NEW! May/June '05 Parenting Thread - OPEN FOR POSTING!

[MayJune05Moms]

Welcome to the May/June 2005 Parenting thread!

To join, please submit a post to this thread with the following information:

Me: AGE (including real 1st name is optional)
DH: AGE ( " " " " " )
Married: Date
DD/DS: Birthdate (can include multiple stats here if you have more than one child - if you prefer)
Baby's Stats: Weight & Height (at Birth)
any other information provided is also optional. :)

stats *may* be formatted to fit the general style of the member roster.

Please post any requests for a change in roster info in RED. Thanks!

YOUR THREAD MODERATORS ARE BridalLace and Carissa and DisneyGirl.

Thread Histories: these links are now working! yeah! :D

May 2005 Thread Archives
Vol VI - 45 Peas in a Pod!! (Vol VI) (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=489050&tstart=50)

Vol V - 45 Peas in a Pod! (Vol V) (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=484869&tstart=50)

Vol IV - 45 Peas in a Pod! (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=479932&tstart=75)

Vol III - 42 Peas in a Pod, Due 5/05! (Vol III) (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=477234&tstart=75)

Vol II - 42 Peas in a Pod, Due 5/05! (Vol II) (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=473349&tstart=75)

Vol I - PG & Due in May 05! (Vol I) (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469446&tstart=75)

June 2005 Thread Archives
3rd trimester - Junebugs 2005: Welcome Sierra, Matthew, Liam, Parker, Sarah, Dean, & Kevin! (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=486105&tstart=0)

2nd trimester - Junebugs: The Next Generation! The Second Tri... 12 Boys, 13 Girls and 8 Surprises (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=477403&tstart=120)

1st trimester - Junebugs: The Next Generation! *32* due in June 2005 (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=471862&tstart=165)

----------------------------------------------------------

49 members so far!!! :D

ahavnes
Me: Alicia (29)
DH: Scott (30)
Married: 2/21/04
DD: Gabrielle Kathleen (Abbey)
Born: 5/29/05 (7lbs 9oz, 20.5 inches, 5:11pm)

alienhost
Me: 36
DH: 42
Married: 8/02
DD: Katherine 4/27/05

allyray231
Me: Allyson, 30
DH: Brad, 29
Married: 11/23/02
DS: Aiden Harrison, June 10, 2005

Aunt Liv
Me: Olivia, 28
DH: Adam, 31
Married: September 2, 2000
DD: Maia Sophie, 5/14/05

BAM 9-21-02
Me - 26
DH - 25
Married 9-21-02
DD - Emma Mary
Born 6-12-05
Weight 7lbs 6oz
Height 20 3/4 inches

bamboo
Me: Bre (27)
DH: 30
Married: 7-10-04
DD: Julia- 5-1-05, 6lb 12oz, 19 inches

BridalLace
Me: Heather, 33
DH: Cristian, 32
Married: 7/6/02
DD: Elodie Cristine, born May 7, 2005
8 lbs 2 oz; 19.5"

BTB
ME: 26
DH: 28
Married: June 29, 2002
DD: Evelyn Christine, born April 13, 2005

Carissa
Me: Carissa, 26
DH: Eric, 25
Married: August 17th, 2002
DD: Grace Elizabeth May 15th, 2005

chrisandjensluv
Me: Jen 25 will be 26 in august
DH: Chris 25
Wed: August 9 2003
DD: Juliana Eva, Born June 23rd 2005
7lb 4oz at 1:25am

christy1010
Me: Christy, 35
DH: Curt, 33
Married: 10/10/98
DD: Sarah Elizabeth 5/21/05 5:39pm
7lbs 10oz 20inches

Chylynn
Me: Chylynn (27)
DH: Dave (30)
Married: September 22, 2001
DD: Rebecca Ainsley, Born April 2nd, 2005

cynder
ME: 29
DH: 29
Married: May 25 2002
DS: Samuel Basil May 19, 2005

Dally
ME: 36
DH: 39
Married: August 18, 2002
DD: Annalie, May 12, 2005

December27JJB
Me: Jessica
DH: Joshua
Married: December 27, 2003
DD: Parker Alexandria 6/13/05

diedra1027
Me: Diedra, 31
DH: Blake, 34
Married: August 24, 2001
DD: Avery Jene born May 5, 2005

DisneyGirl
ME: Jenn, 29
DH: Eric, 29
Married: June 15,2002
DS: Brandon Micheal, Born September 30,2003
DD: Nicole Elizabeth, Born May 10,2005

Dreshny
Me: Roseanne, 31
DH: Daniel, 31
Married: 9/30/01
DS: Asher Isaiah 5/31/05

Ferris
Me: 28
DH: 29
Married: 7/13/02
DS DOUGLAS 5/21/05

golfer_girl
Me: 36
DH: 36
Married: 3/05
DS: Ethan 6/9/05

happy1nuv
Me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 8/21/02
DS: Nic - 5/18/05

hub1176
Me: Kate 28
DH: Bruce 33
Married 7/20/02
DD: Rhiley Beatrice, June 1, 2005

jbird
me:31
dh:33
married: june 30, 2000
DD: Lola Raquel, born May 15, 2005
(8 weeks and 3 days early)

Jenyfer9
me: Jen (30!)
DH: Tom (31)
Married: 10/26/02
DS#1: TJ 10/23/03
DS#2: Will 05/03/05

jmvan74
ME: 31
DH: 28
Married: July 24th, 2004
DS: born June 13th, 2005

jrdhbunny
Me: 33
DH: 35
Married: 7/26/03
DS: James Edward, 4/26/05

kelseyledare
Me: 27
DH: 36
DD: Ava Victoria
6/10/2005 10:59 AM
6 lb 6 oz, 20 in

KGif
Me - Kelly 31
DH - Mike 35
Married May 3, 2003
DS, Jack, born May 16, 2003; 7 lbs 13 oz; 21 inches

kimthebride
Me: Kim, 29
DH: Tom, 29
Married: 10/18/03
DS: Thomas Ryan, June 3, 2005

ladybug0525
ME: Judie
DH: Jason
DS: Jack Campbell born 5/16/05
Married: 05/25/02

LIZNKEITH
Me: Liz, 26
DH: Keith, 35
Married: July 28, 2001
DD: Caroline Elizabeth, June 15th

mama915
Me: Cyndi, 27
DH: Shawn, 33
DS: Chase Alexander, 3 (12-11-01)
DD: Sierra Nicole, born 6-15-05

Megande
Me: Megan, 25
DH: Derek, 25
Married: June 15, 2002
DS: June 27, 2005

Misty911
Me: Misty, 28
DH: Patrick, 30
SD: Trisha, 9
DS: Caleb, 21 months Born Dec. 23, 2003 8lb 9oz 22" Long
DD: Emily, 5 Months Born May 9, 2005 6lb 13oz 19" Long
Expecting Again, April 9, 2006


Mrs.Chappy
Me:29
DH:29
DS: Benjamin born 6-8-05
7.15 oz 20.5 inches.

Natrat80
me-Natalie 25
DH-Keri 26
Married 05.25.02
DD: Addison Grace, born 06.14.05
6 lbs 6 oz 18 1/2 inches

njnewyearsbride
Me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 12/31/03
DD: Hazel - 5/26/05
7lbs 4.8oz 21.5"

Pam27
me: Pam 28
DH: Ryan 27
Married: July 27, 2001
DD: Taylor Louise January 10, 2002
DS: Colin George May 4, 2005

portlandbride
Me: Brandi, 31
DH: Preston, 30
Married: September 16, 2001
DD: Brynn Pamela, May 12, 2005

rancherswife
Me: Kim 24
Dh: Brett 26
Ds: Landon Joseph 6/4/05 7lbs. 4 oz. 21 1/4 inches

sabrinag
Me: Sabrina, 27
DH: Jody, 32
Married: 7-7-02
DS and DD: TWINS born on 6-10-05: Madison Hannah and Logan Mackenzie

Sasha
Me: Sasha, 29
DH: Greg, 34
Married: Nov. 3, 2001
DD: Sarah Elise, born May 16, 2005

September2002
Me: Carolyne, 34
DH: 32
Married: September 7, 2002
DD: Samantha, born December 19, 2003
DD: Grace, born June 2, 2005

Sherah
Me: 25
DH: 26
Married: 12/5/03
DS: Arik, 5-11-05

tgray99
Me: 28
DH: 28
Married: 11/15/03
DD: Aidan Christine - 5/09/05
8lbs 3oz 20"

traciann
Me: Traci (30)
DH: Timothy (35)
Married: 11.23.02
DD: Mary Kate 4.26.05

usafwife
Me: 27
DH: 38
DD: S
born 6/05
8 lbs, 7 oz.

wendstress
Me: Wendy, 29
DH: Jon, 34
Married: 4/28/01
DS: James Jack, born May 10, 2005

WinterBride1253
Me: 31
DH: 31
Married: 12/6/03
DS: Cole Robert, June 15, 2005

yooper
me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 10/5/02
Peter James "PJ" born 6/1/05
8lbs 3oz 21.5"

[MayJune05Moms]

Birthdays listed by date, and their Mommies... :)


4/2/05
Rebecca Ainsley...Chylynn

4/13/05
Evelyn Christine...BTB

4/26/05
Mary Kate...traciann
James Edward...jrdhbunny

4/27/05
Katherine...alienhost

----------------------------------------------------------

5/1/05
Julia...bamboo

5/3/05
Will...Jenyfer9

5/4/05
Colin George...Pam27

5/5/05
Avery Jene...diedra1027

5/7/05
Elodie Cristine...BridalLace

5/9/05
Aidan Christine...tgray99

5/10/05
Nicole Elizabeth...DisneyGirl
James Jack...wendstress

5/11/05
Arik...Sherah

5/12/05
Annalie...Dally
Brynn Pamela...portlandbride

5/14/05
Maia Sophie...Aunt Liv

5/15/05
Grace Elizabeth...Carissa
Lola Raquel...jbird

5/16/05
Sarah Elise...Sasha
Jack Campbell...ladybug0525
Jack...KGif

5/18/05
Dominic Jeffrey (Nic)...happy1nuv

5/19/05
Samuel Basil...cynder

5/21/05
Douglas...Ferris
Sarah Elizabeth...christy1010

5/26/05
Hazel...njnewyearsbride

5/29/05
Gabrielle Kathleen (Abbey)...ahavnes

5/31/05
Asher Isaiah...Dreshny


---------------------------------------------------------------

6/1/05
Rhiley Beatrice...hub1176
Peter James...yooper

6/2/05
Grace...September2002

6/3/05
Thomas Ryan...kimthebride

6/4/05
Landon Joseph...rancherswife

6/8/05
Benjamin...Mrs.Chappy

6/9/05
Ethan...golfer_girl

6/10/05
Aiden Harrison...allray231
Ava Victoria...kelseyledare
Madison Hannah and Logan Mackenzie...sabrinag

6/12/05
Emma Mary...BAM 9-21-02

6/13/05
Parker Alexandria...December27JJB
Collin Todd...jmvan74

6/14/05
Addison Grace...Natrat80

6/15/05
Caroline Elizabeth...LIZNKEITH
Cole Robert...WinterBride1253
Sierra Nicole...mama915

6/23/05
Juliana Eva...chrisandjensluv

6/27/05
Dean Andrew...Megande

6/28/05
S...usafwife

[MayJune05Moms]

For New Mothers:
The Happiest Baby on the Block :
The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your
Newborn Baby Sleep Longer
by Dr. Harvey Karp
http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/5920000/5926051.gif


Baby's First Year Journal : A Day-To-Day Guide to Your Baby's Development During the First Twelve Months
by A. Christine Harris PhD

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002RTV4C.01._PIdp-schmooS,TopRight,7,-26_SCMZZZZZZZ_.gif


The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
by Elizabeth Pantley, William Sears

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0071381392.01._PIdp-schmooS,TopRight,7,-26_PE32_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg


*space reserved for books on parenting*

[MayJune05Moms]

*reserved for babies' pics* (#1)

[MayJune05Moms]

reserved for more pics (#2)

[MayJune05Moms]

reserved for even MORE baby pics (#3)...

[MayJune05Moms]

ok folks i guess that does it! now just to close the other thread...we're open for business!

[kelseyledare]

Heather, thanks for the new thread.
Can you change my age to 27

[njnewyearsbride]

thanks for the new thread :

stats should be
njnewyearsbride
Me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 12/31/03
DD: Hazel - 5/26/05
7lbs 4.8oz 21.5"

[kimthebride]

Can't Live Without
- FP Aquarium Swing:gets me a 15-20 minute shower every day
- FP Aquarium Bouncer
- Baby Einstein play gym and various rattling/jingling toys to hang from it
- Using a LC who got me to use Medela Nipple Shields: BFing successfully now because of these
- Boppy
- Koala Baby Recieving Blankets: big enough to swaddle even now
- "The Happiest Baby On The Block" book: the 5 S's give me sanity
- Board books: DS loves reading time, will cry when I close a book
- Peg Perego P3 Stroller & Primo Viaggio Carseat
- Symphony in Motion Mobile

Useless To Us
- Snugli: DS hated it
- Those soft toys you hang in the crib with a pull handle to play music
- Plastic plates, cups and utensils I got as gifts: plan on BFing for 6 months, so useless for quite some time
- Nojo Sling: DS hated it
- Mobile/toys for car: DS looks everywhere but at that
- Footie pjs that don't zip/snap down both legs
- Fancy "outfits", like overalls and pant sets with coordinating hats
- The 1,000 hats I got as gifts for a *summer baby* :confused: ;)


Baby #2
DH & I talked, and we're going to try right around DS's 1st bday. That would be perfect for me to get preggo in the June-Oct timeframe!


(PS: Just curious, but why was the thread moved?)

[Sherah]

So Helpful :

1. Mei Tai Carrier
2. Snap'n Go Stroller
3. Baby Einstein sounds book (Arik loves books that make noise. I must go get more from the library!)
4. Kissaluvs Cloth diapers and Bummis covers
5. Every toy that makes noise (He's just starting to get really into toys.)
6. Little blankie he loves to chew
7. Bouncy seat
8. Swim diaper and sun protective clothing
9. Online Mommies Groups!!!!!
10. Nipple conditioner

Not Especially Helpful :

1. Baby shoes and socks!
2. Handsome collared shirts and jean overalls
3. The Ultimate Sheet
4. All-in-one bath sponge gizmo
4. Hothothot PJs
5. All the free formula that showed up in my mailbox

[Dreshny]

Indispensible:
Ring sling and pouch sling
Glider
Boppy
Cloth diaper burp rags
Side-snap undershirts for DS to sleep in--it's OK if he spits up and stains them

Not-so-Helpful:
Bjorn (we haven't figured out how to use it yet)
Expensive Bugaboo stroller in bassinet mode that DS refuses to ride in (my three brothers pooled their money for this--luckily it's convertible and useful until age 4)
Sweaters, jackets, nightgowns and footed pajamas in size 0-3 mos

Sherah: What I meant before was how does going out affect the EAS routine? But I answered my own question when DS ate, interacted, and slept at the baby shower yesterday.

Apparently, I don't have any problem with NIP, as evidenced by the fact that yesterday I did something I swore I never would do: nursed DS on a crowded subway. :eek: Well, at least my nursing tanks are pretty discreet. Now changing his diaper while I'm out is an entirely different story...I hate doing it, for some reason.

[tgray99]

Stat Change
stats should be
tgray99
Me: 28
DH: 28
Married: 11/15/03
DD: Aidan Christine - 5/09/05
8lbs 3oz 20"

[BAM 9-21-02]

Stat change for me.. I am now 26

[MayJune05Moms]

hey folks - thread was moved b/c it was getting large - there are less posts per page here, and so it gets larger, faster - and also so Carissa can help me moderate it. i have very little time at work, and at home too, to moderate. maybe things will get better for me. does anyone else want to help, too? any June 05 Moms want to moderate? DisneyGirl? don't feel bad about saying no if you're too busy, but maybe one more mod or two wouldn't be a bad idea.

will get to the stat changes later today! thanks for all your patience!

Heather

[jrdhbunny]

Could you change my age to 33? Thanks!

[alienhost]

Heather thanks for the new thread!

useful, can't live without - no particular order
1) FP bouncy chair
2) Dutailer glider
3) snap-n-go
4) Safety 1st 4 in one tub
5) FP Aquarium for crib
6) burp cloths

useless, can live without - no particular order
1) fancy dresses - just aren't practical and now that DD grabs she pulls it to her mouth and exposes herself!
2) socks - DD prefers to be barefoot
3) fancy blankets (especially white ones), I'm afraid they will get dirty or ruined.
4) gowns - I prefer to put her in a onesie and a swaddle - the onesie holds the diaper in place and with the gown she squirms around and the diaper sometimes leaked.

QOTD - hair loss?
Is anyone else losing a lot of hair? My hair dresser warned me that it would happen but I'm finding hair everywhere and a lot falls out when I brush it and shower. I guess I'm making up for all the hair that I didn't lose while PG!

[Sherah]

alienhost : I'm losing TONS of hair, but I thought it was just because I needed a haircut. I figured the hairloss effect would happen right after giving birth. I'm constantly picking hair off of DS. Yuck.

[Dreshny]

QOTD: Not yet, anyway...

Just had to share a picture of Asher taken today at DH's birthday party in Central Park:

http://roseanne.org/photos/asher/Asher_8-21-05.jpg

And he laughed today for the first time! My friend was making faces at him, and he let out a belly laugh.

[tgray99]

I pull out handful upon handful. My vacuum is absolutely full!

Car Seat - I ordered Aidan a car seat yesterday. I wanted to get her a Britax Marathon but couldn't pay $250. Luckily I found one on www.albeebaby.com in a closeout fabric (Shadow) for $214, no tax and no shipping. It's a really nice carseat for a great deal. Just wanted to pass that along.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/albee-baby_1858_57749415

[DisneyGirl]

just checking in to the new thread.

If you need a mod i'll be happy to..

[BAM 9-21-02]

QOTD Yes.... My hair is falling out everywhere, and it has been for a good 4 weeks now!

Most Useful Items
FP Aquarium Swing - always works to settle DD when nothing else will
Einstein Play mat - her favorite toy by far, she loves to play and giggle on it
FP Aquarium Bouncy - lets me put her in the bathroom with me and buys me a 15 min shower
FP Aquarium Pack-n-play - great for traveling, which we have done alot of, as well as we are still using it in our room every night. I just cant seem to put her in her own room yet.
Changing Table & Changing Table Organizer - I originally thought I would never need this, and would be changing DD anywhere. No way! I couldnt live without this!

Least Useful
Baby Bjorn - So far it has been so easy to use the travel system when going out, that I havent attemped using this outside the house
Stuffed Animals - They are everywhere, and I feel like they make her room look so cluttered!
Piggy Banks - DD got 3
Bottle Warmer - We use the microwave... who can wait 3 minutes when you have a screaming baby


Question for those of you using formula - DD will be in daycare in 2 weeks :( Our very expensive daycare center only provides Parents Choice w/ iron formula (this is the walmart brand). Do any of you have your DC on this formula, or know anyone that does? We currently have DD on Enfimil LIPIL w/ iron. Our Ped said that Parents Choice w/ Iron is A-ok, but I would just like some feed back from those using it. Also, to Mom's that have switched DC's formula how did it go? Was DC fussy, or ever refuse the new formula?

