out what to do he did the whole thing himself. There was one point where he got confused because a parent had left open a zippered door to the outside and he thought he was supposed to go through that and than he suddenly had 4-5 adults trying to "help" him but telling him to climb up this other thing. He kind of froze till everyone backed off, then he finished it himself and immediatly jumped in to go again. He also loves seeing all the livestock displayed and the model trains. We did not get him to bed till after 9 tonight.

mittyrd

08-24-2005, 04:44 AM

The boys are coming home TODAY!! I'm really worried about how Jake will react. I am starting my 12 week leave today (unless we run out of money then I'll go back earlier). DH is taking 1.5 weeks off and then my mom is coming for 2 weeks. Hopefully, by the time I am alone, we'll be in some sort of routine. (wishful thinking??)

http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3A%3B3523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D4 48%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A573%3B6896ot1lsi

kerrykate

08-24-2005, 05:45 AM

Mittyrd~ That is wonderful the boys are coming home so early, they sure did prove those doctors wrong. They are so adorable :) Enjoy this time as much as possible and try and give us an update when you get a chance.

Our weekend was very similar to Renrels. We took Lauren to a local festival and she got to ride a pony. We tried this about a month ago and as soon as she got on she wanted off but this time she loved it and smiled the whole time. Dh took her on the Merry-go-round and I took her through a big play/fun type house that had a big slide at the end. She was worn out by the time we got home.

We have a wedding to go to Saturday night, it doesn't start until 6:30 so Lauren is staying the night at the IL's. My friends sister is getting married, the friend who's dad was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He has only been given 5 more weeks to live so it is going to be a very emotional night.

jay&erinn

08-24-2005, 06:22 PM

Good luck tomorrow mittyrd!!!! Make sure you find a few minutes occasionally to check in with us so we know how it's going.

kerrykate: Have fun at the wedding. That'll be fun to have a night away- a full night of sleep, what a thought.

Renrel: Sounds like you guys had fun at the fair. Our county fair was last week, but we weren't able to go. I was disappointed. It was just too hot around here. Of course this week it's been beautiful :rolleyes:

Alison: How are you feeling? It's getting close.

What are you guys planning for the 2nd birthdays? Mia turned 23 months on Tuesday :eek: . I can't even believe it. We're having a Wiggles party. There'll be about 40 people (mostly family). I have no idea what kind of food, or if I'm going to bother with games- it's hard since the kids range in age from 11 to 1. What do you do with all those kids that all can enjoy?

I had a nice but busy day today. I fit hearing aids on an elderly gentleman that is blind. It was a challenge, but he really impressed me with his patience and determination. He was also all smiles when he realized all he's been missing with his hearing loss. We had a nice talk about his sight. It was a big medical mistake that he lost his vision. He told me that one day he woke up and told himself that he could either continue to feel sorry for himself and cry about what happened, or he could make the best of it and live his life. Nice lesson for me right now. I've had a much harder time emotionally with this past miscarriage. I definately need to take a cue from him and accept it and move on instead of dwelling on it. I've always thought that things happen for a reason. Glad I slowed down enough to really talk to him today and realize part of the reason he may have shown up in my office.

Renrel

08-26-2005, 08:19 AM

Mittyrd - Yeah!!!! for the boys coming home. It will probably be pretty tough to start but Jake will come around. So glad to hear you have some help for the first few weeks. If you find you need more and are interested in a post partum dulah I can give you a recommendation. Don't know if she travels to your area or not but it is very possible she does.

-
We had a um interesting few days here. Tuesday night I worked very late. When I went to sleep I had a big pressure on my chest. It was strange and strong enough to make me think about heart attacks but not enough to make me act. I went to sleep and luckly woke up in the morning feeling fine. At work I started to feel some of the same thing. I looked up heart attacks and woman on the computer and started reading how it can feel like nothing, that it is not like in the tv and movies, how it can come and go, how people often don't see a doctor to a day or more and how the wait is so detromental. All this starts making me nervous. I reallly really don't think I am having a heart attack but all this things are saying most or many people don't. So I call my doctor. I get a receptionist who says they don't do triage and asks if I want to make an appointment. I leave a message for the doctor covering for mine. Then I call DH. He tell me, yeah he has been feeling similiar things. Probaby nothing but do what I feel is best. I finally decide to go tell my boss I am feeling funny. I just really need someone else to make a decision and nobody will. My boss has me sit down and calls the state troopers who patrol out building. They come wiht a debrilator. We decide to call an EMT. I am thinking they will come look at me, take some vital signs and say I am fine, go back to work. They come and suggest I go to the hospital to get checked out. Just to be safe. Well my grandfather and great uncle died young of heart attacks and my dad's heart attack felt like indegestion, so thinking about how horrible it would be for Gabe if I make the wrong decision I agreed to go to the hospital. Had to go through the whole strecher ambulance thing. We even managed to hit a cab on our 2 minute ride over. In the EMR the took my vitals and did an EKG. A co-worker went with me and we both waited for DH.

I ended up spending the night in the hospital. That really suprised me. But even though everything was coming back normal my EKG was just a bit differnet than expected, but probably normal for me. They gave me one half or quarter of some pill to thin my blood and keep my heart beat steady.

DH was great, going back and forth between home and daycare and the hospital. He went to the after daycare picnic and then brought Gabe to visit me in the ER. GAbe was great. He got to bf and was intrested in all the sounds and visuals. I realized this morning that I probably should not have bf, totally forget they gave me that pill. Gabe cryed when he had to leave but that seemed mostly about riding in the stoller. A cousin happened to be free and came over the babysit so DH could come back and sit with me.

Yesterday morning they did a stress test, which I passed. But they injected me with radioactive stuff to take the MRI. That meant I could not bf when I got home. This was the toughest part. Gabe understands not BFing if I am not home but it was hard to say no while he can see I am there. I told them the "yis" as he calls them, were broken and that I would get them fixed tonight. He went back and forth all evening and this morning with understand and accepting and crying for them. We ended up giving him a bottle which we have not done in ages. HE woke up crying last night and we let him watch tv. He slept late this morning and got a bottle again. When we pick hin up I will be able to nurse again.