[njnewyearsbride]

QOTD -- yup falling out here -- its pretty gross...

and AF finally reared her ugly head...

[cynder]

Most Useful Items
1) Miracle Blanket - worth every red cent for us, DS sleeping well since week 4
2) "Happiest Baby on the Block" book read before DS's arrival - Another reason why I think DS is not too fussy
3) Einstein Play mat - There are times where I think he likes it more than me
4) Baby Bjorn - life saver at dinner when DH wears him
5) Soothie pacifier - DS loved it better than Nuks but starting to lose interest
6) Snap N'Go - my instinct on getting this over the travel system has been right...so far
7) Boppy - Hated it in the beginning now love it and love using it for tummy time.

Least Useful
1) Bottle gift packs - I bought a pack of Dr. Browns's, Playtex, and Avent. I started DS on Avent which he loves and I had to get more for day care. I still have 5 each of the other brands wasting away. Next time, single bottle for trial and error.
2) Manual breast pump - enough said.
3) Nose bulb - I know I will eat my words but so far we have not had to use this at all and I thought we would
4) Onesies - We did not reveal the gender, so we got 5 million onesies and not a lot of outfits. Next time I am saying what gender the baby is.
5) Carseat toys - DS loves look out the window and could not be bothered with toys

formula question Here is a thread (http://constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2685) that talks about switching formula is the same and here is a site (http://www.storebrandformula.com/) that you gives you a comparison of the different brands. I get Enfimil LIPIL w/ iron free from a ped friend, otherwise I would have DS on generic. Like medication, the generic brands are the same except you are not paying for all the marketing and advertising. DS only has 1-2 bottles of formual a day and I have not swtiched brands so I cannot help you there. I am surprised your daycare provides formula -all the ones I interviewed required prepared bottles. All the best when you return to work.

[jrdhbunny]

Most Useful Things
1. Boppy- I'm not sure I would have been able to BF without it.
2. Pack and Play- This is where DS sleeps- a full sized crib never would have fit in our living room.
3. Einstein Gym- DS loves it!
4. Tigger Activity Mat- See #3 above.
5. Medela Pump in Style Advanced
6. 512-mb memory card for our digital camera- We take a ridiculous number of pictures.
7. Saline drops for stuffy nose.


Least Useful Things
1. Sleepers/Gowns- Our apartment is way too warm for these, even on chilly nights.
2. Fancy blankets- See #1 above. We do use the cheap flannel receiving blankets.
3. Burp cloths- Could never access one when I needed it.
4. Monitor- We can hear DS just fine in our small apartment!

Dreshny- What an adorable picture! I love taking photos in Central Park- it's like having the world's biggest backyard.

QOTD- My hair just started falling out again recently.

[Sasha]

Hair Loss - Yup, I have to constantly pull it out of the drain in the shower. That may be one of the things I miss about being pregnant, no hair loss.

Most Useful Items
~Dutalier Glider - read to her in it, feed her in it, and it may be one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture I own, lol.
~FP Papsan Swing - for awhile, it was the only place she would nap!
~FP Kick n Play Bouncey Seat - How I can take a shower and how DH and I can dinner, it entertains her for awhile
~Onsies - Wears them all the time
~Flutterbye playmat - she loves it and loves watching the bird fly over her head

Least Useful
~The one million fancy dresses - I know they are adorable but so unpractical. How many occassions really do I have that I am going to need to dress her up?
~0-3 sweaters - umm, I live in Florida and had a baby in May...'nuf said ;).
~Nightgowns - they would be bunched about around her waist by the middle of the night
~Swaddle Me Blankets - DD hated being swaddled.

[allyray231]

HI there-hope to have time to catch up soon!

[Jenyfer9]

subscribing...

Also, I swear I'm going to be bald soon. My hair has been falling out in clumps (it's quite nasty) since the beginning of July. UGH! Also, I'm so sick of HAVING to wear my hair in a ponytail (or else I find I'm super shedding all over... the ponytail at least saves the shedding for the shower).

Most useful:
the used fp aquarium cradle swing- ds#2 didn't love the same swing that ds#1 couldn't live without. :rolleyes:
double stroller- I can't go anywhere without this... moreso for #1 than #2

Least useful:
hard to say... I had a bunch of stuff that wasn't useful with ds#1, so I didn't even bother getting it out this time, even though since #1 and #2 are so different it might not be a bad idea.

[Chylynn]

Hey girls...is it possible for me to join in your thread? I am an April 05 Mommy, but the only people who post in our thread are March Mommy's and their babies seem so much more advanced than my baby girl who was born 3 weeks early.

[happy1nuv]

I so agree with everyone losing their hair...its quite gross. And one of the reasons tat I cant WAIT to get my hair cut in a two weeks. Not that I think it will stop falling out, but it will be shorter, so less mess.. and, right now its so in the way with the baby...

I think nic has a bit of either a rash or baby acne on his face ... if its baby acne, its lots of zits, all pink, in one spot on his face. He's totally breastfed ... the only things i ate yesterday that i havent had often since he was born ~ polenta (althoug i eat corn on the cob like its going out of style), roast beef (cheese burgers are another staple), and wax beans. Could it be a food thing??

[ahavnes]

Good heavens I am behind!!! Now that I am back at work part time, I should have more time to post, haha. ;) Today is my first day back part time and Abbey's first day at day care. Sad. She is right down the hall though, so I plan to peek in at her often. ;)

And speaking of...Abbey slept for 10 hours last night! No 3 am feeding! I think it was a fluke, but am crossing my fingers. :)

Weight Loss- I am a few pounds under my pp weight, but still kinda flabby. I am really ready to get back to the gym.

Bjorn Haters- Abbey hates it too, which stinks b/c I would love to use it. Hopefully soon.

Nursing Hunger- I'm not that hungry all the time, but when I am, it's a serious emergency...like when I was preggo.

Socks- Never fit Abbey either. I thought it was just her big feet, but I guess I'm not alone. ;) And why do all the socks have skid-proofing on the bottom??? It's not like she's going to slip while running??? :confused:

Things I Couldn't Live Without-
NUMBER ONE is the bouncy with the attachment. Abbey loves the lights and music. It's how I shower and get ready and eat, etc.
Swing is right up there too. It's really hard to get her to go to sleep.
Glider. So good for calming her when she's fussy.

[rancherswife]

Heather: Thanks for the new digs!

Kim: Talk to me about these blankets you're still able to swaddle Thomas in...please. Landon LOVED being swaddled, but he's too long for all of our receiving blankets now.

Most useful:
-CO-SLEEPER (MY FAV. ITEM)
-Boppy: wouldn't have been able to nurse in the beginning w/ out it. Still use it at night!
-Linkadoos swing: Landon LOVES it, great for letting me take showers, and he'll nap in it as well.
-Bjorn: Though we haven't used it a whole lot yet, he does well in it when we do.
-Receiving Blankets: Can't have enough of them. I am constantly washing those!
-Symphony in Motion Mobile: THE BEST!
-Peg Stroller: LOVE IT!
-Gowns: Landon still sleeps in them.
-Onsies: He lives in them
-digi camera
-Glider
-Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag....just cause it's sooo cute~ :rolleyes:

Useless Itmes: (for us)
-Flutterbye bouncer
-Papasan vibrating chair
-jean overalls (waaay to bulky)
-shoes/socks
-hats
I'm sure there's more, that's all I can think of right now though....

Ok...Landon and I are off to Target...bbl

[LIZNKEITH]

Thanks for putting together the new thread, ladies! It's mah-velous!

I'll vouch for Chylynn She's good people! :D Come on in, Chy!!

Things I can't Live Without:
1. Medela PIS
2. Baby Papasan Swing
3. FP Kick & Play Bouncer
4. Baby Einstein Play Mat
5. Nuk Pacifiers
6. Nipple Shield
7. Bebe Sounds Angelcare Monitors
8. Miracle Blanket and/or large receiving blankets for swaddling
9. Gowns
10. Bottle Warmer ( for all that EBM I'm pumping!)

Things I Could Do Without:
1. All the fancy outfits
2. Hats
3. Fancy blankets
4. All the 4x6 pic frames (vertical). Despite all the pictures I have, none fit in all these frames I was given.
5. PB Butterfly mobile (awaiting my Symphony Mobile in mail! Even more excited after reading these reviews!)
6. Ring sling (DD hates them!)

[Carissa]

Can't live without
Bouncer
Swing
Boppy pillow
Classical Cd's she loves
blankets
Moses Basket
bottle warmer

Can live without
Pacifiers-she hates them
headbands
shoes

[njnewyearsbride]

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?

[wendstress]

Can't live without
Bouncer (he doesn't like the attachment, though...just tries to look around it)
Baby Bjorn
Medela PIS
Baby Monitors
Pack N Play for travelling
Nose Bulb - he's stuffed all the time - inheirited Dad's bad sinuses we suspect
Baby Washcloths - great "pee rags" for the boy - saved me a time or two!
Lap Pads for the changing table
The "SSHHHH" Channel on TV or the radio
My Camera

Can live without
Stroller - he hates it - realize it'll be useful some day, though
Ring Sling - never got the feel for it
All the oodles of baby oil/baby powder/baby lotion we got..... I use these more for myself!
Baby Shampoo - he's BALD!!!!!!!!
Burp Cloths - DH had to have these....I haven't used them once!
Shoes.....????WTF is all I have to say to these......

[LIZNKEITH]

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?
I didn't have it as one of my answers, but I'll bite. :) I'm not BFing too much anymore, so I've begun to use it for other things. Namely, to prop her up for tummy time and to sit her inside it. She LOVES to sit inside her Boppy. It's like a little baby lazyboy.

[LIZNKEITH]

Yeah! My Symphony in Motion mobile just arrived in the mail! I can't wait to hook it up. DD is napping right now. Is it wrong that I'm actually thinking of waking her up so we can play with it? LOL!

[njnewyearsbride]

I didn't have it as one of my answers, but I'll bite. :) I'm not BFing too much anymore, so I've begun to use it for other things. Namely, to prop her up for tummy time and to sit her inside it. She LOVES to sit inside her Boppy. It's like a little baby lazyboy.

thats all we use it for too :) just wondering if i was missing some neat way to use it :D

[jrdhbunny]

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?
Other than BF'ing, I used it for tummy time and I would prop DS in there. It was very useful for reading to him. Of course, these days he won't stay for two seconds!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/heatherroal/james_daddy_hat.jpg

[Jenyfer9]

Boppy's have been totally useless for us. Both of my kiddos could care less about them. :rolleyes:

[MayJune05Moms]

Hey girls...is it possible for me to join in your thread? I am an April 05 Mommy, but the only people who post in our thread are March Mommy's and their babies seem so much more advanced than my baby girl who was born 3 weeks early.

you're certainly welcome to join! stats, please! ;)

DisneyGirl I am going to PM you with the password for the joint acct. thanks for helping us out!

Heather

[kimthebride]

Kim: Talk to me about these blankets you're still able to swaddle Thomas in...please. Landon LOVED being swaddled, but he's too long for all of our receiving blankets now.

Koala Baby 4 Pack Receiving Blankets $12.99 at BRU
They are slightly rectangular and bigger than any other receiving blanket I have seen so far. They are soft, wash well, and aren't too heavy for summer swaddling. I have about 16 of them, since I use them ALL the time.

- I lay one on my Boppy for the last BF of the night, and wrap it around Thomas once he falls asleep to make it easier for DH to pick hom up and carry him down to the cradle.
- I swaddle him when cranky
- I drape this over the top of the stroller when it's sunny, bridging the gap between the carseat shade and the stroller shade. This way he is shaded, but can still get the cross-breeze.
- I'll use this for tummy time if we are playing at someone else's house and the carpet isn't vacuumed

I love these! Koala Baby makes so many great products.

[BridalLace]

hey all,

QOTD: hair falling out. not yet, as far as i can tell. i got my hair cut really short this past weekend, though, so that might lead to me not noticing if it does start falling out. i am surprised that i haven't had this problem yet, because when i went off the Pill in 1995, i lost an alarming amount.

QOTD2: baby #2? we are planning to start trying for #2 in July or August 2006. That would lead to a birth around when Elodie turns 2. sadly, DH only wants two kids...i would like three...but we'll see i guess.

i don't really have the time to put together an actual list of useful/useless stuff...i guess most of the bottles i've bought - Avent and VentAires - have been useless so far. the only bottles Elodie really seems to like are the Playtex nursers. the crib & bassinet we got were very useful for Elodie to play in - she loves mobiles - but she hates sleeping in them alone, so we co-sleep. i never got a boppy b/c we just used the pillows around here...i second what someone said about dresses. Elodie never dresses up, we just never have an occasion to use her really nice clothes. she wears her onesies like there's no tomorrow. oh and pacifiers - Elodie loves her MAM binkies.

stats are all done...

Heather

[tgray99]

Formula Question - I've used 3 or 4 different types of formula, Parents Choice being one of them and the only one I had trouble with was Nestle Good Start. It made her poop green and extremely sticky. I'm assuming it's because it's got more iron. All the other formulas were just fine. Aidan never noticed a difference.

[DisneyGirl]

HAir falling out: I have lost so much hair over the past few weeks it crazy.

Baby #3..well i would love to ahve 3 kids but my DH says NOWAY! He says he can not afford 3 kids..HE said we can have 3 kids if I get a job..LOL

[Traciann]

Must have for us
Cradle Swing
Bouncer
Gymini
Mobil-I wasn't going to buy one...but she loves it.
Eurotub-I heart this tub. best thing ever.
Boppy-Didn't use it at first..use it for every feeding now. we received a second one as a gift my DH claimed for himself.
Little Tyke waffle weave blankets-they sound similar to the Koala ones...they are bigger and stretchier as we still swaddle her at night(i think they are from walmart)
Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump-love this..and bonus my insurance reimbursed me for the cost!
and poopy sacks for home and in the diaper bag.
Stroller-Zooper Z-Street & a Jeep Cherokee Urban Limited for walking around the neighborhood

Not useful for us

Sleepers and Gowns-I live in Houston...its way too hot for them.
Bassinett-she wouldn't sleep in it, so I gave it back
Bjorn-A friend gave us one to use...we used it a couple of times, now she is just too heavy so I am glad we didn't spend the money on one.
Pacifiers-she won't take them.
Avent ISIS Breast Pump-I didn't really like using it at all.


In the last week Mary Kate has really started to do alot more stuff. Especially playing with toys/ bringing them to her mouth, and holding her toes. I cannot believe she will be 4 months on friday. We are going the dr that day and she will be getting more shots.

[BTB]

Welcome chylynn!! :D

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?

Whoever said baby lazyboy --- yeah, that. :) Baby prop, especially for pictures, and a cushion during early tummy times when there was lots of face planting going on. Don't use it for bfing, DD kept rolling right off. She's heavier now but I haven't bothered, a tube neck pillow does the trick for us (I always feed her in football hold).

the only one I had trouble with was Nestle Good Start. It made her poop green and extremely sticky. I'm assuming it's because it's got more iron.

Nestle Good Start actually has slightly less iron than Similac, Enfamil, and store brands made by Wyeth - 1.5 mg to their 1.8 mg. You can compare nutritional labels at www.storebrandformulas.com. An aside, generic formula is a great thing. Same nutritional quality, but you're not stuck paying for everyone else's "free" diaper bags, "free" samples, checks, coupons, etc. Good Start can give green poops because it uses whey protein, partially hydrolyzed, with no casein in the mix (other formulas use various ratios of casein:whey).

DC #2: I would love to start TTC #2 next fall (2006) but we'll be waiting a year more because of work.

[cynder]

Boppy use We use it for BFing (I tried w/out it this morning and it was such a mess), baby lazy boy, naps, pictures, and tummytime.

Welcome Chylynn We have babies of many age ranges so I think you will be fine here.

DC #2 I would like to have one before DS is 3 but DH would only like to TTC by 3 years. Either DS needs to be talking, walking, and pooping on his own or we have to move closer to family before trying for the next baby. Knowing us, we will be moving home, DH will be starting a new job, and I will be due with DC 2 the same week!

Sam really laughed yesterday. I was even able to record some of it on my iPod. It was so awesome. Totally healed my tired, cranky heart.

[yooper]

i guess i should officially join :)

yooper
me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 10/5/02
Peter James "PJ" born 6/1/05
8lbs 3oz 21.5"

[Chylynn]

Thanks for the warm welcome!!! I have always lurked in this thread but have always felt like I was intruding if I posted in it. You girls are sweet!

Here are my stats:

Chylynn
Me: Chylynn (27)
DH: Dave (30)
Married: September 22, 2001
DD: Rebecca Ainsley, Born April 2nd, 2005

Things I can't Live Without:

(1) FP Papason Swing
(2) FP Papason Chair -my MIL uses it all the time when she watches Rebecca
(3) PNP with built in bassinet -used it the first 3 1/2 months
(4) Eurobath tub- LOVE IT and Rebecca enjoys her bathtime in it
(5) Dr. Smith's Diaper Rash Cream- redness dissapears within a day
(6) Pacifiers, teething rings, teething gel
(7) Mei Tai
(8) Highchair- been using it since Rebecca was 3 months old and I can now eat without holding her! :D
(9) Avent bottles & Steralizer
(10) Peg stroller & Primo Viaggio car seat

Things I could have done without

(1) Gowns- she hated them!!
(2) Avent manual pump
(3) Brest Friend pillow
(4) PIS- I could never get enough Milk out to feed Rebecca-$300 down the drain, but I am keeping it for the next child!
(5) Mobile that goes with our set- not stimulating enough!
(6) Snugli
(7) Fancy dresses, hats & socks
(8) Baby powder
(9) Wipe warmer- I use it, but it is not a necessity
(10) Gym- she hardly used it!

qotd -I just started shedding a week ago. It is gross! I am always vaccuming now to pick it up, but the hair always seems to win!

Second baby -Not anytime soon!! Maybe 2-3 yrs down the road....

[LIZNKEITH]

Baby Powder! I forgot to put that on my list. Totally usless!

QOTD: Siblings
We always said around Caroline's 2nd or 3rd birthday. I'm leaning more towards her 3rd. So, June 2008?

[Mrs.Chappy]

hi all..still here..we went to a wedding in michigan (from NY) with the baby..he did great on the plane considering he is 10 weeks. Now i have to get him back on schedule! just dropping in to say hi.

[Mrs.Chappy]

OHmy stats
Me:29
DH:29
DS: Benjamin born 6-8-05
7.15 oz 20.5 inches.

[KGif]

Subscribing!

Me - Kelly 31
DH - Mike 35
Married May 3, 2003
DS, Jack, born May 16, 2003; 7 lbs 13 oz; 21 inches

[Carissa]

Chylynn Welcome!

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?

We use it for her tummy time, practice sitting Dh and I also love to use it for writing or reading works as a nice little soft desk when we need it!


hair loss Mine actually isn't that bad. It was before I got pregnant but then I switched shampoos so I think that maybe why.

[rancherswife]

those who can't live w/out the boppy -- what are you using it for? besides bf'ing?

-all things listed by others ....AND....when Landon was itty bitty, Brett and my dad found it more comfy to hold him w/ the boppy and Landon seemed more comfortable that way w/ them, as well. We figured Men just arent' as cushiony as us women :rolleyes:

Kim: Thanks for the info on the blankets. I'll be making a trip to BRU this afternoon to purchase them. We too use the heck out of the receiving blankets, but he's just outgrown the ones we have to be swaddled in them!