I have been typeing while pumping out my bad milk. Now I have to run. We are going away this weekend and leaving Gabe with his grandparents, anniversay (today) and birthday (Tuesday) celebration. Lot of packing and such to do. So I am off.

kerrykate

08-26-2005, 08:25 AM

I can't believe our babes are almost 2! Her actual birthday is on a Tuesday so during the day I'm going to have a party at a park with my girlfriends and their kids(out of 8 kids ages 2 1/2 and under that will be there Lauren is the only girl). Then on Saturday we'll have my family and the IL's over and do an Elmo themed party. Although right now she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, Caillou she asks to watch it ALL the time. The other day in the car out of no where she started laughing and said, "Caillou and Rosie funny." :eek: I didn't think they had Caillou party supplies then I did a google search and found some. So we'll see I might switch.

Mittyrd~ How's everything going? Hopefully your having a smooth transition.

Erinn~ I'm so sorry you're still having a tough time, it's not an easy thing to get through one miscarriage let only two. The elderly gentleman sounds like a wise person.

kerrykate

08-26-2005, 08:37 AM

Renrel~ We were cross posting... How scary, you definitly made the right decision by going to the hospital. Better safe then sorry. I'm glad everything turned out to be fine. Have a nice weekend away.

AlisonCO

08-26-2005, 08:23 PM

Things have been crazy, but what else is new.

We went to our 37 week appt last week and the baby was breech. Her head was up in my ribs, feet by her head and butt down. We decided to try a version and the next day we went to the hospital. It was a success, but there was a good chance she would turn. We had a somewhat stressful week waiting to see if she stayed and we went in last night and she is head down. I was totally unprepared emotionally for the thought of having a c-section and it really hit me hard. Aidan has been ultra clingy and the thought of being away for 4-5 days and not being able to pick him up afterwards - plus the hormones -was too much for me. DH took a day off and I took a day off and cleared my head and was OK.

As i said A has been ultra clingy and very Mommy obsessed. Only I can do naps and bedtime or else we have breakdown. We have also been having some sleep issues that are hard and exhausting. At first I thought that it was him sensing the upcoming changes etc (and part of it is still) but he was just trying to tell us that the old routine wasn't working anymore and it was time to shift things a bit. He used to be in bed at 7ish and wake at 6ish and then nap from 12:30-2ish. Well he was fighting bedtime, crying/sobbing and jst not gong to sleep until after 8. Well about 5 days ago DH said screw it lets just stay up until 8. It seemed to work and now he sleeps 8ish to 7ish and now naps from 1-2ish. I have also found that I need to adjust his nap depending on when he gets up or else he is not ready and fights it. Today he slept until 8am!!! so was definetely not ready to nap until 2. I didn't get this right away but figured it out. We also had a night where he was up from 11-2am - thought he was getting sick but no. Last night he was up at 1am crying and saying owie so we gave him Tylenol an he slelpt until 8 so obvioulsly he is having some pain (teeth or growing pains) and I am happy that he can tell us so that we can help.

Otherwise he is a crackup - talking like crazy, running and jumping and totally exploring the world. He is talking in 3 word "sentences", correcting me when I do not understand what he says ("No mommy, _____") duh! and is just go, go, go. He still loves water but also loves typical toddler boy stuff like bugs, trucks and dirt. Eventhough we are having some sleep issues and a few small tantrums now and then, I can honestly say that I love this age and watching him play and listening to him talk - it is all just so amazing. I hope that when I have a newborn that I can still enjoy him and all of the new and funny things that he does each day. DH and I say almost every night that even after a hard day/night there is not an evening that goes by that he doesn't make us laugh and make us feel like the King and Queen when he gives us a hug and kiss:)

2nd birthdays - Yikes - haven't even thought about it! They reallly aren't going to be 2 years old are they?

Renrel - That is so scary -but good for you for getting it checked out!

mittyrd - How are things going? Can't wait for pictures of ALL of your boys!

erinn - I am so sorry that you are having a hard time right now. I hope that you get good news very soon!

kerrykate - Caillou is pretty darn cute - too bad Aidan loves Barney right now!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!!!

Jenyfer9

08-27-2005, 01:43 PM

So today we were in a furniture store buying a big boy bed for TJ (he's been sleeping on a twin mattress on the floor since February, and we're making the switch to an actual bed). There's this girl (probably 12 or 13) that TJ kept waving and saying "hi" to. So then, all of a sudden, he went over to her and gave her a big hug! :confused: He's never done that to someone that wasn't someone he knew before... maybe he thought she was someone else?

The appeal of older women has hit him already! :p

mittyrd

08-28-2005, 12:26 PM

Just a quick post to say hi and that everything is going well here. Jake handled the boys coming home pretty good and is making his mommy proud! I had imagined the worst and it hasn't been that bad. He has been a little sad which breaks my heart but doesn't try to pull us away from the babies or cause trouble. We are spending a lot of one-on-one time with him when the babies sleep so that helps. I had a houseful of company this weekend (I know, crazy) and that occupied him also.

Renrel

08-30-2005, 09:20 AM

Mittyrd - Glad you could find a moment to let us know things were going well. I can't imagine you have many moments to spare. Glad Jake is handling the transition better than expected. I am sure in a little while he will be prouding showing off his little brothers to any and all visitors.

Jenyfer9 - That is so cute about the hug. Gabe does not give hugs that often to anybody, though it is getting better. He does definately pick out certain strangers as special and worth of flirting while others just get that suspious look.

AlisonCO- Glad the version worked. I will keep my fingers crossed that she stays in position and for an easy labor. I agree that this is a great age. So much fun to watch Gabe learning about his world and all his new words.

kerrykate - I also am not ready to admit I am the mother of a 2 year old.

Errin - Glad that fate brought you that elderly gentleman just when you needed to chat with him. Funny how life can do that if you open youself up to it. Have you talked to a counselor at all about your miscarrage? It really can help you get through a rough spot like this.

b-days -

I told my mom in NY that she can throw him a party this year. We will have a party in school for his friends, he has not seen any other friends since he started daycare, absent a few accidental park meetings so throwing a party at our house for our friends from when I was SAH or for our adult friends seems like I would just be asking for presents. This way my sisters and my parents and one set of bil/sil can make it fairly easily, as well as my grandmother and my aunt and uncle. My Inlaw can stay with BIL so it is not to big an inconvenience for them.