Hair Loss: None yet, my hair lady said it could take up to a year for it to start falling out...interesting!

[BTB]

Can I post a random question for you all? I feel weird posting about this kind of stuff in Emotional Support or wherever, I don't mind anybody reading this (or I wouldn't post it on the internet) I just feel more like I "know" you guys. :)

It's an IL problem. I know these are classic. What is it about marrying into a family that can be so hard? The problem is DH's sister. We've never gotten along. She's sarcastic, aloof, and has a cruel sense of humor. I know she'd have a few choice words to say about me, too. ;) Our relationship has long been strained because of career issues - she was pre-med but dropped out, went a different way, then rethought applying to medical school but decided she was too old to start that long a path and instead went to school to become a physician assistant. Tells me all the time that this is the same as being a physician. She's just competitive, and big into comparisons. Told DH and I the whole time we were pregnant that it's harder to raise a puppy than a baby (since she had just gotten a new puppy).

When DH and I were planning our wedding, I included her as a bridesmaid and was sincerely hopeful that it would manage to bring us closer - I know we'll never be "friends", and that's cool. It would just be nice if it would be basically pleasant to spend time together, that's all. She was such a pill about the wedding though - refused to try on her BM dress until the day of the wedding, then MIL spent a frantic hour that morning letting out the seams. She also did a bunch of other, immature stuff that doesn't matter now - the point is just that I'm not even sure I really want to reach out to her and put any more work into the relationship, because I've tried before and it's gotten me nowhere but frustrated.

So, the point is, she announced her first pregnancy this past weekend. Well, not really, she told her mom, and had her mom tell us. So now I'm not sure what to do. She was angry when we announced our pg'cy, because as the oldest sibling she wanted to have the first grandchild on that side. (this kind of stuff isn't something I can hope she'll grow out of, either, she's 31). I want to be the bigger person, and send flowers or something, but she was so bitter and mean during my pg'cy, and I'm kind of tired of playing into her game. OTOH, I'm excited about the niece or nephew to come, and at the prospect of another cousin for Evie. But I'm also apprehensive at the two babies being so close in age - she's due in March, so less than a year apart - and can foresee years ahead of hearing her compare our two children in terms of cuteness, athleticism, who sleeps better, who's smarter, on and on ad nauseum - always with her DC coming out ahead, of course. I mean it's really, really bad - I feel sick to my stomach before any family gathering that includes her. And ordinarily I have a thick skin!

So anyway - I'd really like to be on a better footing with each other. It's even more complicated now with her baby on the way (more for her to compare) but even more important to me as well (want to have a decent relationship for our kids' sakes). Part of me wants to really try, kill her with kindness, so if it fails I'll know I did all I could, the other part says feh, I tried for almost 11 years already (DH and I started dating October 1994).

Sorry for the rant. I feel a little better already. :) Any thoughts?

[LIZNKEITH]

BTB,
I have a very similar situation with my brother's wife. She's just a cruel, cruel person. You are on the right track though. You can't let your relationship with her get in theay of your relationship with your new niece/nephew. Kill her with kindness. Do the things you would have wanted her to do for you.

Or you can get a puppy. :p

[BTB]

Ugh, Liz, I know you're right, I just don't think I'm a big enough person to keep trying to be the bigger person anymore. Being nice to her when she's such a witch just seems to reinforce her superiority complex, like, "well, of course, why wouldn't everyone fall all over moi?" She's already (so we hear) declaring that she's better at being pregnant than I am, since by 10 weeks I was having complications, had been on bedrest a month already, and apparently she's just breezing through. I suppose I should be flattered I'm her yardstick for comparison, but it's old and annoying. Thanks for the encouragement - guess it's time to dog-shop. :)

[Jenyfer9]

BTB: yeah, kill her with kindness. That way, when she's being a witch, you look like the good guy, not a scapegoat.

I also like the dog idea. :)

[cynder]

Or you can get a puppy.
That's priceless. You could pray and hope that having a child will make her grow up but I think that's asking too much. I say go with the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - and hope for the best. How does your DH weigh in on all this.

[BTB]

I know (separate from sister issues) DH would love to have a dog, but we've never been in an apartment that allowed them. But hey, we are househunting come January. :)

DH is a shy, non-confrontational kind of person. He knows his sister is the spoiled princess of their family, but that's just kind of how it is, and how it's always been, so he just sort of accepts it. He's not fond of her either but figures hey, we can't make her change, so just suck it up. And it's the suck it up part that's starting to get to me, after 11 stinkin' years. I'm tired of swallowing down the anger at all the passive aggressive jabs she takes, and will have an even harder time doing so if she aims any at Evie (oh, my kid's walking at just seven weeks, isn't it a shame your Evie's not as good as my pookums? My DC's diapers even smell like roses!) Blech.

(I'm sorry to hijack the thread today into BTB's own personal therapy couch). :o

[rancherswife]

BTB: I agree, kill her w/ kindness. As hard as it may seem, in the end, you'll come out on top! SIL's are no fun, I have one that sounds quite similar to yours, and I know, sometimes it seems like you just CAN'T bring yourself to faking it any longer, but for nobody else, do it for the little ones. Hugs to you, I totally know where you're coming from here, girl.


Hang in there.....

[Aunt Liv]

I'm way too far behind...again!! :rolleyes:

Welcome to our 2 new members!

Things we can't live without
- Sleep Sacs - DD sleeps really well in those, and I don't have to worry that she is uncovered at night.
- receiving blankets - I put one or two over her when she sleeps.
- onesies - DD lives in these...that's the only thing she's worn so far.
- swing - just took it out of the box a couple of days ago and put batteries in it yesterday...wow! Why didn't anyone tell me?! ;) She loves loves loves her swing.
- bouncy chair - aka the butt massager when you turn the vibrate motion on...she loves this too.
- cloth diapers - as burp cloths.

Things we really didn't need
- all those beautiful little dresses that are too cute, but look ridiculous on DD. I tried to humor my MIL by dressing Maia in one of the many many dresses that she's bought for her, and Maia screamed bloody murder until I took it off her and put her back in her onesie. :rolleyes:
- sweaters in 0-3 mo sizes (hello? We live in GA! And DD was born in May)???
- stuffed animals

shoot, I'm getting kicked off by DH. I hope to BBL and catch up on the rest of everyone's posts.

[rancherswife]

How's this for a SIL story (since we're on the topic!):
The day (actually, no even 12 hours) after Landon was born, SIL came into my room to see the baby, right at the same time my dr. came in to check on me. He lifted my top up and did some pushing on my tummy, SIL was sitting at the end of the bed and says "huh....looks like you're ready to go try on bikini's!" Yeah, my dr. (whom I've gone to for 10+ years, knows me quite well and the look on his face was priceless) I'm sure he thought I was going to come right back at her, but...being the weepy post-partum mama that I was, I just cried after she left to dh, who of COURSE was out of the room. (He went to the cafeteria when she got there, cause he didn't want to be around her!) Nice eh?

[Jenyfer9]

Rancherswife: I would have told SIL that she could come with :p I'm so passive agressive it's terrible.

[kimthebride]

BTB
If she is a true bitch, there's not much you can do but ignore her. People aren't stupid: I'm sure everyone knows by this point that she has an inferiority complex and obviously needs to throw herself and her wonderful-ness in everyone's face to feel better about herself. It's hard to ignore these people, but it's likely the only thing you can do. Just vent here every so often and I hope it'll make you at least feel heard. :)

rancherswife
If she was standing near my legs and said that to me I would have kicked her. How rude!
Let me know if the blankets work out for you! I just picked up some more for myself today.

Laughing Out Loud
I got about 10+ minutes straight on video today of DS belly-laughing out loud. All I was doing to prompt him was tickling his feet and giggling at him. It is so cute, I was crying while he was doing it. I can't believe how much hearing him laugh so heartily affected me. Anyone else crying over this?

[rancherswife]

I was crying while he was doing it. I can't believe how much hearing him laugh so heartily affected me. Anyone else crying over this?

-oh, girl...daily! Each time he gives me a good belly laugh, I melt. It's the best. What did we do with out these precious little people in our lives?

As for the SIL yeah, on a normal day I would've rared back and kicked her, or said something totally bitchy, HOWEVER being just shy of 12 hours pp I was a sapp instead :rolleyes: . Thankfully, I've only seen her about 4 times since (and she lives on the same ranch we do, about 1/4 of a mile down the road!), each time I see her OR MIL they give me the once over to check how the weight is coming off. Dh can't stand is family, needless to say! ;)

[happy1nuv]

Nic hasn't laughed yet... I can't wait to hear him do it, but I hope Dh's around too... :) Hopefully soon... he's good at singing though :)

BTB ~ That sucks that you've been dealing with such a rotten sil so long.. I agree with everyone that says just suck it up and deal, but ... I would probably do my best to avoid her when the kids are in tow. I wouldn't want your child to hear any of her petty comments - ESP when your daughter starts really understanding what she's saying...

[alienhost]

BTB I don't have a lot of advice, ILs can be tough. Why don't people understand that life in general is not one big competition? It is so hard to be the bigger person but you definitely are so try not to let her bother you too much. And if you can't "be the bigger person" around her - just ignore her :D

Why are ILs so difficult? Here's a SIL story for you - my SIL decided that it was OK at Thanksgiving to bring her sick fever-ridden child (with strep throat and pneumonia (sp?)) to dinner at my ILs. I was PG at the time and obviously was trying to avoid any contagious illnesses when possible. Yet she didn't think twice about exposing the rest of us (including our parents who are over 70 years old). Great, bring a child who is too sick to even be somewhere else but home because you can't miss out on anything and have to be the center of attention. Thankfully no one got sick but let's have some common sense! OK, feeling much better about venting - even if it was 9 months ago! :D

[BTB]

Thanks, y'all. :D

Alien - I think I remember that, was it posted in the may mommies thread? I was livid for you!

Of course I will be civil to SIL, the question is more whether and if so, how I should go about trying to repair the rift. She's not the "let's-sit-down-and-talk-things-through" type. I was thinking of sending a housewarming gift (they're moving into a home they just bought this weekend), would've volunteered to help move except we have friends in town (and only heard this is moving weekend from MIL so it's not like we could've planned ahead) or making a concerted effort to see them every couple weeks or so. Or am I just making myself more of a doormat?

[kimthebride]

A housewarming gift would be nice. Maybe you can offer to help her put some stuff away since you couldn't help with the moving??

You never know...sometimes motherhood chills people out. Fingers crossed that it does for your SIL! ;)

[BridalLace]

BTB, honestly, i don't think there is anything you can do with this person...these types are often too within themselves to see themselves objectively, and clearly, its her insecurities that is causing the problem, and nobody can do anything about her insecurities but herself...i would just be civil to her whenever you see her but avoid making more than small talk. as much as possible i would try to change the subject from the comparison stuff.

honestly after a while i would have a hard time not marveling out loud at this habit of hers...after the umpteenth time i would probably blurt out something like 'wow you sure do like to make comparisons' or 'you're so competitive! my goodness' or something like that...i just would not be able to help myself. maybe just the flat out truth would startle her into better behavior. of course, i don't recommend my approach, in any case...

hope things get better, if not - avoiding such a pill at family gatherings, as much as you can, is probably best. maybe try to make sure other people are around a lot so you don't have to talk to her too much one-on-one.

Heather

[happy1nuv]

Are any of you garage sale junkies? Nic is on the border of 0/3 and 3/6 mos clothing ... so i'm starting to pack it away. Lots of it was either never worn or worn once ... I'm wondering if its worth it to start garage sale shopping for bigger sized stuff ... I've looked on ebay and the costs arent bad until you add the shipping...

[Sherah]

BTB : If having peace in the family is more important to you than having your SIL know that you are right, keep being a doormat. It doesn't sound to me like that really describes your behavior anyway. I would think that your SIL probably knows that she takes her comparisons too far already, but has a hard time censoring herself. You've known her since she was 20 years old, right? Hasn't she shown any growth in that period of time? If she has, I think you should continue to reach out to your family member and be positive with her so that she feels comfortable enough around you to stop competing. She's definitely intimidated by you. If you treat her like she is already the person you'd love her to be, she might just become that person sometime in the future. It just might take a while, maybe another 11 years? :D Oh, P.S., no taking any sh*t when it comes to the kiddies, though I know you wouldn't anyway!

Anyone else noticing they need to go buy more toys for their DC? Arik needs more and more stimulation every day!

happy1 : I plan to buy used clothes for Arik at some point, but he is set right now (MIL and FIL are baby clothes shopaholics). I haven't looked around yet to see if the used stuff around here is worth it, but I'll check out the Goodwills next to the wealthy parts of South FL when we start to run low on clothing, especially for cold weather stuff.

[Ferris]

Bedtime Routine Since about 3 weeks old, we have had the same bedtime routine. Bath, message, feed, swaddle then my DS falls asleep. However, the last couple days DS has been freaking out when we start the message. DH thought that it was the lotion we were using, but last night I didn't use any lotion and he started crying (with tears) when I put his butt paste on him! I am thinking that he is getting used to the routine and he knows that he should be getting tired, because he only really cries when he's sleepy. So do you all think he's just crying because he getting used to the routine?

Babysitting UGH! Have any of you watched your DC and someone elses child? I am watching my sister's 18 month old (who's already in his terrible 2's) from 7:30-2 today! I have watched him a few times but not for this long with both of them!! It's SO tiring!! I think doing this makes me want to wait till DS is at least 2 before having another one.

Laughing No real laughs yet, but he does have a lot of little noises that sound like the beginning of laughing.

Kimthebride I know what you mean about crying (my DS doesn't laugh yet) but I have cried a few times when he's talking to me and I just got all teary eyed when DS stretched this morning! I think it's because I am so amazed by him! I can't believe that I created something so wonderful!!

[kimthebride]

garage sales
Having grown up in MA, I LOVE flea markets & garage sales but alas I never see anything like it around here. Oh well. Then again, if I wanted used boy's clothes I could just ask every single other relative out here - everyone has boys! :) Not as fun as shopping tho...

Clothes On Sale
BUT Carter's has been having a sale of 75% off some great rompers and stuff. Got a bunch of 6M rompers for him that should last him til it gets cooler out.
And BRU has some summer items on clearance and a handful of racks around the store as 2-for prices.

Bedtime Routine
Mine seems to be getting earlier. He was getting a bath at pm and falling asleep by 9:30. Now I need to bathe him around 7:30pm and he falls asleep not to long after 8pm.

[Sasha]

Laughing - Sarah is starting to give us some laughs :). We get our best ones when DH plays peek-a-boo with her or if we tickle her sides.

BTB - Sorry your SIL is such a PITA and you have to deal with this! Sucks we can't pick our ILs ;). I agree with the others, just suck it up for now and be the bigger person. A housewarming gift would be nice. Hopefully this baby will help her grow up a little. My SIL can be difficult too - she acts very superior to everyone else and like her way is always right. I just know she is mentally criticizing the way DH and I are raising our daughter, lol.

Kim - Thanks for the heads up on Carters and BRU sales! Since it's warm here for quite some time still, I am going to stock up on 6-9 mos clothing.

Riding in the car - When you, DH and DC are in the car together, do you ride in the backseat with the baby? If so, for how long do you plan on riding back there? My aforementioned, superior SIL ;) did until my niece was 3, which IMO, seems a little much. LOL, then the next one came along, so my BIL seriously looked like "Driving Miss Daisies" for the next year, lol. Anyway, DD is 3 mos and I still am, but I am starting to miss the front seat!

[KGif]

BTB - UGH! Sorry your going thru this. Your sil sounds like a real piece of work. I agree with "kill her with kindness" thoery - but not *too* much kindness. She's pregnant - congratulate her with a nice card. Same goes for the new house. But if I were you I would NOT go out of my way offering to help her move .. nor would I spend my $$ sending her flowers. Honestly she just doesn't deserve to get any of that from you. Be sweet as pie at family gatherings and try to let the stupid "harder-to-raise-a-puppy-then-a-baby" comments slide off your back.

PS: If I were you, the next time she called me by name I'd insist she address me as "Dr." ;)

[jrdhbunny]

BTB- sorry about your SIL! I don't really have any advice unfortuntely, but I too hope that she mellows with motherhood.

Garage sales- There are some every once in a while here in NYC, but I usually just troll for sales at Macy's and places like that. I have to admit that I am ridiculous when it comes to buying clothes for DS; my MIL commented once that we must have a million onesies for him and I'm not sure she's far off. ;) I have bought clothes on eBay, but only high-end stuff that I couldn't afford otherwise.

Bedtime routine- we just added story time to our routine. I've always read to him, but now he's actually showing interest in the pictures and can turn the pages of a board book (after a little effort). So it's bath at 9 p.m., then story time, then food, then, hopefully bed. Last night we got him down by 10:45 p.m., which for us is great! :D

Laughing- DS is starting to laugh when he's tickled too. He also likes "airplane" and when DH says certain words to him. This morning "percolate" got him going!

Riding in the car- I think I'm going to sit in the back with him until he faces forward, unless we get one of those mirror things that you can angle to look at his face. We rarely drive though, so it's no big deal, but I miss the front too!

[cynder]

Laughing Yeah so maybe it was a one day thing with us. I was crying when he did it and told DH that it seriously made me want to quit my job.

Clothes On Sale This is hard because I know I should be buying clearance summer clothers for next summer but I have no idea how big he is going to be. And the weather is so hot here who knows when we are going to start needing heavier clothes. DS fits in 3 mo clothes but is skinny so things are not fitting 100 %.

Riding in Car I stopped riding in the back about a month ago. Since I drive DS to daycare, I am used to him being alone in the back. DS luckily likes riding in the car and if he fusses it's because he is hungry or has a dirty diaper which there is not much I can do about while riding in the back. He LOVES to look out the window and so I don't feel bad about him being alone there. It's just too cramped in our Jetta. Plus we have a car mirror to keep an eye on him which is great.

[rancherswife]

riding in car: yeah, we're still riding in the back w/ Landon as well. He does better when dh is back there w/ him, than w/ me back there w/ him, I think maybe he can smell the milk or something??? Who knows...but I'm sure we'll be riding back there w/ him for some time, I feel so bad for him during the day when we're running our errands and he's back there by himself!lol I have one of those mirrors that hooks to the back of the seat, but it won't work in my car (Tahoe) at least in the middle seat, which is where he is, I don't want him over by the door. If I could see him w/ one of those mirrors it would be better, but that was a waste, dh and I have tried everything to get that stupid thing to hook on and it WON'T.

Anyone else have a Tahoe and able to use the mirror? Just curios....

[njnewyearsbride]

laughing -- almost but not quite there.. any day now!

clothes on sale - would love to buy for next year.. but have no idea what size to get?????? how do people do this??

riding in back -- i still do this -- just feel better that way! we have an xterra and cant get a mirror clipped to the middle either.. :(

in the past week hazel's been trying to pull her head forward almost like she wants to sit up.. anyone else?

[cynder]

We have this one http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00069CWB0.16._AA260_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg and our car has a middleback seat headrest that I loop it through. It has several different ways to attach that I don't recall right now. It's available at Target, if that helps.

[Dreshny]

Riding in car: I ride in the back with him, even though we have a mirror. DS screams anyway. :( But we only drive every other week or so.

Sherah: Can you recommend any toys? Asher is so alert it's scary and he constantly needs stimulation. The bouncy seat bores him now, and if I put him in the Gymini, I have to read and sing to him, too. It's hard because we don't have a lot of space for toys. I take him outside a lot, and he loves looking around, but I'm worried about what we'll do in January.

[ladybug0525]

rancherswife - We have a Tahoe and can not get one attached. So what I do is keep a mirror up front with me that I can check on him at stop lights, etc. I never ride in the back because when DH is driving I just always check with the mirror.

[rancherswife]

ladybug: Well, i'm glad we're not just ignorant and couldn't figure it out!Lol Dh broke a sweat in our garage one day "wrestling" with this stupid mirror! I'll have to try your idea out and see how it works for us. Thanks for the tip!

[happy1nuv]

i miss the front seat too.. but nic screams bloody murder when left alone in te back. he getting better, but were gonna let him decide when i can go back to the front. argh. We also have that fish mirror thing and nic loves it. hasnt figured out he needs to kick it really hard yrt, but he's working on it.

[mama915]

Wow! My modem was down all weekend so I'm quite a bit behind! I'll do my best on catch up but if I miss anyone I'm sorry!!

Heather~Thanks for the new place :)

Dreshny~Adorable pic of Asher!!

Chylyn~Welcome!

jrdhbunny~Cute pic of DS!!

BTB~Sorry to hear your SIL is a PITA but I'm going with the group, just ignore her/kill her with kindness. That's what I do with DH's best friend's fiance. And I always end up looking like the "good guy" ;)

Most Useful Things ~
Bouncy Seat
Infantino front carrier
SIM Mobile
Oxyclean for Baby
Onesies
Boppy
Receiving Blankets

Useless Items ~
Pouch sling-although I'm hoping she'll like it when she's bigger
Baby tub- I just wash her in my bathroom sink

Laughing ~ Not yet....but hopefully soon!

Hair Loss ~ Not too much...maybe because I'm still taking pre-natal vitamins?? I don't know...

Siblings ~ Since she is #2, I don't think we'll have anymore but I wouldn't mind another ;)

Riding in the car ~ She flies solo when her brother's not back there, she mostly falls asleep when in the car anyway.

[Jenyfer9]

Babysitting UGH! Have any of you watched your DC and someone elses child? I am watching my sister's 18 month old (who's already in his terrible 2's) from 7:30-2 today! I have watched him a few times but not for this long with both of them!! It's SO tiring!! I think doing this makes me want to wait till DS is at least 2 before having another one.
This is the story of my life. Except it's not just 7:30-2. Not that I'm trying to say that us RO's have it so much tougher... you definitely learn to adjust faster... and that craziness becomes normalcy. :rolleyes:

[alienhost]

laughing DD let out her biggest one yet, she was totally cracking herself up. I think it is because she was wearing her new halloween costume which is this chick (but not her in the pic)

http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0001/www.estyle.com/images/product/17962_MID_r.jpg

riding in the back seat I stopped after about a week. DH got tired of being a chauffer. :D DD rides back there alone when just the two of us are doing errands so she does fine without someone there.

BTB yup that was me, venting over at the WC May mommies thread last year. :D

Well today is our wedding anniversary. My parents are coming and we are going out for a nice dinner. I can't wait!

[tgray99]

Aidan sits by herself in the backseat unless I need to feed her. She usually goes right to sleep.

[usafwife]

I don't check in for a few days and we have a new thread. And a bunch of catching up to do.

Heather ~ Thanks for the new thread.

Baby Pictures ~ Cute pictures everyone!

Can't Live Without
~Dreft spray for stains
~Pack n Play with basinet and changing table (it's great for travel and it's the only bed that DC has slept in since we came home)
~baby swing (it's a lifesaver some days)
~box of Sassy baby toys (I got this at the shower from my cousin. They are wonderful and she loves to play with them.)
~mobile
~onesies
~receiving blankets
~VentAire bottles
~digital camera, dock, memory sticks
~flim for SLR cameras

Definitely Can Live Without
~nursing pads (bought a whole box and never opened them up as I just needed to use the free samples I had gotten)

Changing Formula ~ We used the Parent's Choice (one concentrated can and one can of powder) but we won't be using it again. We also tried Similac but had very BAD results with it. So we will be staying with the Enfamil LIPIL w/iron from now on.

Mods ~ I have the links to all the previous threads that work. Do you want me to post them or send them in an email/PM?

Question ~ Does anyone else's DC always have to have their hands moving?[/b] DD always seems to be moving hers. She wants them up near her face. And she has very long fingers. Everyone says that she will play the piano when she gets older. Guess that's only fitting as DH and I both played piano. He even played the guitar.

Shoes ~ DD has a few pairs of shoes. But they never seem like they fit her feet. They are size 1s. She looks so cute in the sandles but she always finds a way to get them off. Anyone else have this problem?

Clothes on Sale ~ I'd like to buy clothes for next year when they go on sale but not sure what size to get. We have gotten a few things that are 12 months. DH has also found some bigger outfits that we have bought (2) for down the road. My mom even mentioned buying clothes now for next year but wasn't sure about size either.

[kimthebride]

BTB - ...
PS: If I were you, the next time she called me by name I'd insist she address me as "Dr." ;)
LOL! I love this idea!

Riding in the Backseat
Ummm...no. Only did once, when we had to go somewhere and I thought he'd need to eat from the bottle. Why are you all riding back there? I have a mirror to see him, and all he does is nap, play or look out the window.

Hands
This kid can't decide which fist to suck, so he's back and forth and back again.

Toys
Loves pulling and grabbing and putting them in his mouth. I a buying new little things all the time to keep him stimulated in his carseat/stroller and the gym. Love stuff by Infantino, and the things that clip on wherever you want them to.
for tummy time
http://infantino.com/Images/ToysActivity/150-3034.jpg
http://infantino.com/Images/ToysSoft/150-532.jpg
entertainment while in the cradle (and I am not awake yet)
http://infantino.com/Images/ToysSoft/150-803.jpg
on the play gym (he LOVES this: jingly feet, crinkly ears)
http://infantino.com/Images/ToysSoft/150-802ATh.jpg

rancherswife & ladybug
I'm about to move you two into the front seat. :)
I have the Denali and was po'd that at first I couldn't install a mirror. BUT...they have a velcro strap on them that does cling well to the backside of the back seat. Velcro the band there and then close the bottom band of the mirror into the console that's built into the center of the backseat. When the carseat is in place it keeps the console tightly closed and the mirror from moving in case of an accident. Ta da!

[njnewyearsbride]

kim -- wanna figure out how to install one of those into an xterra?? :D

[kimthebride]

Bring it on, baby!
When I get my mind set on something...look out! ;)

[kelseyledare]

Auto-Mirror: Almost daily, I fight with mine. It doesn't stay velcro-ed in place properly, the seats are leather, and there's no back headrest to attach it to. DH never has any trouble with his in his minivan, but there's a headrest.

Alienhost: Where did you get that chicken costume for your DD, if I may ask?? I think my DH would love that.

I'm back to work full time, and it's miserable. Trying to hang in there, but can barely check the thread every couple days. Sending support vibes out to the other working mommas!!!!

[usafwife]

Riding in the backseat ~ I've only done it a couple of times. And that's when DD has been fussy and wouldn't stop crying until she had a bottle. If we are just running errands around town, then one of us doesn't get in the back. If we go on a long trip, she will usually just fall asleep during the trip. Sometimes my parents go with us (or someone else) and they are in the backseat with DD. Heck, sometimes she'll go to sleep just going around town. DD likes gravel or rough roads the best. Seems to quiet her the best. Anyone else find that true?

I need to get some pictures transferred and posted of DD. I think the only ones I've posted have been early pictures.

Smiles ~ We are getting more and more smiles each day. They just make my heart melt when I see them. I can be having a bad day and when I see them, it just makes me forget about everything.

Laughing ~ We are starting to get a chuckle here and there. Not all out laughter just yet. But it's close.

Talking ~ We get more and more of this each day. It's so cute. The other night we had a conversation. She actually answered us when we would ask her questions. It almost sounded like she was saying yes or yeah.

Question regarding shots ~ DD goes in early September for her 2-month-old shots. The doctor told me to give her some Tylenol an hour prior to her appointment but I forgot to ask how much to give her. What would be the right amount? I know I could call and ask to talk to the nurse (which I will probably do anyway as I need to confirm the day/time.....can't seem to find the appointment card. Must still not have my mind back from being pregnant just yet. It does come back right? I won't always be this absent-minded or is just part of being a mommy. ;) )

[allyray231]

Back seatstill do it only becuase he is not in the car that much and when he is alone he screams. I have done it twice though. He only screams when we drive in the city-it is a lot of stop and go

Tylenol 0.4 every 4 hrs

Fav Stuff[B]
Swing
Symphony in Motion Mobile
Dr Brown Bottles
our bassinet (which he outgrew)
PNP
Our snap and go-best invention ever

Not so great stuff
Still can't get him to use the Bjorn
Gowns-he hated them-his legs always got stuck
Hat-never used them-maybe in the winter?

Hands[B]-the kid has found his tumb a few times but it is a CONSTANT battle for him to find his hands. That is what wakes him up at night-he fusses and fusses till he can get his hand in his mouth-still having issues-should I be worried he can't do it yet?

Well we hired a nanny-I really don't know how we are gonna swing the money but we will find a way. It is just so much better-I commute 45 minutes to the city everyday and there was no place around were I live that took infants. The 2 places I looked at I had to drive to and they were just OK. This nanny has been working in the area for 15 years and she is amazing

[alienhost]

kelseyledare I bought it at the babystyle store, but you can also get it on-line at babystyle.com

[kimthebride]

Riding in the backseat ~ DD likes gravel or rough roads the best. Seems to quiet her the best. Anyone else find that true?

I drive around NJ and NYC which is all bumps, potholes, etc and it seems to soothe DS to sleep. The bumpier the better!

[BridalLace]

Mods ~ I have the links to all the previous threads that work. Do you want me to post them or send them in an email/PM?


i definitely would appreciate being able to fix the links. if you could PM me this info it would be great.

i haven't gotten to stat changes yet, after all...will try to get to them in the next 2-3 days!

[December27JJB]

BTB I am sorry about your SIL :( I am unlucky in the MIL department myself.

Auto Mirror I hate it! It doesnt work in my car! What a waste for us.

Smiles She is definitely smiling a lot more now!! I love it when she smiles!

Riding in the Backseat I still do it. Mostly to keep the sun out of her face.

NEWS: AF decided to show her ugly face this morning! It was soo weird, I had cramping and then I felt something 'wet' and went to the bathroom and wiped myself. There she was. Luckily I felt it before she dripped on my husband's favorite boxers that I was wearing. ;)

[diedra1027]

Time to catch up!!

bedtime routine - I would LIKE our routine to be bath, massage, book, nursing. We start at 7:30. I think I need to move the time up a bit since she starts wailing right after bath so we end up skipping right to nursing. She's not napping well yet, so that might be part of our problem too since she just seems so overtired in the evening.

Auto Mirror - Wanted to get one, but read about the projectile possibility so I passed for now.

riding in back - Only if she's already crying when we get in. She's getting better about the car seat too. She'll start to cry after 10-15 minutes on the road (if it's stop and go) instead of crying as soon as we strap her in. Whoever mentioned their baby liking rougher roads we find that to be true as well. Same goes for when she rides in the stoller. We sometime go to a park with a walking path flanked by gravel on each side. She'll fall asleep in milliseconds if we push the stroller in the gravel instead of on the paved path! I think it's the increased vibrations and white noise.

Smiles - Smiles a lot (especially for me), but is very stingy with the laughs. She laughed for the first time about 3 weeks ago, but I was only able to get her to laugh again last weekend. Thankfully, DH was home that time to finally hear it for himself (and he later got her to laugh by himself!). We took her for 3 month portraits earlier this week and she wouldn't smile for anything...

[ahavnes]

Ugh, this has been the worst week. Abbey started day care part time yesterday while I work in the afternoons. She is right down the hall from me, which is a blessing and a curse....b/c I can hear her crying! :mad: The teachers there are all wonderful, but I think she's just having a hard time adjusting. Yesterday I could hear her for 20 minutes, so I finally went down there and gave her some Mylicon. Every time I held her she stopped crying, but when I passed her back she started screaming. It was awful! I have so much work to do to catch up though, so I finally had to just pass her back with a bottle and run for the door. :rolleyes: I'm hoping it will get better soon. I really do love my job and actually am enjoying being at work, but I can't stand it that my little girl is so upset!

Bedtime Routine- I really need to move this up. Abbey doesn't go to sleep until about 9:30 and she is so overtired. The lavender body wash and lotion really help though.

Auto Mirror- Just got one and Abbey loves it! I just got a new car and Abbey hated it. Once I put the mirror back there though, she is much better. I think she likes playing with the "other baby" back there. ;)

Smiles- Oh yes! They light up her face and DH and I just love it. She especially smiles and giggles when I'm eating for some reason. :)

[Carissa]

BTB (((HUGS)))

If I don't post for a while it's because I am sick. I am headed to the Dr this afternoon don't know what it is but it's not fun.

[Sasha]

Carissa - Hope you feel better soon.

Alicia - Sorry you're having a rough first week. I'm sure Abbey will get adjusted quickly.

Chylynn - And so our hurricane season kicks into gear :rolleyes:. Luckily this one doesn't seem like it will be too bad. LOL, I had the TV on and I think Sarah was fascinated by the bright colors of the hurricane radar. Stay dry and safe!

Auto Mirrors - We have one in my car but not DH's. She loves it...in fact, she loves just about all mirrors, especially when I am holding her. She thinks it's funny to see "another baby" with mommy.

Here's to hoping we don't lose our power over the next day or so!

[jrdhbunny]

Carissa- I hope you feel better soon!!!

ahavnes- It's great that you're liking being back to work, but I'm sorry that your DD is having a hard time! Hopefully she'll adjust soon. Sometimes when I call home, I can hear DS fussing in the background and it makes me sad. :(

Chylynn- I hope all goes well at the eye doctor's!

alienhost- Love that picture!

allyray231- I hear you on the nanny thing. DH and I knew that was the only option for us because it's next to impossible to get into a daycare center here. We ended up with DH as a SAHD because we just couldn't afford it- it would have been his salary, plus some of mine!

kimthebride- We drive through NYC too and the bumps put him to sleep, but then we'll hit a big one and it'll startle him awake. :rolleyes:

usafwife- In my experience, the "baby brain" just turns into "mommy brain"- but I was kind of scatter-brained to begin with so it may just be me!

njnewyearsbride- DS has been trying to sit up for a couple of weeks; the only problem is that once he started, he wouldn't stop! Now he won't sit back against me any more. :( Also, I've been dying to ask you- where did you get the shirt that your DD has on in your avatar? I love it!

mama915- Thanks! DH took some more cute ones yesterday so I may have to change my avatar again!

Dreshny- We're in the same boat; DS needs lots of stimulation, but we have very little space too. We had to retire the travel swing because it just doesn't do it for him anymore. All of our toys are pretty small. DS loves puppets- we have all of the Baby Einstein singing animals (cow, monkey, dragon, and kangaroo).

Question- Does anyone have a baby that isn't interested in looking in the mirror? DS could care less about seeing himself- I can hold him directly in front of one and all he does is look at me or look away. I've tried putting him in front of his mirror on his playgym, but he just glances at it then rolls away towards his toys. He's very interactive with me and DH; he's absolutely fascinated with our faces, just not his own. I guess I'll add it to the list of questions we'll have for our ped at his 4 month old visit on Monday...

[njnewyearsbride]

njnewyearsbride- DS has been trying to sit up for a couple of weeks; the only problem is that once he started, he wouldn't stop! Now he won't sit back against me any more. :( Also, I've been dying to ask you- where did you get the shirt that your DD has on in your avatar? I love it!


thanks -- i actually got it at bellie & katrina in hoboken -- i couldnt pass it up -- also got her a long sleeve black t-shirt w/the same thing on it for later in a bigger size! i used a picture of hazel in that onesie for her birth announcement and everyone got a kick out of it...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce92b03ca8175200000025118AbsWzho2atE

[jrdhbunny]

OMG- how adorable!!!! I've looked for one (or something similar) that says "made in NYC", but have yet to find anything that I like.

[njnewyearsbride]

OMG- how adorable!!!! I've looked for one (or something similar) that says "made in NYC", but have yet to find anything that I like.

have you tried cafepress.com?

[jrdhbunny]

Yeah- that was one of the first places I looked. I was sure that I would find something there, but no such luck. It may be that it's there somewhere and I'm just not entering the right search words.

[LIZNKEITH]

Back Seat
I only ride back there if she is fussy.

AF
Reared her ugly head yesterday. :(

DD had her 2 month appointment yesterday. Of course, we BOTH cried when she got her shots. :( Other than that though, the Dr. says she's doing really well. Here's her stats:

Weight: 10 lb., 13 oz 50th%
Length: 22.25 inches 50th%
HC: 38.75 cm 50th%

I cannot believe she's 10 weeks old already!

[BTB]

Tylenol is dosed by weight:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T089101.asp#T089104

Making sure link works, then coming back...

[BTB]

Saturday my mom's coming to visit, and she and I are going to a museum and out to lunch while DH stays home with Evie. I'm glad they're get some good time together! And I'm very excited to get out of the house. :)

I'm way behind on the thread but will catch up soon! Alienhost I love your DD's Halloween costume! :)

[Jenyfer9]

Oh, I'm SOOOO excited! I'm getting a 60 minute massage tonight! Ahhhhhh....

I also received my Kangaroo Korner sling today. I'm hoping that it will feel better (for me) after my back is fixed up. DS seemed to like it though... fell asleep in it within 10 minutes (something he NEVER did in the Snugli!).

[alienhost]

thanks for the compliments on DD's costume!

Well we had a busy day...

We saw a specialist about DD's flat head or "positional plagiocephaly". DD was diagnosed with torticollis or basically a stiff or tight neck muscle that causes her to favor one side of her head (she sleeps with her head facing the right) which has caused a flat spot on her right side. The specialist said her case was "moderate" and really on the borderline. The range of motion of her neck muscles is much better now and she does look both ways but still favors the right. He discussed options with us, basically doing nothing or fitting her for a helmet. Doing nothing would be OK since it really is cosmetic but the best time to try and "fix" it is really now since she is growing so much. We decided to go with the helmet. She had a scan done to fit her for one and we go back in 2 weeks to get it along with instructions etc. She is supposed to wear it for at least 20 hrs per day and they think it can round out her head in 6-8 wks. Since it really is a harmless "fix" we thought we should go with it rather than wait and possibly miss the window of opportunity.

It is just so hard for me, somehow I feel like I have failed her. I know that she will do fine but I also worry about people just asking a lot of questions and I know I'll get frustrated trying to explain it etc. to strangers. I hope we are doing the right thing.

4 month appointment We also had her 4 month check up today. DD is at 11lbs, 14 ozs and is 23.75 inches long (both 25 %ile). Ped is pleased with her weight gain etc. (up from 9lbs 6ozs at the two month).

She had her shots, poor thing. She really screamed. She came home, ate and had a nap. She woke up very upset. She ate again and had some tylenol and has been sleeping soundly since.

Oh and she also has ezcema. She has had this rash on her arms for several weeks. The ped asked us to use over the counter strength hydrocortisone cream to clear it up. She doesn't want to start eliminating things from my diet just yet.