We all had a nice weekend. Friday morning I had off and spent the time packing then we picked Gabe up and drove to RI to my inlaws. We spent the night there and then we headed off to Block Island for a mini vacation alone while Gabe stayed with my inlaws. He was fine, great in fact, but I worried about him because I had barely had any time to get him emotionally prepared for the time away because I was still reassuring him given my absence while in the hospital. I had so much trouble fallling asleep the first night because I missed him. My heart hurt for him. All I needed was to be able to peak in and see him sleeping in his pack and play but of course he was a ferry ride away by that time. The rest of the time I missed him but it was not a big thing, just the normal wanted to share everything see with him and wanted to know about every moment of his day. Gosh am I going to have a hard time when he leaves home in 18 or so years.

We had a nice time away. Our inn was a dump for the price but it was all you could get on the island that had a private bath. Everything was booked. The staff was wonderful as was the weather. We biked and hiked and window shopped and hung on some beachs. We had a wonderful cheese and wine picnic for brunch the Monday we left.

Back at the inlaws on Monday my Bil and his family also came by on the way back from a vacation and the cousins were having a great time together. They are much older than Gabe but adore him and he was trying so hard to do everything they did.

Now we are back to the normal grind. Today is my b-day so I have a light day at work (super nice boss) and Gabe was a bit clingy when I left him at daycare this morning but seemed fine at lunch. My folks come up to visit this weekend so we should get to see a movie or two.

mittyrd

08-31-2005, 05:27 AM

Happy birthday Renrell!

2nd b-day - Hate to say it but we are not going to have a party for Jake this year. Hope he doesn't mind! We figure that the babies are too small and I don't want all these people here breathing on them and man-handling them. Next year we'll give him a HUGE party to make up for it.

Here's a picture of the boys packed up and ready to come home:
http://images.snapfish.com/34486%3B%3B923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D4 48%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A74%3C74396ot1lsi

And a picture of all the boys:
http://images.snapfish.com/34486%3B%3B923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D4 48%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A74%3C76332ot1lsi

I'm totally exhausted but loving that the boys are home and that we are all together. Hopefully, we'll get some type of a routine going soon and the boys will start sleeping through the night.........ha-ha

Renrel

08-31-2005, 07:24 AM

Mittyrd - Thanks for the b-day wishes. I love the pic of all your boys together. So perfect after such a long wait!

Renrel

08-31-2005, 10:16 AM

What are your toddlers up to lately? They are learning new things so fast these days!

Gabe is very into anything that has to do with jumping or balls(batting at, kicking, throwing, hitting with a club ect)

Gabe is trying to figure out jigsaw like puzzles but it is very hard to find any simple enough for him. He still does not get that you match the picture, He only matchs the shape most of the time.

He is into the word no, just for the heck of yelling it. I expect we will be dealing with that alot.

He is discovering his sense of humor. He makes "jokes" - pointing at himself and saying the name of a friend from school, doing something he knows he is not supposed to just to tease us, changing the first letter sound of words to make the sound funny - for example his favorite song at school is called My ah lunch, he has been singing it correctly for months, now he likes to sing "Gy ag gunch" instead of "mya lunch." He likes to say "making joke" or "Gabe silly" when he is explore humor. We may have a class clown on our hands.

He trys to distract me from my intended action the way I used to distract him - I want to change his diaper and he will decide it is a good time to sing that song for company that he refused to sing before hoping that I will be so pleased I will forget about the diaper.

He just started telling us he is poopy and wants his diaper changed.

He is starting to want to actually play with other children rather than just around other children. The other day he shocked me but insisted that I let him out of the swing at the playground so he could run over and try to join in a game four other kids were playing in another part of the park.

He is getting more into dolls, stuffed or otherwise as well as little cars and ride on toys (I think his legs are finally long enough that it is comfortable to ride them.)

He is getting bossy at school. Yelling "no!" at other kids if they want to play with a toy he wants, or if they are taking too much of my attention, or are doing something a teacher would says "no" to. He has always been bossy with us, being so with his peers is new.

He is apparently a total angel for grandparents, going to sleep without a peep, telling them he is tired and forgetting the word "no" - seperate personalities for different people.

He wants to learn more sign language and asks me how to say words in sign. He has also started inventing his own signs just for the fun of it.

He has started asking for TV alot, which is strange because we have not changed our practice of only doing it once a week. We still say no but it is going to get harder. I think when he turns 2 we might start allowing 30 minutes every day or two. Just thinking about it now. I kind of want to put off any daily tv time as long as I can, just like delaying sweets and other treats, but it is tempting given that he is learning from them, he wants it and it would allow us time to get some stuff done before 8pm at night.

Renrel

08-31-2005, 07:16 PM

Gabe peed on his potty today for the first time!

but I am not ready to potty learn him.

jay&erinn

08-31-2005, 08:10 PM

mittyrd: They look so cute :D . It's so hard to remember when Mia was that size now. Of course, the way she's growing, your boys may pass her up in weight in a few months :rolleyes: . Glad to hear Jake is handling things so well.

Alison: I'm glad the version worked. Hopefully the little bugger will stay put now :) .

Renrel: I thought about talking to someone, but find just talking to close friends has really helped. I think it'd take me a while to open up to a stranger, especially face to face (writing is so much easier). This one has been tougher because not a lot of people know. A lot of our friends are having babies right now (there have been 2 births, one announcement of a pregnancy, and two are due in the next 3 months) just since the miscarriage 6 weeks ago. DH didn't say anything to many of our friends that would call with news in the weeks after our miscarriage so it wouldn't put a damper on things. Now, there aren't many to talk to IRL. Only a few at my work know because I was so upset immediately afterwards, that DH warned the ones that did know not to bring it up if they wanted me to make it through the day. Now that I'm at the point of being able to talk more openly with friends, many don't know and I feel it's too late to really say much. I don't want their sympathy now, just an ear- but I'm not sure they'd all see it that way.

Lets see.. what's Mia doing:

Mia loves balls. She's actually much better at catching them than I thought she'd be at this age.
We took her out in the rain yesturday. She wasn't so thrilled with it. I think she needed another kid to follow their lead. She didn't really want to get wet, but think she would have liked it if she saw another kid enjoying it.

She says please for everything- especially if we tell her no.
She loves to talk on the phone to anyone that's willing to hear her name people in pictures, hear about the wiggles, or listen to her ramble on. If you don't give her the phone, she yells at you,"Hewwo (hello), phone, peas (please) phone, peas phone" non-stop until you give in. Then it's a battle to get it back. I'm thinking about letting her answer calls from unknown callers- maybe that'll stop the telemarketers.