BTB any concerns medically with hydrocortisone cream in infants? My ped said it is fine but I just wonder if it is OK. I read mixed views on the internet.

Well I guess that is it, it just has been a frustrating day of motherhood for me - why is their so much guilt with motherhood??? I'm thankful that she doesn't have any serious medical issues but it just is hard sometimes, even the little things.

[ahavnes]

Thanks for the support about Abbey's day care experience. I think today was a little better. She was smiling when I left and was ok when I came back 2 hours later to check on her. They said she got really upset again later, but I think it's getting better. (Fingers crossed) BUT, she has slept 10 hours straight every night since Sunday!!!! :)

Alienhost- Abbey had the same rash and we used hydrocortisone without any problems. And cute costume!

Sasha- Abbey loves looking in the mirror when I am holding her too. She cracks up! By the way, we got our tickets for Thanksgiving and will be in Miami the 18th to the 25th. Will you be there? We should do lunch. :)

Jenyfer9- A massage...nice!

BTB- Enjoy your visit with your mom. Mine is coming this week as well. Yay!

[Natrat80]

Subscribing to the new thread. Addie and I took a trip to see my parents Sunday-Wednesday. We had a great time although we missed DH! He's working so much lately that we barely see him at all! (He's a football coach)

backseat I'll admit I used to be a backseat rider. I was just so nervous in the beginning! Once we got a mirror back there I am great in the front. Plus I'm less paranoid now than I was when she was a newborn.

AF Not yet, thank God. Sunday and Monday nights I had a migrane. I hadn't had a migrane since before I was pregnant and I really think they are related to PMS. So I was thinking that the migranes were predicting AF and I was so bummed. Then I realized that Sunday and Monday I wore my glasses and I haven't worn them in a few months because I lost a screw to one side. My mom told me not to wear them on Tuesday and see what happened---no migrane! So I don't know if my eyes just weren't used to my glasses anymore or what, I'm just thankful for no AF!

custom made clothes Has anyone had any custom made kids clothes? I love the onesie njnewyearsbride ! I really want to have one made that looks like the "I heart NY" shirts but have it say "I heart Coach T" and have DD wear it to one of DH's football games. I think he would love it. I found this:
http://www.customizedkids.com/images/I_Heart_Red.gif
at www.customizedkids.com but I haven't ordered it yet. Anyone else have a good website to recommend?

[Traciann]

Natalie My DH is a band director at a high school...and works crazy long hours.(probably the same hours your does!) The first football game was tonight.... and its almost midnight and he is not home yet! The other band director's wife had a baby almost 4 weeks ago so we hung out tonight while the husbands were working!

[Sherah]

Chylynn and Sasha : How'd you girls do last night? I'm in Palm Beach County, north of Boca. We never lost power and have very little yard damage. Phew! Now, what's going on with this next storm that's brewing!

Dreshny : I'm going to look for toys at BRU today. Thanks to the ladies who posted such great toy suggestions!

Riding in the Backseat : Only once. The first time we took our dog to the dog park after Arik was born, we knew he'd be really excited. I sat in back to make sure he didn't accidentally jump on our babe.

Chylynn : Good luck with the new doc!

Bedtime : Arik is now able to sleep 8 hours between feedings!!! I put him to bed every night at 7p and usually give him a dream feed between 10 and 11p. Then I don't have to get up again until 7ish am!

Carissa: Feel better soon! I hope you don't have anything serious.

Girls with Absent Hubbies : My DH is a cop. I only count him as being around on his off days when he has no extra duties. On days when he works, we only get a couple of hours with him. I'm a mess by the time he has days off. It does feel like being a single parent on his shift days, but it makes our time we do have together SO much more special!!! Cute idea about the football coach tee, Nat ! Us cop wives band together too, Traciann !

[alienhost]

ahavnes thanks for the reassurance. How many applications did it take to help the rash? When you stopped using it did it come back? Just curious.

custom made clothing If you want something "custom" you can do it yourself. I bought some Avery t-shirt transfer paper and printed on my computer some "sayings" to iron-on a onesie. You can also download clip art and include that as well. It does OK in the wash (inside out) and I don't put it in the dryer. It lasts fairly well, and since the babies go through clothing sizes so quickly I think it isn't a bad option.

[cynder]

DS slept unswaddled for 2 hours in the crib last night! Woo hoo! Big progress for us. He then woke up hysterical at 1:00 when he realized he was not swaddled and conked out within 30 seconds of being swaddled. Last 2 nights we have gone out wi/ DS for social events and he handled himself really well. I was afraid that his schedule would get out whack but so far so good.

So I have a dilemma. Bosses would like me to go to a conference in New Haven from Oct 5-7 that sounds really exciting to me. DH has a conference he would like to go to Oct 6-9...in San Francisco. I have been racking my brain to figure out a way to swing this but it looks like it's going to be one or the other. In the grand schema of things, this is minor but it's things like this that make me question my career. Sorry for the rambling.

DH is working this weekend so DS and are going to get protraits taken and make a BRU run. Ours is so far away that it's like an expedition for me.

custom made clothing - cafepress.com is not bad if you have some Photoshop skills. I have a couple of sites bookmarked that I can post later today.

[Aunt Liv]

BTB - your sil is a pita!! family is supposed to support and love each-other, not compete over things like this. She's obviously p.o'd that she's not you. ;)

i can't remember what else is going on...you all are busy, usy bees! :p

ok, i'll try to bbl! sorry for the typos...typing 1-handed.

[LIZNKEITH]

Alienhost,
((HUGS)) You know deep in your heart that this is not something you could have prevented. The helmet is just a temporary thing and you'll both get through it in no time.

[alienhost]

LIZNKEITH thank you for the kind words, I appreciate the support.

New QOTD - Solids now that some babies here are approaching 4 months, what is everyone planning on doing with regards to solids? DD's ped said we could start rice cereal in a few weeks (she likes them to be 12 lbs first) and then orange/yellow veggies (sweet potato, carrots, squash), green veggies next and then fruit - each group two weeks apart with each item for 3-4 days before moving on to the next. From what I've read it sounds like a lot of people recommend six months rather than four. I'm not quite sure how to handle it yet. I might start at 4 1/2 to 5 months with some cereal for "practice" and see if she is even interested. Just curious what others are planning.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

[LIZNKEITH]

Solids
I've read the same as you. I've also read that you shouldn't start them until they are able to sit up on their own and have lost the tongue-thrust reflex (or the food will come right back out). I go back and forth about when to start. Ideally, if I can get my milk supply back on track, I'd like to wait until she's 6 months. If not, then I'll probably start somewhere around 4 or 5 months.

[KGif]

Solids -
No idea! I think I recall my doc saying something about waiting until 6 months but I'm not certain. I guess we will discuss at our 4 month appt next month.
STUPID question I'm sure -- but is rice cereal somethin you add to their bottle or do you actually feed it to them with a spoon?

[rancherswife]

solids: I haven't even talked to my ped. about this yet, but I do know he recommends 6 mos. to start solids. We've still got a ways to go!


kim: LOVING the koala baby receiving blankets...perfect size for my long boy! Landon thanks you, he's happily being swaddled again! ;)

ahavnes: keeping my fingers crossed for you that Abbey continues to do better each day at day care. that's gotta be tough when you are right down the hall and can hear her crying :o . I'm sure it'll get better w/ time!

[ahavnes]

Alienhost- We only had to apply it like twice and it went away. It was like a miracle drug. :) It came back about 2 weeks later, but not nearly as bad. We used the hydro once and it went away. I was amazed!

rancherswife- Thanks so much for the encouragement! I think Abbey just needs time to adjust and she'll be fine. :)

My mom is coming this weekend! Yay! She hasn't seem Abs since she was 2 weeks old. She is going to go crazy over her!

[ahavnes]

Oh yeah, and another thing! Does anyone else have a kid whose name is constantly misspelled? Abbey's name has an "e" in it and EVERYONE, including my cousin, who is her Godmother, misspells it!! I'm really trying not to get annoyed b/c we did this to ourselves, but I am tired of seeing "Abby." (Not that there's anything wrong with that name! ;))

[LIZNKEITH]

KGif,
You can do both...either add it to their BM/formula or feed it from a bowl. I think some Dr.'s are beginning to recommend NOT to give it to them in their bottle though as it can sometimes pose a choking hazard.

ahavnes
Not so much misspelled as mispronounced. Our DD's name is Caroline and we're forever getting Carolyn. :rolleyes:

Receiveing blankets
I need to check these suckers out! I have two that we found at my IL's house after they passed away that they were saving. They're 40x40 and awesome. I wish I had more. I think the 30x40's would work for us though. At least for backup. Thanks for the recommendation!

[alienhost]

ahavnes thanks! I hope we have the same result!

Cereal my ped said to serve it with a spoon but to make it pretty thin at first by adding EBM or formula.

Question on Tylenol Dropper DD had a low fever after her shots and I gave her tylenol, I just realized that I put the dropper back in the bottle without washing it. Should I have washed it first? I didn't want the bottle to spill and I was trying to juggle DD and the dropper...what do you do with the dropper after giving it?

[MayJune05Moms]

stats are updated. please check your own stats in case you want them updated (also it would help if i messed up somewhere and didn't realize - you can help me clear up mistakes, age changes, etc.)

i added a new stat for baby's height & weight (at the time of birth), since so many were reporting that anyway. if you want that added then post those stats in RED, please.

would someone also please count how many members we have, several people might count our roster so we can get an accurate number. would appreciate it.

thanks,

Heather

[usafwife]

usafwife- In my experience, the "baby brain" just turns into "mommy brain"- but I was kind of scatter-brained to begin with so it may just be me! I figured that the "baby or pregnancy brain" turned into the "mommy brain." So I was expecting it. :D

BridalLace ~ I'll be happy to send the links to you in a PM. I'll so just as soon as I post this.

kim[b] ~ We have quite a few potholes around here as well. We always joke that we could be blind and know where we were when we got into town because of all the rough roads.

[b]Carissa ~ Hope you are feeling better soon. {{HUGS}}

Southern Florida Gals ~ Hope you made it through the storm okay. Hope you didn't get flooded and have no damage.

Liz ~ Sorry about AF. I had her visit earlier this month and I think she's getting ready to visit again. Yuck! I was so hoping to avoid her for a while longer.

BTB ~ Thanks for the information and link. Hope you have fun with your mom this weekend.

Jenyfer9 ~ A 60 minute massage sounds so wonderful! Enjoy it.

ahavnes ~ Hope you enjoy your visit with your mom as well.

Nat ~ Sorry about the migraine. I had one not long after we came home from the hospital. Mine lasted nearly a week. I hadn't had one since last June. I was really hoping that mine were gone for good. I notice that if I wear my glasses I can get a headache (not what I'd describe as my usual migraine type but they can be bad) as I'm not used to wearing them (I wear my contacts unless there's a problem).

Absent DHs ~ I'm in that club. DH works a lot of hours (including a TON of overtime). Then he goes to night classes three nights a week, has one online course and one that doesn't start for two months. Then there is the homework time factored in. And chores that need to get done around here. So he really doesn't get to have much free time. And then we are gone one weekend a month (military). I often wish that he had more time to spend at home with us.

cynder ~ Good luck deciding which conference to go to. I know what you mean about BRU expendition trips. The only one near us is a 2+ hour drive...needless to say we don't make that trip very often and when we do we stock up on things.

Name constantly misspelled ~ Yes, to a degree. People can't ever seem to remember that there is an 'H' on the end of DD's name. I get so mad telling them over and over. I know it shouldn't bother me but I know how I got upset when I was growing up when people couldn't spell my name correctly. Granted my name was not as common as other names but they would constantly get the e and i mixed up. Even when I (or my mom) would spell it for them. My niece's name is spelled the same way as your DD's ahavnes.

[usafwife]

BridalLace ~ You have a PM.

[Sherah]

Went to BRU yesterday and bought what should have been on my registry:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000067QZI.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Sassy Toys, Baby's First Toys Gift Set.

So excited! Our toy selection is slightly different than that shown, but still... Also, BRU coupons went out in August. Did you all know that? I haven't been getting any since I moved, so I'm now back on the mailing list! We brought MIL along and she bought a few clothing items and this:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007WWZKY.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I believe some of you were expressing success with this? I hope it works for us for a little while. Arik is bored with his Symphony in Motion mobile. We also bought some blocks and a toy cop car for when he's a little older. Are you all cleaning toys before giving them to your DC for the first time?

Got a haircut yesterday to help quell the hairloss problem. I don't know if it did a lot of good yet, but I feel so much better now!

How are my fellow Floridians doing?? Was anyone else on this board affected?

[kelseyledare]

Nat - sorry about the migraine. They can be terrible. Maybe it's time for an eye apt and new glasses?? ;)

alienhost - I set the Tylenol dropper on the counter and then come back to wash it once I have DD settled. Another option would be to use a separate dropper (not the one that came with the Tylenol), just make sure to look at the dosing carefully and give the same mL.

ahavnes - have fun with your mother this weekend; she'll totally be in love with Abbey. Glad to hear daycare is going better; my DD has been sleeping 7-8 hr stretches at night since starting as well. :)

Sherah - please let us know what you think of the Sassy toys. I registered for them as well, but we didn't get them. They seem a little pricey, but you do get a lot of toys for the money. DD still just isn't interested in toys that don't move yet, but I'm thinking maybe for later...

Heather - my stats look great! Thanks for fixing everything.

solids - I am also trying to hold out until the 6 mos mark before starting cereal. It's really tough with the EBM and pumping at work, though, but I'll make it ;)

Well, today is Saturday, and I have this weekend off -- yeah!! My first week back to work was much tougher than I thought it would be so I need to rest and spend time with DD. It's kinda crummy that I need to mimic our usual schedule to keep both of us on track, though. So back to pumping and offering EBM.

I also picked up a killer cold on Thursday and am still struggling with it today. My supply has dipped a little bit during the transition so I don't want to take any decongestant (pseudoephedrine is known to decrease supply), but it means I am constantly blowing my nose ;) I'm really a mess this weekend. Thankfully, it's just me, DH and DD.

[usafwife]

Went to BRU yesterday and bought what should have been on my registry:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000067QZI.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Sassy Toys, Baby's First Toys Gift Set.My cousin gave us these (although we have some others that came in our gift set that aren't in that picture) at my shower. She is in nursing school and thought that they would be wonderful for DD's hand-eye coordination and learning. She loves them so far.


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007WWZKY.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpgWe have considered this as well even before DD was born.

kelseyledare ~ We have the Sassy toys. DD LOVES the one with the mirror. She also loves the ball. We put it in her car seat before we leave the house and we'll hear it being moved around by her legs. She loves the noise it makes.

[kimthebride]

alienhost
Tell me more, please: did your ped notice the head issue at the 2 month appointment? Mine did, said Thomas was looking more to the right, so that side was more smoothly rounded. He gave me a sheet with 2 stretches for his neck to do each day, and tips on getting him to look to the left more. I noticed a big difference with just 2 weeks of the stretching and the little adjustments I made (like propping a folded blanket under the right side of his sleep positioner so he looks to the left while sleeping). How do you know when it's a "problem"?

Custom Clothes
A couple years ago I ordered tees for me from www.CustomGlamGirl.com and they were good. They use American Apparel tees/onesies which do shrink, I believe this is the practice of most of those kind of vendors (call me a snob, but I worked in fashion for a bit!). They can put anything on a baby tee or onesie that you want, and it's not too terribly expensive.

Absent DH
Tom had to be away for work for a week this week, and is just home for the weekend before leaving for another week. How the HELL do single moms do it?!?! Anyway, I woke up with a terrible crick in my neck & shoulder this morning (I was in tears getting out of bed), so am getting a beck/shoulder/neck massage and a pedicure today while he's home.
Otherwise, he tried to slip out of the office by 5-5:30 every day (hard, since he's in sales) and as soon as he gets home he scoops Thomas right up and wants to be with him the rest of the night. I swear he wishes he had the boobs to BF the kid! lol What's annoying is when he IS home, but on that damn Blackberry all night. Might as well be at the office, you know?

Solids
I hope to BF him til 6 months (so Jan 3rd) then will make my own food. Good friend has a baby 5 months older than DS and got a great book all about it with recipes etc, so she's going to teach me what she's doing. It's amazing how much $$ you can save by making it on your own!

Rancherswife
YAY! I'm so glad they worked out for you. We LOVE our Koala Baby rb's. They rock.

Mis-Spelled-Name
Okay, my FIL and DH have the same name. FIL goes by "Tom" by his family and DH usually goes by "Tommy" by his family. I *LOATHE* the name Tommy - I call him (obviously) Tom. So we had a 4-year-argument over naming our 1st born son after him....literally this was the biggest argument in our relationship. But alas I gave in...as long as we can call the baby Thomas. And we gave him a new middle name, Ryan (same initial as DH & FIL).
Anyhoo...I think I got almost everyone calling him Thomas, but a few people call him Tommy and I CRINGE. And someone actually sent us a gift to "Ryan" because they thought it was silly to name him after his dad, lol.

Sassy Toys
Thomas loves every Sassy toy I have picked up or someone gave him. I don't know if its the colors or patterns they use, but he just really likes them all. I would say they are worth the $$ - though I've found at Target they aren't too pricey.

Time To Chew!
No teeth coming in that I can see, but over the last week Thomas has decided he must put EVERYTHING he can in his mouth. He's like a little chew monster!

[Carissa]

I have a sinus infection and on top of that looks like I will finally be having my gallbladder removed. I had another episode with it yesterday and it's just time to get the sucker out of there so I'll be calling the surgeon on Monday. No excited about the surgery part but I will be happy to feel better again.

[kelseyledare]

So sorry to hear about the sinus infection. I am fighting one myself- no fun :( That is a bummer about your gallbladder, but at least the source of the trouble will be removed. They do a lot of those surgeries laparoscopically, and the recovery time is so much shorter! Just remember to stick with the low fat diet for awhile after your surgery. We'll all be sending you best wishes for a short recovery! We've had quite a few surgeries in this thread already!

[Sasha]

Checking in from my ILs house, where we are now camped out. We lost power from the hurricane on Thursday night and might not get it back until Tuesday, or possibly even Friday! :eek:. My ILs live about 10 mins away from us and their power came back on yesterday afternoon, so we'll be here until ours comes back, which is hopefully soon! Sarah had trouble going to sleep the night the storm hit cause it was so loud, but she's been great since, and has adapted to the environment here well. Sigh, but I want to go home! And my poor cats are stuck at the house since my MIL is allergic, so I feel horrible for them :(. For a storm that was only a cat 1 when it got here, it sure did cause a lot of damage.

Carrissa - Ugh, what a pain! Good luck with the surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Solids - At our last appt, my ped said we would discuss it at her 4 month check-up, but not start it yet. I think she wants to start in the 5-6 month time frame.

Mispelled Name - We received many gifts addressed to Sara - no "h". One time, someone asked me how it was spelled and after I told them, they said I should have spelled it the other way....whatever :rolleyes:. Usafwife- Glad I'm not the only one this bothers! I personally like the name better with an "h".

Absent DH - DH owns his own business, so he tries to be flexible about his hours but it doesn't always work out that way. He does work every other Saturday and is out the door pretty early but he tries to be home by 6pm every day so he can spend time with Sarah.