She's loves to try and use the potty. She'll now stop right in the middle of something, say,"Uh oh, potty, hurry, potty." Of course most of the time she doesn't go. Not sure if we're not quick enough yet, or if she's holding it in when we put her on there.

Mine is her new favorite word :rolleyes: . If it's hers, it's hers. If it's someone else's, it's hers. If she likes it, it's hers :rolleyes: . I definately don't like this stage.

Mia loves puzzles. She's very good with multiple piece puzzles if the picture is underneath, or if the pieces go in individual spots (like her name puzzle. there's a spot for each letter). She doesn't understand the concept of putting the pieces together to form a picture.

My mom licked her finger to turn the page of a book today. Now, Mia licks her finger. Unfortunately she licks the finger on the left hand and turns the page with the right :D

Renrel

09-01-2005, 12:08 AM

Errin - If you are getting stronger and talking to friends is enough for you that is wonderful. I don't want to push. I do want to let you know, in case you have never worked with a therapist, that it can be very different to talk to a therapist then to friends. The safty of that office, the freedom to really say anything that you want or need to. No judgement, no worring about burdening the other person with your problems. You can voice your anger, your guilt, your fear whatever regardless of what may feel socially acceptable. And the fact that the person is trained to listen and to help makes it different, as does the fact that they have heard others talk about your experience many many times and can reassure you that you are normal to feel the things you feel.

One other recommention, if you are interested, the book "When bad things happen to good people" by rabbi Kushner. And excellent resource for anyone going through a bad experience, particularly if you feel anger at G-d and it scares you. And it a good read for any religion. In fact it was "discovered" and promoted by some part of the christian faith not the Jewish faith.

---
I know I have been bragging a bit today, forgive me please, but Gabe did the cutest thing today and I am up at 3am unable to sleep so I am typing away here. One of Gabe's favorite books recently was Red Fish, Blue Fish, One Fish, Two Fish. There is a page in the book where one of the characters complains that he can't hear because there is something in his ear and it turns out their is a bird in his ear. Out of the blue today (we have not read the book in a couple of weeks) he puts his finger in his ear and tells me there is something in it. I asked him what was in his ear. He told me a bird. So I went and pretended to pull it out and then linked thumbs and make my hands fly like a bird. So he came over to look in my ears. Tells me there is a bird in there. Dos a pincher grasp to pull out the invisible bird and then just opens and closes his hands saying tweet tweet tweet. I fear we are raising the next class clown over here.

Jenyfer9

09-01-2005, 04:53 AM

TJ is years behind all of these kids in his vocabulary. He understands TONS but says very little... let's see what he says:
-moo (what he calls a cow)
-baa
-bok bok bok (when asked what a chicken says)
-tweet tweet (when asked what a bird says)
-meow
-Nano (for Nacho, one of our cats)
-kitty
-doggie
-Ha-ye (for Holly, one of our dogs)
-mine (our new favorite word :rolleyes: )
-Bobble (bottle)
-Bobber (my dad's name is Robert and this is what TJ calls him... needless to say he would much prefer Grumpa)
-be-be (baby)
-go go! (move)
-out
-uh-oh
-Hello
-Hi
-bye-bye

I think that's about it. We still don't have him calling us anything... no Mommy, Daddy, nothing like that. It's kinda sad that he knows what to call the pets but doesn't call us anything :(

jay&erinn

09-01-2005, 02:13 PM

Mia pooped on the potty :D Just had to share our news and bump up our thread.

Renrel

09-01-2005, 03:00 PM

Errin - Yeah for poop. She must be sooo proud!

I meant to ask before about the puzzles with the pictures underneth. What brand are they? Where did you get them? How many pieces are they?

And the liking rain is a mixed bag. I love when Gabe jumps in puddles as a planned activity or when he is at least dressed for it. But now that we made it a game he always wants to puddle stomp no matter how he is dressed. I don't regret making puddles fun but it has its consequences.

Jen - That is not a bad vocabulary at all. There are a couple of kids in Gabe's daycare who are a few months older and may not have that many words, either that or they just don't talk at school. What else is he up to? Climbing? Jumping? Singing nonsense? Making friends with his stuffed animals?

mittyrd

09-01-2005, 04:16 PM

Erin: Yay for Mia! I haven't ever brought up the potty with Jake. I won't be anytime soon either.

Jenyfer: I think that is a big vocabulary. Compared to jake anyhow. Jake says apple, daddy, dada, mama, ow, ouch and out.

Jake loves to color with crayon or chalk. He loves his swing and golf clubs. Playing with balls, esp. basketball. Pretty much anything physical. He loves books and puzzles. He LOVES taking everything out of something (i.e. playhouse, car bed) and then piling everything back in. He could literally do that for an hour. He likes to make piles of things also.

Gotta run - babies crying ....

Renrel

09-01-2005, 04:19 PM

Mittyrd - I came across this company in a parenting mag and it occurred to me that you might be interested in it on a very short term basis. (I would be in your shoes, but you may have a different take on hired help and people in your home and the cost) They have a personal chef come to your home and cook, package and label meals for your family. $325 for either 3 full meals of four servings each (starter, side, starch, entree and dessert) or for 5 entrees and side dishes - 4 servings each. They shop and bring all all the groceries and their own pots and pans. They can accomodate special diets and have about 500 recipes to choose from. So for $325 you could probable have a full prepared dinner for your whole family for 10 days. Could be helpful after your mom leaves. Expensive as a regular gig but I could see splurging as you work on figuring out how to take care of all three boys and yourself and still finding a functioning braincell for DH to talk to. You might even have a few friends or relatives who might chip in and buy it for you if you wanted. Similiar idea to the moms clubs which have members each deliver one meal to the members right after a birth to help get them through the first weeks.

http://www.homemadetoday.com/faq.htm

jay&erinn

09-01-2005, 05:39 PM

Renrel: The puzzles are mostly wooden. I look for some called puzzlebilities. They're staged. Stage one are like 3 pieces with large knobs to help kiddos grab the pieces. Stage two has smaller knobs and more pieces. She's doing stage 3 puzzles. They are alphabet puzzles, numbers, hands, etc. She can do them fairly easily (except the alphabet one- I think 26 pieces overwhelms her). I'm looking for puzzles that have pictures underneath, but the pieces interlock more. The hands puzzle is the only one I've found like that. If you find any like that, let me know. I've found some of the puzzlebilities at toys r us, but some of the specialty stores around here have a much larger selection.
Thanks for the info on the therapist. Hopefully I'm dealing with this as well as I think I am. We'll truly see when I get pregnant again. I think that'll be a really stressful time, and if the end result is not good, I'll definately need more than the support of friends and family.

mittyrd: How are you handling things at home?

jenyfer: I think TJ's vocabulary sounds great. I was panicing that Mia wasn't keeping up with her peers verbally (she too understands everything), then all of a sudden she took off. It literally happened in a week. She went from a fairly limited vocabulary to saying everything and speaking in sentences. Now we can't keep her quiet :rolleyes:

What toys are you thinking of getting for 2nd birthdays? We bought Mia a table and chairs (already gave it to her), large stringing beads for ages 2 and up, new pink fuzzy boots (she had a pair last year and I'm so glad target is selling them again this year), a wooden stove (really small- not a kitchen), and Mr. Potato head. I think we're stopping there and anything else I find will go toward Christmas.

Renrel

09-02-2005, 06:14 AM

I am still thinking about presents. Here are my thoughts/wish list, not my decisions.

We have been talking about a tricycle and a wagon for awhile now. They would be more appropriate next spring but our kids get all their presents in the late fall/early winter so we need to think ahead.

I am keeping an eye out for appropriate puzzles. We have an alphabet train one that Gabe loves, but we do have to do it with him, handing him the next pieces in the train. He figures out which direction it goes and clicks it together and we talk about the letter and picture if he has the patience. At school they have this great puzzles with 8-12 pieces. There is a cut out picture in a wooden board and the outline of the shapes are traced in the cut out. Gabe seems to really like them, they are challenging but not to the point of being frustrating.

I think we need some more smaller cars that will fit in his handme down fisher price garage. We only have a couple that really fit.

Playdough tools - a rolling pin, maybe one of the presses, more cookie cutters

an easel

a new potty - I think the one we bought a few months ago maybe harder for him to get into now that he is a bit bigger, and some more potty themed assessories -book, doll, dvd.

a stepping stool for the bathroom

A platform so he can help at the counter in the kitchen

A inflatable moonwalk - they have them for $150-$200 which is expensive but maybe appropriately so for a big birthday, but probably too much for us at the moment for a non necessity. But he loves them, not sure they are really safe inside though. Would be great for snow storm days when we can't get outside, but is it worth it for just weekends and evenings?

Some new signing times DVDs

A dress me doll to learn buttons and buckles and such

A new little peoples set - not sure which, I just hate how much space they take up.

Giant blocks he can stand on as well as build with.

A toddler keyboard for the computer and toddler video games - not sure I want to encourgage this yet though.

The leapfrog frig phonics thing.

Last year I didn't really get him a b-day present. I took out a chair I had bought months earlier that was finally appropriately sized. This year it may end up being the same. The above are all things I want for him, but I don't know that they will end up bought, wrapped, and presented on his b-day. He doens't know to expect anything yet and his relatives are sure to give him good loot. If you mention b-day or party to him he get excited about cupcakes, candles and silly hats.

---
Gabe told me he needed his diaper changed this morning right after he pooped - I could see he had just let it out. Usually he wants to keep playing. When I told him, as we changed his diaper, that if he every wanted to he could also poop in the potty he decided he wanted to pee in the potty. We sat and read the potty book and talked but nothing happened. He still wanted to dump it in the toilet. I chose not to let him flush without actually peeing. Nice natural reward for actually going is you get to flush. We will see how that works.

My parents are coming up to visit this weekend. It will be the first one on one visit in months. The last visit he shared them with his cousin. But he wants more cousins. When I told him mema and pop pop would be here tonight he started talking about cousins. He wants age appropriate playmates.

Jenyfer9

09-02-2005, 06:18 AM

Uh, I'm SO sad.

(Not trying to bring down the mood around here, but...)

I'm speechless about the horrible situation in New Orleans. I just can't believe my eyes. Not that I don't feel for the other victims of the hurricane... I do. But the situation in New Orleans is just awful.

Fortunately, dh's employer is doing a wonderful thing by matching all contributions 4 to 1! So for every dollar we donate, they are kicking in 4 more. I just wish that there were more I could do in the immediate time frame. :(

Renrel

09-02-2005, 08:22 AM

Jen- It is awful, so much death, so much loss. Makes you want to hold your own family tight and be thankful for all your "stuff" and share it instead coveting for your neighbor's "stuff"? Is is also so strange to hear about other country sending aid to us.

If you really feel the need to do something you might look into organizing a collection. Check with your local red cross to see if they are doing anything and what is needed. Then talk to local businesses and such about hanging signs letting people know you are collecting stuff, what stuff is needed, and where and when to drop it off, or how to contact you to do a drop off. Then as it comes in pack it up and arrange for delivery through the red cross or whoever is doing that kind of thing. The post office is no longer delivering most mail to those zip codes. I know a local resturant is always doing these kinds of collections around here. You could try and do it through a church or moms group if you are attatched to one. I would guess it would be alot of work.

I have been thinking about the children and mothers and what they must need. Diapers, formual, toys, books, clothes, diaper creams, baby meds ect. All that stuff ruined and washed away by the floods. I can't imagine what it much be like to be a new mom down there at this time. The stress, the lack of sanitary conditions, your new nursury vanished, all your shower loot gone, not knowing how you will support your family or where, family members you may be mourning for, living in shelters with thosands of others at a time you thought you would be bonding your new little family. Can you imagine trying to develop a new breast feeding relationship or pumping milk for bottles in the Astrodome right now? Horrible! The happiest time in your life turned in to a the worst time. So much lost.

mittyrd

09-03-2005, 05:26 AM

Renrel: That cooking service sounds heavenly. Unfortunately, it's out of our budget since I'm taking 12 weeks off without pay and I still have to pay my benefits while I am out.

Birthday presents: We are going to get Jake a broom :rolleyes: I can't sweep the floor without him taking over so I'll get him his own. I also have been looking for one of those things that you set up and the kids crawl through. Can't remember what they are called. I've been looking online but haven't been able to find it yet. That's about it b/c we have way too much stuff as it is and I know he'll get a ton of toys at holiday time.