Alicia - Yes, we don't leave for Philly until that Wednesday, the 22, so we definitely need to get together for lunch. LOL, it will be nice to meet my pregnancy twin! Enjoy your visit with your mom!

[allyray231]

Should I be worried at 2 months this kid is still trying to find his tumb!! That is all he does all day is try and get his hands into his mouth!!

[wendstress]

Should I be worried at 2 months this kid is still trying to find his tumb!! That is all he does all day is try and get his hands into his mouth!!

I wouldn't worry - James is almost 4 months and still does the same! I don't think he's looking for his thumb in particular...just wants to mouth something. He occassionally finds his thumb, but seems to be happier with just the whole fist!

[alienhost]

alienhost
Tell me more, please: did your ped notice the head issue at the 2 month appointment? Mine did, said Thomas was looking more to the right, so that side was more smoothly rounded. He gave me a sheet with 2 stretches for his neck to do each day, and tips on getting him to look to the left more. I noticed a big difference with just 2 weeks of the stretching and the little adjustments I made (like propping a folded blanket under the right side of his sleep positioner so he looks to the left while sleeping). How do you know when it's a "problem"?

I noticed since she was several weeks old that she really only "looked to the right" but never really thought anything of it. Bridallace mentioned that her DD favored one side and that's when it really dawned on me that it was strange. It was at her 2 month appt that I metioned it to the nurse practioner. She said to turn her the other way in the crib, because she probably likes to face the room. She also said to enourage her to look the other way. We tried that for several weeks with little/no success. That's when I noticed her head was flatter on the right side. I called the ped and she had me come in, that's when the torticollis or stiff neck was diagnosed. Although they did not tell me how to do the stretching. They gave me a specialist to call and a physical therapist. Neither had appointments until 3-4 weeks later. I asked the ped if we should try to get an earlier appointment, she said that it was fine.

I wish the NP had mentioned the possibility of toritcollis or the result of sleeping on the one side. I really didn't think her head would flatten that quickly but since they are growing at such a rapid rate it can happen.

Once the ped said it really was an issue, we really agressively started helping her turn her head at night when she slept. We would wait until she fell asleep and then gently turn her head the other way but she often turned it back shortly after. A rolled blanket helps when they are in the car seat or bouncy chair.

I think since your ped knows about the neck and recommended the excersizes that you are in good hands. I just wish we knew to do the stretching earlier. I think what is also important for you now is to make sure your DS isn't always lying with his head to the right. It's like a pumpkin, the ground causes a flat spot b/c it can't grow into the ground. The baby's head is growing and if it has resistance in one area it grows out in other places, causing the flat spot.

Lots of tummy time also helps them with neck control. The specialist's feeling was the neck generally gets better on it's own since by 3-4 months they really have excellent head control and turn to look around. He felt the physical therapy wasn't necessary for her but we are still going to go through with that anyway since I have the appointment for this week.

I have noticed that between 3-4 months old, she looks both ways easily and even fell asleep last night on the "opposite" side.

Honestly looking back, I am frustrated that the NP really didn't provide the specific diagnosis and was very "non-chalant" about the whole thing. Had I known it would result in where we are now I would have done more research and pushed them more. I also read that this is can be common with premature babies. Anyway I wish I knew about this sooner.

Let me know if you need more info!

[wendstress]

Flatheads - DS also has a flat spot on his head. I noticed it before his 2 month appointment and asked the Ped about it. He verified that James could turn his head both ways (he could) and encouraged us to get him to use both sides. That was really all we discussed.

It's gotten a little flatter since the 2 month visit, but in the last few weeks I've been doing a better job of getting him to sleep on his less-favored side. Also, I've noticed he doesn't seem to favor the right side as much. Just now, when I put him to bed, he faced the left side on his own accord.

Met with a nurse to get him weighed and measured yesterday and asked her about it. She said it was mild, and just continue to encourage him to sleep on the left side. She could see that he could easily turn his head all around, so there weren't any muscular concerns.

[kimthebride]

Thanks so much for the additional "head" info.
My ped noticed it right away and was very adamant about me doing the stretches (looking left & right and bringing his ear to his shoulder on each side) and ensuring he looked to the left more often or else it would become an issue. His neck is much looser now, and I'm so glad he spotted it when he did so it didn't escalate. I just hope I'm treating it well enough that it gets resolved.
I appreciate your stories!

[usafwife]

Mispelled Name - We received many gifts addressed to Sara - no "h". One time, someone asked me how it was spelled and after I told them, they said I should have spelled it the other way....whatever :rolleyes:.
Usafwife- Glad I'm not the only one this bothers! I personally like the name better with an "h". When DH and I agreed to name our DD Sarah I asked how he wanted to spell it. I was secretly hoping that he would say with an "h." And when he did I was so happy. I just don't think it looks right without an "h" on it.

[Sherah]

Glad to hear you and your family are ok, Sasha ! Last year, our power was out for over a week. :eek: I hope FPL is right about getting yours turned on again in the next few days! I've heard they were better prepared for a storm this year, so it shouldn't be too long.

Anyone else have a Pinchy Baby? Arik pinches so much, especially while nursing. I've heard that a lot of babies do this to comfort themselves, so I try giving him a soft blanket to hold onto. I'm also thinking of getting a nursing necklace.

[kimthebride]

Pinchy Baby
He just started to pinch blankets, my clothes, sometimes he'll pinch the nipple shield right off me when he's done BFing.
What he's also doing is pulling all my hair out! OUCH! It's like he finally found it and enjoys entwining his fingers into it and yanking. Yowza.

[December27JJB]

Mispelled Names

No mispelled names BUT one of my friends got DD's birth announcements and emailed me to say..."I love her middle name, Alexandria, too bad it isnt her first name." !? What a comment!

Pinching Not yet. She does stratch though! Ouch!

[Ferris]

Pinching Not yet. He does do a lot of pulling though!

DS doesn't like toys!! HE would much rather play and smile with me, and not toys. He looks at them, but doesn't really play with them. Should I be worried or does my guy just entertain himself with other thing?

USAWIFE I have always spelled Sarah with an h!!

Names No misspelled names, but he gets called Douglas, Dougie, Doug, (his middle name is James) so also DJ, and my aunt calls him James. The only one that bothers me is DJ because I think of DJ from the tv show Full house and DJ from Rosanne! But it really doesn't bother me what people call him. In a few years he'll be telling us what he wants to be called!

Professional pics How often do you ladies get them done or plan to get them done?
His 3 month pics
http://www.picturepeople.com/getpicture.aspx?PictureKey=20050825-0042-218156_04&PictureSize=M
http://www.picturepeople.com/getpicture.aspx?PictureKey=20050825-0042-218156_05&PictureSize=M

[diedra1027]

Pinching - Oh yes! She mostly pinches my shirt while nursing, but she'll get my bare skin every once in a while. I can't get her nails short enough or dull enough to not leave claw marks all over me. I also have a hair grabber!

Pictures - We're doing portraits at Picture People at 3, 6, and 9 months. We just had her 3 month session and I was a little disappointed with the shots they got. Hopefully, we'll get something better next time. We'll go to a 'real' photographer for professional shots at one year.

No interest in toys - My babe isn't too interested either. She loves to look at them, but she's not reaching and grabbing for them yet. She reaches and grabs for our faces (our mouths especially) and grabs our fingers and pulls them to her mouth. I think she's hitting all the milestones in that regard, she just uses us as her toys right now.

[kelseyledare]

Pinching - Not at all, though I've recently noticed that she looks around more while nursing than she used to.

Pictures - We're also doing portraits at 3 mos. We've been to a professioanl photographer for newborn and maternity photos and JC Penney (with coupons) in between. I love the results with the professional, but she's recently raised her prices on the prints. :(

No interest in toys - DD used to be exactly the same. Over the last week, she's started to show interest in the bugs on her carrier and at the Pupsqueek toy on the stroller. Still loves the fish on the Aquarium cradle swing and the symphony in motion mobile. Still prefers toys with motion, I guess.

[ahavnes]

Has anyone else seen that there is officially a May 2006 thread? Where did the year go???

Toys- Abbey could care less about toys too, exept for her kick and play bouncer, which she loves. Now trees on the other hand are her FAVE! Weird. ;)

December- That IS a really weird comment...and rude!

Ferris- Those are great pics!

S. Florida Girls- Glad you are all ok. My cousin lives in Coconut Grove and just got power back yesterday, but my aunt in South Dade STILL doesn't have power. Yuck. Can't say I miss that part of living in Miami. ;)

[BTB]

I love that we're all still a chatty bunch even with babes around. :D This thread is always such a fabulous place to visit!

Alien - FWIW I wouldn't worry at all about putting hydrocortisone on DD if she had eczema. :) I'm glad she's getting into her helmet, this'll all be behind you before you know it! And, it's ok to not have washed the Tylenol dropper before putting it back in the bottle, you can still use the rest of the bottle (the solution doesn't support bacterial growth all that well).

KGif - it is recommended that when solids are begun, they are introduced into a spoon and not placed in the bottle. At the earliest stages they are more for learning about eating and how to swallow than for nutrition and the bottle bypasses those learning phases as well as presenting a bigger choking hazard.

Sherah - love those Sassy toys! We registered for that set, and as a naughty registry peeker I knew it had been purchased off the registry. When I didn't get it at the shower, I thought it would be a gift someone purchased for when baby arrived, but she's 4.5 months now and still no Sassy toys. I don't have a point, really, it just amuses me to think about. I hope no one shipped it directly to us 'cuz if they did it never got here!

Sasha - so glad you're all safe and sound!

Ferris - I think it's a-ok your DS is more into people than toys. At this age people are more inherently entertaining - parents are like super-lifelike robot toys that move and speak all on their own, toys you have to learn how to 'work'. :D

Pro pics: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 months - after that, dunno yet.

Solids - DD's 4.5 months, we've started to think about it, but I'm in no rush. Of course we all know the blanket AAP guideline of breastmilk for 6 months, but in the finer print, the AAP does discuss how it may be appropriate in certain instances to begin as early as 4 months or as late as 8 months depending on the developmental readiness of the baby. So, we're looking for readiness, makes more sense to me to tailor to the baby than to aim for the calendar. She's getting there, but she's not ready yet.

Thanks again for all the support and kind words re: SIL. Now that it's been a little while since I've heard any snide comments I'm really excited to have a new niece or nephew. I love my 5-year-old niece so much and can't wait to be an aunt again. No matter how pilly SIL is, she can't make that part not be fun. :D

I had to come back and edit and tell you all how much I love mytoybox.com. They have great prices - definitely cheaper than BRU, and during their sales, cheaper than anything else I found online - plus free shipping if you order $69 or more, and no sales tax (unless you're in their state). And their free shipping is FAST - I ordered Monday morning, and the box came Thursday. I ordered a bunch of Lamaze Toys - I *heart* their stuff. :D Now we seriously need a toy box, and the one we were going to get at BRU has been discontinued because the bottom detaches - glad we procrastinated buying it! :p

[usafwife]

I saw the new May 06 thread. That means that by the end of next month there will be a June 06 thread. That will really make me wonder where the last year went.

Pro Pictures ~ We just had DD's picture taken professionally last weekend so she was just about 2 months old. We have been talking about having some pictures of the three of us taken this coming month. Then we will probably have DD's picture taken at least every two months. We are considering having them taken every month (we won't have to pay for the sitting fees for the next two years...gotta make that purchase worth it). Already know that we want some for Christmas....after all you only have your first Christmas once.

BTB ~ That's strange that someone bought them but never gave the Sassy toys to you. Kinda makes you wonder what happened to them huh?

Ferris ~ Love the pictures! I've known a few Sarah's to be spelled minus the "h." But that wasn't happening here.


December ~ What a strange comment. Even if I didn't like the name chosen by the parents I don't think I would ever tell them that! That's just a little too rude in my book.

Pinching ~ To a degree. DD does it mostly when taking a bottle or nursing. She likes to grab onto something with her hands...be it a shirt, a finger, my hair, etc. She also does her fair share of scratching as well.

[cynder]

Pro Pic Ferris, did you go to Picture People? We had DS's taken on Sat and we got the same exact shot in the second picture except DS was wearing white tshirt and jeans! We're planning on taking pictures 3,6,9, there and professsional shots at 1 year. I am also hiring a friend here on CC to take shots when we go home for DS's baptism

Solids We're shooting for Thanksgiving if he looks ready. It did look like he wanted to eat my ice cream cone yesterday.

Pinching No pinching but a lot of stroking and scratching. It's like he's petting a dog or something.

Toys yes and no. He 2 has toys at daycare that he LOVES and I have been trying to find them because I love seeing him interact with them. Bought some yesterday that he is midly interested. Our ceiling fans are wayyyyy more interesting than any silly toy.

Names Whenever I say Samuel, people always ask if we are calling him Sam which we are. Daycare plastered "Samuel" everywhere and call him that. I never had a nickname so I enocurage calling him all sorts of things. Misspelling or editorial comment though are not allowed.

We had another great weekend. This is kid is such a joy. We moved him to his room with no problem (though Mommy slept lightly). I suspect he is even sleeping a little better. He laughed and babbled enough for Daddy to see it and was a champ at 2 shopping trips. We are tentatively planning a IKEA trip that is 2.5 hrs away which will be his first big trip.

I think my AF is going to rear its ugly head soon. I also think my supply is dipping which is frustrating me. Pumping is becoming to be a real challenge at work so I am trying to psyche myself up Mondays that this is worth it. DS is eating way more than I can give so he is 50% FF/ 50% BF. I am really hoping to turn it around.

[Dreshny]

Back from a 2.5-hour trip to visit the in-laws. On the way there, DS was a champ in the car seat (entertained himself for an hour, then fell asleep after fussing for a minute and stayed asleep for the rest of the trip.) I thought he was finally over his carseat issues...but on the ride back he was turning himself purple and sweaty screaming :eek:, so I guess not. :( Carseat + (likely) 12-week growth spurt = bad news.

Self-soothing: Can any babies here do that yet? In the carseat, DS has to suck my pinky to fall asleep (and obviously, it doesn't always work.) At home, he still can only fall asleep nursing or rocking in the sling. If I try to put him down awake, it just doesn't work. I'm hoping he'll suck his fingers or thumb or something soon.

Spelling: Just to clarify, "Asher" means "happy/fortunate" in Hebrew. My cousins in Argentina write "Acher," but that's because there's no "sh" sound in Spanish. What normally gets mispelled is "Isaiah," but then, the spelling is tricky, and I doubt most people will continue to write it, since it's his middle name. My dad sometimes calls him "Ash," which is fine, but my grandmother called him "AJ" the other day, which is a little strange since his initials are AI.

Picture People: We're taking him to Picture People near my parents' house next weekend (no PP where we live.) My mom thinks it's a waste since we take so many digital pictures. Can they get a good shot of a 3-month old? What is everyone else's experience? And what should I expect to pay?

Pinching: No, but he is starting to get distracted while nursing.

Toys: DS needs constant stimulation (singing, etc.) but he's not so into playing by himself yet. Generally, I use his stuffed animals as puppets, and he loves that.

[alienhost]

Hurricane Katrina I hope all you ladies down south are doing OK with Katrina. Be safe!

BTB thanks for the reassurance on the cream and the dropper! The rash actually is doing much better since I started the hydrocortisone cream. The redness and dry/bumpiness has gone down and is almost gone really.

pinchy baby I have one here, she usually grabs my nursing tank while BFing but sometimes she gives me a good pinch!

Interest in toys she will grab her toys and put them to her mouth, but that has just been in the past 3 weeks or so. I'm thinking I should get her a few more for variety.

Pro Pics haven't done it yet and DD is 4 months. We only have Sears near by and I just wasn't sure how good of a job they would do. I always take my own digital pics at each month. I'm also sensitive to the germ factor at these places. Maybe I'll try it at six months.

QOTD strangers touching your DC I was in the store the other day waiting at the deli counter. DD was in the snap n go and I was wheeling her back and forth talking to her. A lady behind me started asking how old she was etc. Then she reached down and touched her hand! This is the first time a stranger has actually "gone in for the touch". I didn't know what or if I should say anything. DD constantly puts her hands in her mouth so I don't like strangers to touch them. I took out a wipe a few minutes later to wipe it down. Has a stranger done this to your DC? How did/would you react. Since the "damage" was done I didn't say anything.

[KGif]

Spelling - I haven't had to deal with this - it's pretty difficult to mess up "Jack" :)

Toys - Jack LOVES this:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002XO5VU.01.PT01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

He just loves those two little soft fish that hang down. He just reaches out and holds on to them ... he holds the fin of the blue one so it looks like they are holding hands. Too cute

Pinching - Nope, not yet!

Pro pics - Haven't had any done nor do I have any scheduled! I really need to get on that. I have taken a ton myself tho :)

[diedra1027]

Dreshny - Picture People can get really expensive, really quickly! If you don't have any coupons here's a break down of the costs (not sure if it's different in different areas). The sitting fee is 9.95. They will take five different 'poses'. The prints are offered by the sheet or by the pose pack (8x10, 2 5x7, and 8 wallets). A pose pack costs $46 (I think...or maybe $42) and if you buy more than one pose you get a slight price break. If you only want individual sheets, they run $18 for color and $23 for black and white. As for quality...depends on the skill of the photographer you happen to get and the mood of your baby. My baby clammed up in front of the camera and our photographer wasn't very helpful, so we didn't get any really super photos. I have better pictures that I've taken of her at home, but I still ended up spending over $100 (and I had a coupon!).

[KGif]

QOTD strangers touching your DC
So funny that you bring this up b/c the same thing happened to me yesterday! I was at Wegmans at the deli counter, number in hand awaiting my turn. There was quite a crowd there so it was taking forever and a day. This super nice lady and her adorable daughter were also awaiting their turn and were looking at Jack in the shopping cart -- the little girl kept saying he was the "cutest baby in the entire world!" which I just loved of course :) But then the girl and the mom started touching him. His feet, his cheeks, holding his hand, etc. I was somewhat okay with it as they were being gentle BUT I almost had to say something when the little girl said "He wants to eat my finger!". Ummm - no. Luckily her mom explained that she was not allowed to put her fingers in or near his mouth.
It's just kind of strange to me that people would walk up and touch somebody else's baby like that . Even before I had a child of my own that was just something I would NEVER do.

[kimthebride]

Ferris
Holy cow is your little man cute! And no, I don't think his lack of interest in toys is a problem. I find people way moer interesting than toys, myself. ;) Think about it: we can make all kinds of faces and noises and we are cuddly and interactive. How fun!

December
Um, that was so rude! I think her name is great.

Pro Pics
I feel a silly silly paying for them since I take about 20 pictures a day, lol. :p I planned on doing my own little 'photo session' here at home on Saturday when he turns 3 months old. If it turns out well, I'll just keep doing that.

Self-soothing
He's back and forth on this one. Some day's he doesn't want the binky, just wants to suck on his hands, shirt or blanket until he dozes off for his naps, other days I have to cuddle him up in my arms with the binky and shush him for 2-5 minutes to get him down.

QOTD: Strangers
Geez, I probably would be a bit annoyed if anyone just reached out and grabbed. But on the other hand, I have found myself (as a mom reflex i guess) reach out to other new babies but pull back my hand when I realize it's likely inappropriate. If someone tried, I'd say something like "Oh, he's a bit shy" and hope they take the hint...then pull our the Wet Wipes.