I am doing pretty good at home. It hasn't been as tough as I thought. Especially, b/c Jake is handling it so well. When DH and I each have a baby, Jake will usually find something to occupy himself. Sometimes not but even then he is ok with them. Yesterday i asked him if he wanted to kiss the baby and he went right up to him and kissed him on the forehead and then clapped b/c he was so proud of himself. It was the cutest thing ever. They get up every 3-3.5 hours to eat. Usually DH gets up first and starts changing diapers and then I get up and take one to feed while DH feeds the other. I am trying to BF during the day but since they are so preemie they are having trouble getting enough. I still have to give them at least 3 bottles a day b/c they need fortified formula for the calories. I definitely don't have a supply problem. I have been seeing the Lactation Consultant weekly to work on their feeding issue. I am getting to the point though where I am going to throw in the towel. I wanted to give it another week and the LC wanted me to give it another month (when they would be term) so we compromised on 2 weeks. I have enough milk stored in my freezer that they could have just BM for another month or 2.

I think Jake grew a few inches overnight. All of a sudden he is huge! He looks gigantic in his crib. And he is so heavy!

jay&erinn

09-04-2005, 10:34 AM

mittyrd: Mia has a broom already :rolleyes: . She was driving me crazy whenever I tried to sweep the sidewalk or porch, so I bought her one. Of course, now she hardly touches it.
Congrats on things going so well at home. That's wonderful. I figured Jake would adjust well. And Congrats on BFing and pumping for so long. I had trouble feeding one, let alone two. Setting small goals worked really well for me. I just kept telling myself I'd make it another week, and then re-evaluate and see how it was going. I only made it to 9 months along with formula supplements, but just couldn't keep up with her demand. I'm really impressed that you're doing it with two and a toddler running around.

Hurricane: It's very depressing to watch the footage. I feel bad for everyone involved. Our Giant Eagle (grocery store) is collecting money at check out. I've donated $5 both times I've been there this week. I'll continue to donate every time we go, for as long as they do it.

Renrel: I forgot about the computer thing. I'd like to get that for Mia. I've seen one through One Step Ahead, but it seems expensive to me. Especially since a few 3 year olds I know can use the regular keyboard and mouse really well already. If I can just wait another year, I'm sure Mia will have the fine motor skills to work it on her own. Until then, I'll just have to sit with her and help her play the games. Do you know of some good toddler games? Mia likes sesame workshop, but gets frustrated that she can't do it all by herself.

How's the long weekend going for everyone?
It's busy here. We went and saw my nephews play football yesturday afternoon (one's 5 and the other's 8). It took the entire afternoon, but Mia did suprisingly well. I was shocked at the suggestive dancing the 5 and 6 year old cheerleaders were doing. I would have pulled my child from the squad. My SIL said the parents think it's cute. UGH :confused: .
Today, DH, Dad and FIL are putting Mia's swing set together. I think we'll be out there rain, shine or snow everyday once Mia sees it. I'm making dinner for everyone as a thank you.
I think I'm going to spend the day at the pool tomorrow since it's the last day. Hopefully DH will join us.

Renrel

09-05-2005, 07:02 PM

Mittyrd - Glad things are going well and I agree it is awsome that you are managing to suppy as much bm as you for your boys. Do what you can but remember your family needs you as awake and alert as you can be, and I know bfing one left me tired and feeling kind of drugged, so take it one day at a time and when it feels it is taking more away than it is providing give yourself permission to say enough is enough. The boys will be fine. I figured the price tag on the chef was probably too steep but figured I would give you a heads up incase you had an relatives or friends bugging you for a good gift.

Errin - I have looked at programs occassionally but have not found any that thrilled me. There were a few recommended in the last bright horizons newsletter, I will try to remember to look them up and post later.

-
We had a great weekend. My folks came up and did a lot of babysitting.
Friday - They arrived in the evening, said help and babysat so DH and I could join a group of friends having dinner with friends who were in town after moving down to Houston a year ago.
Saturday - Mom took my clothes shopping as a b-day present. She figured out that when she gives me cash it goes in the bank account rather than on a slurge. I did quite well at Anne Taylor. The guys all went to the park after Gabe's nap and Gabe had a ball playing with the hover disk I picked up at the CVS for $10. Saturday evening we all went to an early dinner at a local restruant called Full Moon. They server real adult fare (grilled tuna, latin seasoned steak, scallops) but cater to parents. There is a wonderful play area with a train set and a little kitchen, and toy cars and animals and food. The tables are covered in paper so the kids can draw. There are baskets of toys to take the the table if a kid is to shy to hang in the play area. Then after dinner my folks took Gabe home in their car and DH and I saw a movie. Wedding Crashers, which was very very funny.
Sunday - We went to my parents hotel to swim in the morning. Gabe had a ball. He blew bubbles well for the first time and wanted to jump in to the pool after seeing older kids do so. Then DH and I took off to accept a invitation to sail on a friend's boat and my parent babysat again. They had him nap in a stoller at the hotel which has wonderful grounds near a river. Then they took him toy shopping. They got him a great puzzle which he loves and this peg and board toy which he also loves. Then when we got home (at bit tipsy since the drinks at the club afterward were much stronger then we needed) we all went out to dinner at Bugaboo Creek.
Monday - We went to my parent's hotel again and took Gabe out canueing. He was so excited. He did not mind the floatation devise at all. He insisted on helping row and sang row, row row your boat alot. Then we met a friend of my parents for lunch at the hotel with his new girl friends. (He was widowed last year just before Gabe was born. ) Then we said our good byes and headed home where Gabe refused to nap. So after he did his new puzzle about 5 times we went to the park. Gabe was up and down the climbing structure for a couple of hours and climbed some parts he has not done before. I left the boys at the park and walked over the the mall where I found nice winter jacket for Gabe and Children's place. I saw the same one last year but they were out of his size. It has a zip out fleese lining so it should get us through fall, winter and spring.

It has been a strange couple of weeks having had grandparents to babysit for two weekends in a row. It has been great for my marrage to have this much consequative time alone with my DH to just have some fun. But I miss having a whole day just playing with my son. I am not used to have to share him so much. Luckily Gabe has been great about being left with the Grandparents. No fuss at all. He is going to miss not seeing any of them or any cousins till his b-day in October. He is already talking about his cupcakes for his birthday.