Kick Toys
Other than the Einstein Play gym...anyone have a really great toy/gym thing that DC loves to kick at that makes noises and lights? I'm looking for something but none are rated very well on Amazon. TIA!!!

[Natrat80]

QOTD-touching baby We haven't had too much trouble with this. When we visited my mom at her school last week a few people asked if they could touch her, I responded "yes, thank you for asking." I'm usually okay with it if I know the person (or in this case if my mom knows her), but if its a total stranger I try to avoid it. I always keep the handle to the carseat and the sunshade up when we take her in the stroller to create a barrier to any potential "touchers"! That's why I love the Baby Bjorn-you can't touch baby without getting into momma's personal space and so most people stay away!
pro pics None yet, but I really am starting to think about it. I'd really rather have my friend who did our belly pics come over and take some outdoor ones of Addie. We're just not really studio picture kind of people.
pinching YES! I've noticed in the last week that Addie has started grabbing her blankets and her own clothes and she's been grabbing me, my hair, my bra (while nursing) for a few weeks now. I know she doesn't mean to hurt me but ouch! Sometimes those baby fingernails can really dig in deep!
solids I agree with BTB -we're going to look for signs that she's ready to start trying solid food, although I'm hoping it will be closer to 6 months than 4!
misspelling name I think my SIL spelled Addie with a 'y' for a while, but I just nicely corrected her. We named DD Addison Grace and most of the time we call her Addie or Addie Grace. DH's family has made a few rude comments regarding the fact that we hardly ever call her Addison. I don't care what people call her-Addison, Addie or Addie Grace, but I don't really think its necessary to make fun of our choice to use her nickname. Oh inlaws are here to make us crazy huh??? :rolleyes:
interest in toys DD likes toys if I play with her. Yesterday for the first time she seemed to play with a toy on her own. As I mentioned above, she's started grabbing things and I put her inchworm toy on her tummy and she started grabbing, moving it around and she was quite pleased with herself! :D
self soothing I keep waiting for DD to get her thumb in her mouth. I've seen her do it a few times when she's really tired. But I hope it happens soon because I'm really tired of putting the pacifier back in when she spits it out and starts crying!
explosive poop Monday my sweet DD wore 6 outfits-that's right 6! She wet through her pajamas and pooped through the next 2 outfits! Of course the second time it happened I was out running errands about 30 minutes away from home and I didn't have a spare outfit because she wore it when she had explosive poop the day before. I sat there in the car with her for about 10 minutes trying to decided if I should leave her in the poop outfit or have her just in a diaper. DD thought it was hilarious and was laughing and smiling at me the whole time. So I was crying and laughing through the tears. I'm so thankful she was happy otherwise it might have ruined my whole day!! I decided to leave her in the poopy outfit and went to Walmart and bought a package of onesies and put her in one of those. I can't remember how she got through the next 3 outfits, but she did it! I now have a spare outfit in the diaper bag and 2 clean plain onesies, diapers and wipes in the glove box of my car for emergencies!

[jrdhbunny]

Name- We are pretty clear with people that James is to be James, not Jim, Jimmy, Jim Ed (as my stepdad calls him :rolleyes: ), or any other such variation. I have no problem whatsoever with nicknames, it's just that there are four men/boys with the same name in DH's family and none of them go by just plain James so this will be his way of standing out namewise. When DH and his dad are in the same room, it's a constant battle to figure out which one is being spoken to! :D

December- A co-worker's SIL made one of the rudest comments I've ever heard. After my colleague's DD was born, the SIL came in and asked what the name was. When they told her, the SIL said "Ugh. I wouldn't even give that name to my dog." :eek:

Pro Pics- We take so many digital photos that it would probably be a waste, but I'm still itching to get them done. I think what I really want is a family portrait. There's a Picture People by my office, so I may get DH to bring DS up there one weekday. (Dreshny- it's in the Galleria Mall which is practically right across from the White Plains train station and very easy to get to from the city.)

Stranger touching baby- This hasn't happened yet, thank goodness! It's bad enough dealing with unsolicited advice.

Pinching- DS is such a grabber that nothing is off limits. Hair, eyeballs, lips, chin, shirts, you name it. It's actually a little dangerous because while I'm talking he'll grab my mouth and almost get bit. He's particularly fascinated with water bottles for some reason. He also loves to watch us eat and tries to grab the fork or spoon.

Self-soothing- Sometimes when he's really ready for bed, but not overtired, he'll just roll over and go to sleep. This is fairly rare though.

We had our four month well visit today and all was well. He didn't gain as much as I had expected (he was 12 lbs, 3 oz at his two month and 13 lbs, 13 oz today), but he's still hovering right around the 50th percentile so the doctor wasn't concerned. Poor little guy cried so hard when he got his shots, but stopped as soon as I cuddled him. He's sleeping right now- I pray he doesn't have a bad reaction. Last time he was just so miserable for three days. :(

Hope any ladies in the Gulf Coast states and Florida are doing ok!!!!

[rancherswife]

It's official....our babies are getting old! There's already a May 2006 Mommies thread! :( I swear we were JUST there going through all of the first trimester stuff???? Where does the time go?

pinchy baby: no pinching, but he's been able to get fists full of hair and PULL!

Name: It's spelled pretty much how it sounds, so we haven't had too much trouble w/ that. We do have one friend that continues to spell it LANDEN. Oh well...

pro pics.: we have purchased a "panel" from a great studio, they do 3, 6, 9 and 12 mos. w/ two specials...on in the fall and one in spring.

well.....I had intentions to type more, but Landon has OTHER plans for us ;)

here's a pic. of my belly laughing boy:http://images.snapfish.com/3448563523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2347%3D69%3B%3D%3C6%3A %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A69649539ot1lsi

bbl.......

[Traciann]

Name DD's name is Mary Kate. Suprisingly we haven't had too much trouble with it since we call her by her first and middle name... Once people hear her name is Mary Kate they know to call her that...and its not a name that translates into a nickname well.

Toys DD just started actually playing with toys (bringing them to her mouth and holding onto them) maybe 2 weeks ago. She gets pretty mad at the gymini if she wants to put the hanging animals in her mouth and can't reach...its quite funny! I also have a beach ball thats a little deflated so she can grip onto it when she in on her back...she likes that too. Her favorite toy though is the Lamaze Freddie the Firefly. I keep it in the car so when we go places she has something to play with. She has fallen asleep holding onto it which is pretty cute.

Pro Pictures I too take alot of pictures. I am afraid that if I were to go I would spend alot of money we just don't have...so I have been holding off. I actually bought a black twin sheet at walmart ($3) and have laid it behind DD and have taken a couple of really cute pictures that way.

Solids Our Ped mentioned it at her 4 month visit...but I really don't think she is ready. When I see her showing the signs I might start then...but honestly I would like to hold off close to the 6th month mark as possible. BF is just too easy to add something else to the mix! :)

Strangers touching baby I was coming out of a dressing room at Target after feeding DD and a lady going in touched her on the back while making a comment about how cute she is. A couple of weeks ago at Chick fil a I got alot of attention...a worker, a little girl and a grandma all wanted to touch her. The only one I wasn;t bothered by was the grandma...she said she just washed her hands...So generally I don't like it but little old grandmas don't bother me as much.

Do you guys always get alot of attention when you go out? People are always looking and/or talking to me.

[Sasha]

Yay, our power came back yesterday! It is so nice to be back home. Sarah did great staying at my ILs, but I think we are all much happier back at home.

Strangers Touch Baby - Hasn't really happened to us yet. But I think if I did see some stranger going to touch her, I'd probably tell them that she once had salmonella poisoning, and I bet that would keep them away ;). We are pretty paranoid about people holding her ever since that happened anyway, so I would most definitely be upset if a stranger did that.

Attention - All the time. I don't mind, I like showing off my little girl :). Plus I've noticed that if I'm out and see a stroller, I always look to see the baby inside.

Pro Pics - We did ones at JCPenney's when DD was about 10 weeks old and it was the biggest waste of time and money. The photographer was horrible, it was so rushed, he had practically no experience with infants, and Sarah was in tears by end of the session. We should have waited until she was a little older. I'll probably try again at 6 months but definitely not at Penney's.

[Dreshny]

Strangers: You'd think not, since DS is always in a sling on me or DH, but actually people touch him all the time, to our chagrin. We had a waitress take him right out of my mom's arms at a restaurant once. But worst of all was last week on DH's birthday, when DH and I were eating at a sidewalk cafe and a homeless man came up to us and held DS's hand. DH was polite, like he always is to homeless people, and talked to him and gave him some change. But afterwards he ran DS into the bathroom to wash his hand.

And I get tons of attention--I can barely walk down the street without getting stopped--but I think most of it is because it's pretty rare in my neighborhood to wear a sling.

Re PP: I do have a coupon, but I had hoped it wasn't so expensive. I don't have to buy if the photos aren't so hot, right?

[Traciann]

Dreshny I have a coupon for PP too, but I am afraid that they will turn out cute...and I won't be able to stand leaving the pictures there!

[allyray231]

[/B]man it has been a while!

misspelling name-of course we had to be different and do AIDEN and not AIDAN so I get it all the time. That is OK I am ALLYSON not ALLISON so I am used to it

Pro picsI was gonna do them really early on but seemed kinda like a waste-I might just wait till Xmas now-not sure

Self soothPLEASE KID FIND YOUR TUMB!!! He is getting the hand thing kinda but it ALL HE DOES IS LOOK FOR IT!!! He can do it sometimes and he can even fall asleep on his own but sometimes I have to rock him

People touching baby[B]Not too much--I had the lady upstairs touch him-and I hate her :) I just get a lot of oohs and ahhs

Pinching Nope-A likes to stroke things with his hand-my sholder, hand whatever

interest in toysnot as much as before-he LOVES his mobile. I would love some recs for kicking toys too-A loves to kick[B]

[mama915]

Whew! I need to get here a bit more often! Unfortunately my boys horde the computer on the weekends while us gals hang out.

I'm glad to hear you FL gals are ok!

Baby pics: We have a mighty good looking bunch over here! Such cuties!

Cereal: Not until she's ready. My son however, I started him on cereal around 4 months because he could sit up by himself and when he'd sit on my lap at dinner time he would literally open his mouth and go for my fork. I don't think my little girl will be doing that though :)

Strangers: Yes! OMG! Too funny this was mentioned because last week I had gone into the gas station for some coffee which I made a routine of doing after I dropped off my son to daycare in the mornings so the ladies there always coo and complement her. Then one day one of the ladies was like, "Oh she's awake!!" and grabbed her foot and wiggled it. I was totally taken aback by it and had no clue what to say. Oh well, Sierra didn't seem too traumatized by it like her mommy was :o

[alienhost]

self soothing DD has been sucking on her fists for a while now. She just started sucking her thumb this past week - but he keeps her hand open while doing it, it's pretty funny.

attention we get a lot of nice comments from people - it makes me smile when people comment on how cute she is etc. As long as they don't touch her :D

strangers/touching honestly I'm surprised at the amount of people who have experienced this. I would never even think of touching someone else's baby in the grocery store etc. I also think if some stranger asked, I'd politely say "I'd prefer you didn't" although that really doesn't sound polite does it? It is interesting b/c now that I think of it that wasn't the first time someone touched her - we were at the dry cleaner and the seamstress there came over to admire, and DD has a rash on her arms, she touched her arm and said "what happened here?" first of all don't touch her, secondly don't comment about her rash!

name DD's name is Katherine. When I call the dr's office etc. people always say "with a C or a K" so at least people are aware of different spellings.

I can't believe the May 2006 mommas thread is out there! Just think we are appoaching the dates of our BFP! Scary!

[Mrs.Chappy]

hey ladies.haven't posted ina while. Do babies have growth spurts around 12 weeks. DS has been really fussy today. could be also that he had a crazy weekend being baby sat by grandma while iwas in a wedding. his schedule is all messed up. That an considering DH's mother put him to bed at 11:15 :( when he ususally goes down at 10). She said she couldn't wake him from his nap to feed him so she just let him sleep. it really annoyed me that she didn't listen to what we requested. Then she complained the next day of how tired SHE was b/c the baby kept her up till past 11. I thought that was rude. DS was sleeping from 10:30 til 6:30 until this past weekend. Hopefully we can get back on track.
Anyway, thanks for letting me complain.

[Dreshny]

Mrs Chappy: Yes, there is definitely a 12-week growth spurt. My DS is in it right now...

[happy1nuv]

Strangers: I've only successfully taken ds out twice in his stroller (he prefers arms/sling/bjorn - never have this issue with them) ... But, the first time in the stroller, he was only in it for 15 minutes before he was done. The second time he hung out in it for a while (at the mall) - and I didnt have a problem with people touching him, but they'd get right in his face. There were 3 people on an elevator (a mom, daughter and dad -- but older ... the daughter was probably in her 40's, so not a kid) ...the two women got all loud... RIGHT after I'd gotten him to sleep and put him back in the stroller. ARGH!! Not to be mean or snotty, but I know he's cute. I'm his mom...even if he were ugly, I'D think he's cute. No need to shout it in a 3x5 space...

Solids: Nic is fascinated by watching us eat (for a few anyway)... but I don't think he's anywhere near ready. My dad keeps making comments about how I won't be able to keep him from real food for a year (give the man an inch, he takes a mile... I way over-estimate the timeframe for him. Esp because when he says let the kid eat, he means pasta and candy...umm, no.) ... Once that door opens, I KNOW we're gonna have issues. So I'm gonna keep it closed as long as I can. (well, maybe there will be at home rules/out of the house rules)...

Attention: Yep, we get lots too. I love the...wow, thats a small 3 month old...wow thats a huge 3 month old comments. Ummm... you just don't know how big a 3 month old is supposed to be. His ped says he's just fine.

I'm addicted to ebay. They have sooo many cute outfits on there... Nic's not always the best to take out shopping, but I can ebay while he eats. Someone help me... My child does not need a baby tuxedo, even if it is only 6.50 with shipping :)

name ~ Eh, It doesn't bother me when people misspel his name, so long as they don't call him Dom. I HATE Dom. Nic is fine, DJ works too... but don't call him Dom. (My sister/his godmother, who should know better, mispelled his name...At least she didnt have something made up for him like that...)

Self soothing~ Yeah right.I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Toys ~ I bought a spinning rattle thing that suctions to his high chair... he LOVES it. Other than that, he likes the toys that mommy plays with. Oh, and the fisher price fish thing for the car... he loves that too.

Pro Pics ~ Nope. Not gonna either. I am investing in Walmart close out material though... for 1.00/yd on clearance, it makes a great backdrop... and since we have a digi camera, I just take a billion pics/pose til I get a good one. (we did get a tripod though, so it makes it easier) I have black, white, and blue backdrops... and am looking for cloud material... :) We are gonna go and get prof family portraits though.

Hmmm... I think I'm caught up...

Take care, those in Katrina's path... Stay safe!

[usafwife]

QOTD ~ Strangers touching the baby ~ Yes we've experienced this. The first time I was like what the heck!?! It caught me totally off guard. I don't mind people asking about or wanting to look at DD but I'm not comfortable with strangers touching. If we know them then it's not as bad.

Attention while out ~ Yes. People always want to see DD and comment on her. We always get asked questions while we our out. When they comment on how cute/adorable baby she is then I feel very proud.

Pictures ~ We take a TON of pictures (both digital and SLR) at home. I don't know how many rolls of flim we have had to develop since DD was born but I know it's been quite a few. We've also gotten out the video camera to record things as well. We are still going to do professional pictures often though.

Nat ~ Sorry that your DD went through 6 outfits the other day. Don't those smiles and laughs make the hard/rough times worth it?

rancherswife ~ Cute picture!

Traciann ~ I like your idea of buying a black bed sheet to use as a background for taking pictures. I just may have to do that myself. I've used one of DD's handmade blankets to use as a backdrop for some of her pictures.

[tgray99]

Oh yeah, and another thing! Does anyone else have a kid whose name is constantly misspelled? Abbey's name has an "e" in it and EVERYONE, including my cousin, who is her Godmother, misspells it!! I'm really trying not to get annoyed b/c we did this to ourselves, but I am tired of seeing "Abby." (Not that there's anything wrong with that name! ;))
I'm WAY behind so I'm responding as I get to things.

Aidan's name is ALWAYS misspelled...annoys the ever livin' heck out of me. People spell it Aiden, rather than Aidan. Of course, people have always misspelled my name too. Tera or Terra, instead of Tara. :rolleyes: Ugg.

[tgray99]

Has anyone else seen that there is officially a May 2006 thread? Where did the year go???
Yeah, my brother and his new wife just announced that they're pregnant and due late April, early May. I can't believe Aidan will be a year old when their baby is born. Sadly, my brother will be in Iraq when it's born and SIL has MS and is in a wheelchair. She will definitely need a lot of help when baby comes.

[tgray99]

pinchy baby I have one here, she usually grabs my nursing tank while BFing but sometimes she gives me a good pinch!
Aidan is a hair puller. She grabs up big chunks of my hair and pulls for all she's worth. I find her with pieces of my hair in her hand later on.

Interest in toys she will grab her toys and put them to her mouth, but that has just been in the past 3 weeks or so. I'm thinking I should get her a few more for variety.
Aidan has just started doing this just recently. She attempts at grabbing at things on tables or if I hold her rattles or toys in front of her she'll swipe at them and automatically stick them in her mouth (if her aim is good). ;)

Pro Pics haven't done it yet and DD is 4 months. We only have Sears near by and I just wasn't sure how good of a job they would do. I always take my own digital pics at each month. I'm also sensitive to the germ factor at these places. Maybe I'll try it at six months.
We had photos done at 3 weeks at Studio One and I spent over $700!! :eek: :eek: For her 3 month photos I took her to Sears and they were really good. They offered a lot of the same types of photos that Studio One did and I only spent $100 this time. I'm stickin' with Sears. I really didn't seem to notice much of a germ issue. I brought her own toys for getting her attention.

QOTD strangers touching your DC I was in the store the other day waiting at the deli counter. DD was in the snap n go and I was wheeling her back and forth talking to her. A lady behind me started asking how old she was etc. Then she reached down and touched her hand! This is the first time a stranger has actually "gone in for the touch". I didn't know what or if I should say anything. DD constantly puts her hands in her mouth so I don't like strangers to touch them. I took out a wipe a few minutes later to wipe it down. Has a stranger done this to your DC? How did/would you react. Since the "damage" was done I didn't say anything.
I would have been livid. I completely understand how shocked you were, I would have been too. I think I would've pulled the wipe or hand sanitizer out while she was standing there.

[cynder]

strangers touching Some do and I really don't mind it. If it looked like someone sketchy, I probably would mind. Kids love to touch him and most moms are mindful to stop them. It never really occured to me that touching was a big no-no with most of you. I think I like to touch babies but they are friends' babies.

Now, if I got a dollar for everytime I heard "Ohmigod, your baby has such big eyes!" or "Ohmigod, your baby has such long eyelashes!", I could keep DS clothed in Gymboree year round.

Pro Pic If you are hesitating because of the $$, I would say hold and save for a good really photographer for the 1 yr old portrait. People Picture turned out ok but it was mostly for the grandparents who have similar portraits of the other grandchildren. I'm so picky and like the artsy B&W style. Black velveteen (cheaper than velvet) makes a great back drop.

self soothe I would be shocked if DS could find his thumb right now. He is all about the fists and only when he is propped on my shoulder.

spurt YES! We are at 14 weeks and this is his second week of 2 hr day cycles.