Renrel

09-07-2005, 05:29 AM

I saw the doctor yesterday and she said I am fine. No reason to worry about my heart at this point, which I pretty much knew after I left the hospital. She also did not see the need for any GI tests at this point. She said pay attention to what I eat and see if anything set off this pressure feeling. She said to try tums and other over the counter stuff and to avoid eatting late at night or just before laying down. The last two will be the hardest. We don't usually eat till Gabe is asleep, which is after 8pm these days. We may not start cooking for ourselves till then.

kerrykate

09-07-2005, 06:00 AM

Hello!
I'm way behind around here, we've been so busy lately. I was the MOH in my best friends wedding this past weekend and last Wed my really good friend had her baby she pushed for 4 hours to get out the 9 lb 8 oz boy :eek:
Friday~ Worked on the programs for the wedding for what seemed like all day...
Saturday~ Hung out with Lauren most of the day then I went to the reherseal and dh dropped L off at my parents house then met me for the dinner. I stayed with the bride-to-be that night in a suite at the Marriott and dh picked up L.
Sunday~ Got up early to get ready for the wedding. Saw Lauren for a few minutes at the wedding(dh did a great job getting her ready for the wedding by himself, he even put a barrett in her hair) then dh brought L to his parents to stay the night. The reception was very nice, we were up with everyone very late and stayed the night at the Marriott(the reception was there) our room had 2 double beds and while dh was in the bathroom I ended up falling asleep laying across 1 bed so dh got in the other bed, so much for a night alone together!
Monday~ Went to breakfast then picked up Lauren. Dh went golfing and L and I layed around most of the day and she napped from 1-4:30 :D Then we went over to my parents house for my dad's b-day cookout.

Here's a pic of L and I at the wedding:http://images.snapfish.com/34492%3C6723232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E234%3C%3D%3A6%3A%3D% 3A23%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A94849%3B78ot1lsi?SSImageQua lity=Full

I know everyone is busy with new babies, working, and life in general but I was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a birday gift exchange for the kids? I know they do it in some of the other threads when b-days come around and it seems like fun.

Renrel

09-07-2005, 06:36 PM

Kerry- Sounds like a wonderful weekend. Great weather for a wedding. There were apparently at least three weddings going on at the hotel my parents stayed at this weekend. End of the summer season I guess. Impressive that you DH could dress Lauren all on his own down to the barrette!

Gift exchange:
I might be interested, though time and money are short around here at the moment. How have others worked it?

--
Any one else have issues with their kids refusing to let daddies do anything? If I am around Gabe will sometimes, not always, decide that only I can [fill in the blank]. Be it put him in his high chair, catch him at the bottom of the slide, give him the cup that is on the counter. This really gets to DH. He knows Gabe is just a baby but it hurts him none the less.

On a more cheerful note Gabe stepped on my toe and I made an exaggerated sad face. Gabe got close to me and said "make mommy feel better" or something like that. So I knelt down and he gave me a hug to make me feel better. I so want him to learn empathy and how to do something nice to make a sad person feel better. This is the first time I remember him do so all on his own.

jay&erinn

09-07-2005, 07:20 PM

Renrel: Mia is definately into, "Mommy a me (with me). Mommy do it. No Dada, I want Momma." I don't think DH has put Mia down for bed for 3 months now, unless I'm not home. It's a nightmare otherwise. She carries on, and cries and I end up going up, taking her out of her crib, and re-doing her bedtime routine. She causes absolutely no problems if I'm not home.

Kerrykate: You and Lauren look beautiful. What color were the dresses? They look like an orange, which I would never think to choose, but they look great.

kerrykate

09-08-2005, 05:15 AM

As far as the birthday exchange goes, we would draw the kids names then contact who ever you get through email/pm and get an address. We'll set a price limit ($20 plus shipping?) and set a date to send out the gift (during the week of 10-14 Oct?). Like I said I know everyone is busy with babies, work, etc so no biggie at all if no one wants to do it. :)

Renrel~ We have been going through the same Daddy issues for awhile around here. If I'm not around then Lauren is all about Daddy, but if I'm around she's a big Mama's girl. Even if dh and l are watching tv she'll take the remote from dh and say "that's Mommy's remote." :rolleyes:

Erinn~ Thanks for the compliment on the pic, the dresses are a burnt orange. We were all pretty shocked when she chose that color, but it turned out to be beautiful and photographed very well.

Mittyrd~ I'm glad everything's going well with the transition.

Alison~ How are you feeling? Anyday now!

Jenyfer9

09-08-2005, 05:49 AM

Has anyone else noticed that (I think) we are the "most experienced" group of Mommas on this board? Yikes.

Anyone else around here getting the itch for another baby? Seems like there were a bunch of us that took the plunge again, and then a lull for a while...*PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT INCLUDE MYSELF IN THIS GROUP!!! (of wanting another baby pretty soon)*

shoot... crying baby... gotta run!

Renrel

09-08-2005, 07:40 PM

Yeah Jen, I have notice that we have that characteristic, unless you count the thread in parents for Older children. I have also notice that the October 05 moms seem to be the most active group. Maybe there is something about having fall babies.

As for getting the bug, I think we will try again either when DH gets a new job or in 6mths which ever comes first, providing I don't freak out before than. I am getting too old to put it off and I don't want that much time between kids if I can help it.

I was just on the phone with DH (I am still at work at 10:30pm) and he told me about this exchange-

Gabe: " build tower with daddy."
Daddy: "OK but just for a little bit."
Gabe "build with daddy for long time!"

He also told me that he was pushing Gabe high in a swing that just had a chain holding him in instead of a full bucket. Gabe fell out and was hanging by his chin. YIKES! He was apparently shook up but OK and wanted to go back in another swing right after he calmed down.

He also told DH which playground he wanted to go to. The one with the red climber! We have half a dozen we frequent.

mittyrd

09-09-2005, 05:14 AM

Anyone else around here getting the itch for another baby?

That itch has been permanently scratched! :rolleyes:

Jake has become more attached to his night-time stuff - binky, blankie, other blankie, stuffed boy and turtle. He needs it all for sleep but recently (probably since the boys came home) he wants them all the time. I've been letting him have it all except the binky. I'm guessing it's a security thing with the changes at home?

Do you notice that your kids eat more at one meal and then nothing at the next? Jake seems to be pigging out at lunch and then won't eat anything at supper. I let him be since he doesn't seem starving but I don't want to limit his lunch if that's when he's the most hungry.

Jake is still not talking but babbling constantly. I'm expecting the words at any time now. He has his 2 year check up on Oct. 11 - I'll ask about that then and see if they think he needs early intervention.

Babies are good. I was sick last night - throwing up all night - so DH fed them during the night. I'm exhausted today. My mom is here so I'm going to take a nap while she is on baby duty. She is leaving this afternoon and coming back next week for the week. It's good for me to be able to run errands and do stuff around the house. And she makes us dinner! :D

Renrel

09-09-2005, 06:43 AM

Mit- It seems totally normal that Jake would be more attatched to his security items right now. This situation is just what they were meant for. They also maybe "friends" for him to practice is "talking" with. They don't talk back so they are the safest ones to practice with.

mini/mega meals - We definately have that. Dinner is often on the smaller side unless it is served pretty late after an active day. Based on weekends, breakfast is Gabes favorite meal, particularly if we go out to eat. At a dinner he will finish his pancake and than beg eggs and homefrys off of our plates and this is often after he already had a bite at home. We also have days where he seems to be bulking up, followed by days where he had little interest in food. Other than the fact that we feel we need to pay more attention to the amount of junk food we allow him (ice cream and animal crackers or graham crackers for the most part) we don't really worry about the days he eats less. We are thankful that he seems to like most foods and assume that he will eat what he needs to grow.

Daddy and Gabe had a good time alone last night. Luckily when I am not there Gabe does not insist on having me the way he does when I am around, so DH got to hear alot of "Gabe wants his daddy! " which he needed. Intellectually he understands this mommycentric stuff is just part of being a toddler but given all the job hunting rejection it was really getting to him when Gabe would scream and cry if he tried to pick up or push him in the swing. He himself was looked abit toddleresk himself at the park two days ago as his pain over the rejection showed up in his face, body lanugage and tone of voice. Then last night I got home from work around 11pm last night and Gabe had woken up a little before that. DH assumed he wanted to nurse and decided to let him watch a video until I got home. When I walked in Gabe continued to sit on the couch next to daddy and was telling us both about the video. No running to me. And after I sat down next to him he still barely noticed me and instead climbed into daddies lap to continue watching. And it did not feel like he was trying to reject or hurt me, just like he was used to daddy and wanted to stay with him for the moment. Awhile later he did come to me. It was so nice to see him wanting his daddy like that!

jay&erinn

09-09-2005, 10:46 AM

Mittyrd: I think Jake wanting all those "lovies" is really normal with the changes in his life. Mia has duckie, doggie, her 10 million pacifiers, and her elephant blanket all in the crib with her. Sometimes she'll insist in taking one out with her when she wakes up, but typically just wants the paci (or two papas) as she puts it (she has to have 2 of everything now). The other day she figured out that 3 was more than 2, so she tries asking for 3 now :rolleyes:
If Jake is understanding everything, I don't know if I'd worry too much about his speech yet. Especially since I think you said he does have a few words. Unless he's showing other "odd" (for lack of a better word) behaviors, I'd probably give him a few more months and see if he starts to catch up. How does he get his needs met at this point? Sometimes the best thing you can do is push him a little at home to try and ask for what he wants. If he's pointing and saying uh, uh, uh, see if he'll try and repeat please or more or help (whatever works best for the situation). I'm sure it's really tough with the babies to spend the time, but when I worked in early intervention, we'd try and wait the kiddo out as long as we could. If they weren't becoming visibly upset, we'd keep asking them to say more, or at least attempt it before we'd give them what they want. Sort of off the subject, my uncle didn't speak until age 4 and he's a college professor and poet. Ironic.

Meals: Mia's more likely to store up by eating a ton one day and hardly anything for a few days afterwards. I've seen the kid eat a yogurt and two pieces of toast with peanut butter at one sitting, and other days not eat that throughout the whole day. Guess they always keep us guessing.

Baby Bug: I think it's pretty much common knowledge around here that I'd take a baby any way I could get it :rolleyes: . I'm pretty sure this cycle's a bust, but there's still a few more days before AF is due, and then it's on to the next.

I walk with a neighbor of mine a few times a week- her pushing her two and me pushing Mia. We've been walking for over a year now, and know most of the people (at least by sight) within a few blocks of here. Yesturday we're walking and there's a lady pushing a stroller coming toward us. We didn't recognize her. As we got closer it looked like a double stroller. When we got really close, we realized it was a triple stroller. The woman has 16 month old triplets and a 3 year old at home :eek: . We stopped and talked and then asked if she wanted to keep walking with us. She did. We took turns pushing the truck (as we referred to her stroller) especially since our walking route has quite a few hills. I figured her stoller has to weigh at least 30 pounds and each child is between 22 and 26 pounds. We were pushing 100 pounds up hill. Talk about a workout. Pushing Mia felt like nothing after that.

I've started paying much more attention to my diet this week. I'm sick of the extra weight that can no longer pass as baby weight now that my daughter will be 2 in less than 2 weeks. What's really sad is that, as of tuesday morning when I started this change in eating habits (not really a diet), I weighed 5 more pounds than I did at 3 months pregnant before my last miscarriage. Time to take back control. So far, I've done really well, resisting cake at work twice this week. I don't want to cut out everything, but ice cream should not be on the menu almost every day :rolleyes: . Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up.

Jenyfer9

09-09-2005, 11:01 AM

I hope that with my baby bug question, I didn't make you feel uncomfortable, Erinn... I actually thought about it after the fact...

jay&erinn

09-09-2005, 11:51 AM

Jenyfer: Nope, not offended at all :) . One thing I've tried to keep in perspective is that what's happening in my life shouldn't have to affect everyone else's. I have a lot of friends and family that are currently having babies (1st and 2nd children). I've tried to not let my saddness cloud my complete joy for them. I'd say 98% of me is very happy for everyone that is having babies, and only 2% jealous/self pity. I hope everyone chats away about their new babies- I really do love hearing about them and seeing what I'll hopefully get to deal with in the near future.

Renrel

09-10-2005, 05:17 PM

Mittyrd- another late bloomer story. My BIL did not talk till he was something like 3. He is now a board certified RE (I think that is the abr for fertility doc) and a junior partner in a very good practice. He also happens to be dislexic but I don't think that has anything to do with talking late, and he obvious was bright enough to over come that obstical.

Errin - Good luck on the weight loss. I think taking control of anything will make you feel better about everything.

-
Today was a fun day. Gabe let us sleep until 8:45 :eek: . Talk about a treat. So why am I more tired today then usually? Anyway we had a nice morning in the house and then headed off to DH's cousin for a visit. We brought breakfast and all ate together which is always a treat for Gabe. Then we had lots of fun playing with music since cuz is a professional musician and a professor of music. She played piano with him and let him strum the guitar while she did the co