[Carissa]

pro pics We had some done at Sears but they didn't turn out well and I hated the photographer. I plan on just continuing to take my own pics of her it's a lot cheaper!

Happy What a good idea for backdrops! I would of never thought of that.

I meet with the surgeon tomorrow. I am not looking forward to it but I know it needs to be done. Grace turned 16 weeks on Sunday! She rolled over for the first time on Saturday and now she is grabbing at everything. She is starting to gum things to which makes me think she is starting to teeth.

Here she is
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/texancarissa/IMG_1645.jpg

[mama915]

Hi Everyone! Just stopping by to see how everyone is doing. I am getting kinda nervous about Thursday when I go back to work. I know Sierra will be in very good hands but it's been so nice being home with her! Glad to know there is a growth spurt...seemed like all she's wanted to do lately was eat and sleep! Maybe she's hitting it now?

Carissa~ My DD has that same outfit and that same Boppy cover!

[Mrs.Chappy]

we did pro pics at sears and they came out good..but were expensive..here is one from my camera yesterday..i will go back to sears like once every six months. its nice to get pics for the family.
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1385/1/72/73/79/60/9/960797372106_0_ALB.jpg

[usafwife]

Carissa ~ Cute picture! My little girl has that same outfit and matching hat.


My thoughts and prayers are with everyone down south. We have quite a few friends down in that area. We haven't heard from very many of them. I know that one friend's house is most likely destroyed and/or was underwater. She and her kids live at most 4 blocks from the beach and US 90. My DH and I know that area VERY well as we lived down there for a while. We are waiting to hear about the Air Force base in Biloxi. It sustained quite a bit of damage (as we knew it would being that it is one block off Hwy. 90). It's so strange to see places and/or streets/highways that we would go to totally destroyed. We can see a picture and make out landmarks and know where they are reporting from. We also visited New Orleans many times. It was an hour from Biloxi/Gulfport so we would head over there on a Saturday.

[Natrat80]

I have to share these pictures. A friend of mine took them today. I am amazed at how professional they look!
http://images.snapfish.com/3448689523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2343%3D7%3A5%3D54%3A%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3A7264%3A3%3B%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3448689523232%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3252%3E6%3B4%3E459%3EWS NRCG%3D3232%3B63556%3A7%3Anu0mrj

edited to take out nudie baby pictures

[tgray99]

So cute! They do look professional! I would definitely get lots of those to send to family!

[ahavnes]

Those pics are great! I'm jealous!

[Sasha]

Wow, they are fantastic! Your friend did an amazing job!

[mama915]

Nat ~Your friend did a wonderful job!

Mrs. Chappy ~ I can't see it :(

[allyray231]

Aiden had been peeing a TON! I mean his diapers are super super wet the last few days. I asked the ped when I called for another question and they said it was fine just keep and eye on it-what do you think?

Well he FINALLY found his fingers at least-and is having a grand old time!

[rancherswife]

nat those pics. are amazing!

carissa darling pic. of Grace, i love all these babes w/ their chubby little faces! So sweet..

QOTD: Anyone else exclusively bf'ing and get AF back already?

She paid me a visit yesterday morning, I was so bummed, I thought it would be a while! I know everyone's different, but I was truly hoping for a good 5-6 mos., especially since we're nursing exclusively! Damn! Oh well...just curious if this is pretty common, I know at my 6 week PP appt. my dr. told me it's not uncommon NOT to have your period the whole time while you're nursing, so I guess I had my heart set on that. Then, DH makes an INSANE comment when I tell him, af returned, he said "cool, now we can start trying for #2." Sometimes I wonder about that man!lol

Hope everyone in the "Kaitlyn" area is safe and sound!

[kimthebride]

Aiden had been peeing a TON!
I noticed Thomas is too, but he also seemed to be drinking more at the boob. I usually multitask while he BFs, but I made a point to really watch and listen and not only does he seem to be eating more, but I think I am making more.

But it's still funny to take a 2-pound diaper off a 14-pound baby. :p

QOTD: I'm exclusively BFing and still no Flo (thank the Lord!)

[LIZNKEITH]

QOTD
We are exclusively BFing (or at least as much as I can) and AF returned at exactly 10 weeks PP. I was reading in TCOYF as they said that it usually returns once you are going 4 hours or more between feedings during the day and 6 or more at night. We fall in to this last category. DD usually sleeps 6 or more hours at night.

[rancherswife]

I was reading in TCOYF as they said that it usually returns once you are going 4 hours or more between feedings during the day and 6 or more at night. We fall in to this last category. DD usually sleeps 6 or more hours at night.

That makes sense, then....he eats every 2-3 during the day, but sleeps 7 hours at night before waking for a feeding...hmmm...I think I'd rather have him sleepin' those seven hours and have AF than have him still waking to eat!lol

[Carissa]

QOTD I am not exclusively Bf'ing but A has not found me yet.

Those are awesome pics! How funny that a few of us have the same outfit for DD. I didn't buy that one it came from one of her Aunties.

[LIZNKEITH]

I think I'd rather have him sleepin' those seven hours and have AF than have him still waking to eat!lol
My sentiments exactly! LOL! :D

[Sherah]

QOTD : I want AF back!!! Well, maybe not THAT much, but I want to start charting to avoid pregnancy again! We are exclusively BF and Arik sleeps 8-10 hours between feedings every night now. I hope this doesn't mean I need to take an ept. Yikes!

Meds. : Anyone taking medications out of necessity that haven't been studied in nursing mothers? I was so lucky to not have any allergy or asthma symptoms while pregnant, but asthma is slowly creeping up on me now. Unfortunately, the medication I need to keep my lungs healthy is questionable for nursing mothers. Oh, BTB ....how does a med. that works locally in my lungs make it's way into my milk? I have so many questions about this whole predicament and my doc. is unavailable! :rolleyes:

Toys : Arik is loving his new set from BRU. We highly recommend this expensive gift set to anyone who was wondering!
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000067QZI.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[kimthebride]

Random Reccomendation
The Ultimate Throw, sold on www.BabyStyle.com
http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0004/www.estyle.com/images/product/17011_MID_r.jpg
It is absolutely perfect for taking baby out to the park. The top is smooth cottom and the edges & bottom are waterproof nylon. And it's huge: 54"x84". Costs a little more than other baby blankets, but I've used this a few times so far and it is fabulous. Last week I did an outdoor mommy play group and had enough room on this not only for Thomas, me & his toys but we also invited another mom & baby to join us. And it folds into the carrier which is perfect to toss into the stroller basket, put over the stroller handle, or carry as a tote if you're carrying the babe - so lightweight.

[alienhost]

QOTD : We are exclusively BF and Arik sleeps 8-10 hours between feedings every night now. I hope this doesn't mean I need to take an ept. Yikes!

My thoughts exactly, DD has been STTN for almost a month now and no AF - she is 18 weeks. I'm getting a little scared now.

[ahavnes]

Sherah- I have the same questions. I have a sinus infection and my doc prescribed a nasal spray that hasn't been tested so I am wondering... :confused:

[Sasha]

Took Sarah to the GI doc yesterday (for her reflux) and they were thrilled to see how well she was doing on the medication. It really did make a night and day difference...sheesh, when I think back to the beginning when we didn't know why she was in so much pain....Anyway, at 3.5 months, she is 12 lbs, 12 oz.

LOL, and Sarah has a new trick. Purses her lips together and goes "pftftftftf" and blows spit bubbles :p. She blows so hard that her face will turn red. And then when she sees that it makes DH and I laugh, she just keeps on going. Ahhh, my little genius, Harvard here she comes ;)

AF - 15 weeks PP and she's not here yet. I did have some spotting about a week ago but then nothing.

Sitting Up - Anyone else have a baby that is trying to sit up? It looks like she is doing crunches or something, lol. Her daycare said they thought she would have great abs, lol.

[Natrat80]

sitting up Yes. When Addie is in her carseat, on the Boppy or in her papasan chair (all slightly vertical positions) she tries to sit up. It really does look like she's doing crunches!
QOTD Exclusively BF'ing and no AF. Although I'm breaking out like crazy and I keep wondering if she's just around the corner.

[LIZNKEITH]

Meds
I'm on numerous meds for my asthma/allergies. Was on them all through my pregnancy and still am. All were ok'd by my Pulmonologist (sp?), OB, and ped. Anything in particular you want to know about? If it hepls, I'm on Zyrtec, Rhinocort, Pulmocort, & Serevent. When I mentioned to my Dr. that we were TTC, he switched my meds around to these saying that they were safe in pregnancy and for nursing. HTH!

Sasha,
That was probably AF. Mine was super light this month. TCOYF says that after 6 weeks if you should see any sort of blood at all, you should consider that you are fertile and take all necessary measures. Glad to hear the meds are helping DD!

"Sitting" Up
Yup, it's the cutest things. It does look like little baby crunches! Right after she's finished eating she'll thrust her head forward to let us know she's ready to sit up and be burped. LOL!

[Carissa]

Sitting up Yup Grace does it all the time. She hates to lay down anymore unless she is sleepy. She is the typical nosey girl! :)

Grace finally is sttn 6-8 hours a time yay! My surgery is set for Sept. 6th one night in the hospital not looking forward to being away from DD but I gotta do what I gotta do. They said it is a 2 week recovery so that is not to bad better than the 6 week one I had when I had my tonsils out.

[diedra1027]

AF - BF-ing on demand and not even a hint of AF. DD sleeps anywhere from 6-8 hours at night. Every once in a while I get an AF like cramp, but that's about it. One of my fertility issues was high prolactin and I stopped having a period when my prolactin level rose just a smidge above normal. I expect (and hope!) that the trend continues and that AF stays away as long as we're BF-ing and the prolactin is flowing.

sitting up - Yes! It's so cute :). DD also started twisting around when I hold her on my shoulder...she wants to see! As soon as she learns to hang on, we'll be ready to walk around with her on my hip :cool:.

kim - That is a really COOL blanket. I'm trying to think of a good reason why I must get one...maybe for next summer?!?!

[jrdhbunny]

AF- Nope! James has been STTN for a while now; I'm not sure when she'll show her ugly face again. Although I am kind of looking forward to when I can chart again.

Sitting Up- Yes and it's the funniest thing! We've started putting him in his Bumbo and he likes the new vantage point it gives him.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/heatherroal/bumbo_2210_re.jpg

Carissa- good luck with your surgery and recovery!!

DS actually threw a mini temper tantraum last night! I thought we weren't going to have to deal with that until further down the line. :rolleyes: I was lifting him up to look into the mirror above our couch and my arms got tired so I stopped. DS was making his "annoyed cry" when all of a sudden it turned into a screech. While he was doing that, he balled his fists up and his face became a study of utter frustration. He did it again this morning when I wasn't getting to his crib fast enough- I guess he's finding his voice!

[cynder]

jrdhbunny Do you like the Bumbo. Is it worth $40?

DS is starting to move legs over to the side in a small attempt to roll over. No baby sit ups but he does love to sit on our laps during dinner to see what is going.

Does anyone have any ideas or tips on how to "de-swaddlize". DS is STTN through the night for 2 months and we moved his bath/bedtime up to 9:00 with a bottle dream feed at 11:00. We use the miracle blanket and he sleeps great until 7:00 am and rarely stirs in the night. Since he is making motions of rolling over I want to get rid of the swaddle but everytime we set him in the crib unswaddled, he is immediately awake. Daycare is able to get him to nap ~1 hour in the crib unswaddled but it's hit or miss on most days. Anyone successfully transition a heavy swaddled baby? DH is going out of t

[allyray231]

Sitting up-Yeah A does this in his car seat

lifting his buttthis is his NEW fav thing. he likes to lift his butt with his legs and he is getting really good at it!

Fingers fingers fingers he finally found his fingers and this is ALL he wants to do--suck suck suck!

[jrdhbunny]

cynder- The Bumbo is great...for a small period of time. DS gets tired in it fairly quickly as the following montage will show:

"I could sure use some caffeine!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/heatherroal/bumbo_2216_smaller.jpg

"Oh look, a Double-Shot! Score!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/heatherroal/bumbo_2217_re_smaller.jpg

"I knocked it over...nooooo!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/heatherroal/bumbo_2218_re_smaller.jpg

I think it wears him out because he has to balance himself. As his trunk muscles get stronger, I would imagine he'll be able to stay in longer.

[Dreshny]

AF: No, not yet. Asher sleeps through the night now (last night he slept from 9:30-6:30), but during the day he nurses a lot on demand. Every 2 hours, sometimes more like every 1 1/2 hours.

DS is still in his 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers, even though he's a pretty big guy. Hmmm... I haven't measured or weighed him lately, but I'm sure he's over 13 lbs and more than 24 inches long. I have noticed that the Carter's brand runs huge--DS still fits into a Carter's preemie outfit labelled "5-7 lbs." I tried a 3-6 month outfit on him today, and it fit him in the length, but it was just so wide on him. It's really weird.

Does anyone else have a very high-maintenance baby? I know that diedra and happy1 seem to have babies who are similar to Asher. I'm getting exhausted. He hates the stroller and the carseat and the bouncy chair. I can't put him down at home unless I talk/sing/make eye contact the whole time. If I put him in the Gymini, I have to interact with him, too. I can't cook or even eat, really, unless DH is home. I can't leave the room without DS fussing. And I can't put him to sleep without walking him in the sling/rocking him/nursing him (I'm most concerned about nursing him to sleep because I can't do that anymore once he gets teeth--I don't want to rot them.) I feel like I'll never be able to leave him with a sitter and I feel like I'll never be able to pursue my own interests again. Is anyone else experiencing this at all?

We're visiting my parents this weekend, and I know my mom is happy to take Asher whenever he's not nursing, which means I get 2-hour breaks. :)

[usafwife]

Nat ~ Those pictures are wonderful!!!! If you hadn't said that they weren't professional I never would have known. They look so professional.

Carissa ~ We bought the dress for DD about two months before she was born. We saw it and just fell in love with. We also have another one that is light green and has the same print underneath the dress (where the snaps are).

Sitting Up ~ DD tries when she is sitting in the carseat. She also tries to sit up in a couple of other positions as well but they are all vertical ones. I'm sure that helps her out a little.

AF ~ Well, I've had her twice already. And each time it's been quite a bit heavier and longer than before I got pregnant. Anyone else have this happen? I've just about decided to try BC pills for a month or two to see if they help it get back to normal. Although I'm a little worried about taking the pills as it means an end to BFing and could bring my severe headaches back. Not really looking forward to either one of those things.

jrdhbunny ~ Cute pictures.

ally ~ Glad your little one finally found his fingers!

Weekend Plans ~ We are going to have a get together with family this weekend. We have been trying to decide which weekend to have a party/celebration since DD arrived. It's so hard because one weekend is always out and DH sometimes has to work Saturdays. So we are going to cookout on Sunday.

Last weekend we went to BIL/SIL's house. Their oldest daughter had a meltdown over DD. She wanted her to be looking at her when A wanted her to. Well that just dosen't always happen. Then she got in an dissagreement with her younger sister. And when things didn't go the way she wanted them to she had a regular little fit. You would have thought that the world was coming to an end the way she was carrying on. I'd never seen the likes.

[ahavnes]

Ugh. I am so tired. Abbey seems to have her days and nights mixed up for some reason. She gets up every 2 hours at night lately. Not sure why, b/c last week she was sleeping through the night. :confused: To top it off, I am back at work and need to get up at 5:45 every morning. Not good when I've been up all night. At least I am only working half days, but next week I'll be full time. Ick. Even worse, my Thrush is back and worse than ever. I am so sore. Almost as bad as when I first started BF-ing!

My mom is here and we're having a great time. She's taught Abbey to reach out and grab for things and put them in her mouth! It's so cute to watch. :)

AF- I had one night of light spotting a few weeks ago. Could that really have been AF???

[mama915]

AF ~ Thankfully no :) Still BF-ing on demand and she sleeps pretty long stretches at night so I guess she could come anytime...I'm just not looking forward to her.

Sitting up ~ Not really but I do prop her up like she's sitting up all the time :)

[diedra1027]

Dreshny - Our babes do have a lot in common. Avery will now tolerate the carseat and the stroller for short periods of time. She's facinated by the toys on the swing and bouncy seat too, so I at least get time to take a shower and cook dinner (ususally). We're in the same sleep situation as you and Asher..she'll only go down when walked/bounced or nursed. I might be thinking crazy, but I thought it was still OK to nurse down when they have teeth as long as you don't leave the nipple proped in the mouth for long periods?!?! I certainly hope so because I don't see her sleeping at night any other way! Our biggest issue is that she doesn't want anyone but me to touch her. She'll let other people hold her for about 2 minutes before she flips out and has to be handed back to me (this includes DH :(). The thought of leaving her with a sitter just makes me shudder..for her since she'd be wailing the entire time and for the sitter who'd have to listen to it! It is exhausting and I can only hope that both our babies will get 'easier' over time (and hopefully SOON!).

[Dreshny]

diedra: (typing one-handed as DS wouldn't go in the Gymini) I'm glad I'm not the only one. Makes me feel less crazy. Well, luckily he'll let other people hold him as long as he's not fussy to begin with. I guess you're right--I could brush his teeth after he's already sleeping, if need be. But the other issue is that my friend said her DD stopped nursing to sleep when she was 4.5 months old. And as for the rocking, well, DS likes to be outside for that, and I keep picturing myself with him in the sling in a snowsuit in January. :rolleyes: I need to learn an inside technique.

Ah, but he's cute...

[cynder]

jrdhbunny Those pictures are hilarious. The first one looks like my DH watching football. I am bidding on a Bumpo on ebay but if I can't get it for less than $20 then forget it.

Mothers of High maintenance kids You guys are doing a great job and you have my utmost respect. Just think of how far along you have come from those first days.

Carissa I love her cheeks!

Natgirl Stunning photos! Wish I had a friend like that.

Well, it's DS and I alone all weekend. Dh is flying out for a bachelor's party weekend. Should be okay though I really hope that I get rid of the swaddle this weekend since I will have time to work on it.

We had the TV off most of the week but then had to watch it last night for the hurricane news. Seeing pregnant or new moms just BREAKS my heart. It is unreal.

[ahavnes]

We had the TV off most of the week but then had to watch it last night for the hurricane news. Seeing pregnant or new moms just BREAKS my heart. It is unreal.

I agree. I have been glued to the tv. I just feel physically ill watching all of these poor people suffer. I just keep thinking, "how would I feel if I couldn't feed Abbey or give her a clean diaper." It's terrible.

[KGif]

Sitting up - He is trying sooo hard to do so these days! he does look like h'es doing little baby crunches! Too cute.

Jack says "Have a good holiday weekend!"
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d723b3127cce9380de705c7a00000016108GasmbZm48

[Carissa]

Dreshny Grace likes to be entertained she has to have people interacting with her seems like all the time. She hates the carseat, she'll tolerate the bouncy seat if she can see dh or I but even that doesn't last long. She likes to be around people I guess. Only recently have I discovered she likes her classical music Cd and will go to sleep while listening to it. I guess sometimes it's just trial and error.

kgif I am holding Grace on my lap and she was fussing until she say your picture of Jack!

[Sasha]

We had the TV off most of the week but then had to watch it last night for the hurricane news. Seeing pregnant or new moms just BREAKS my heart. It is unreal.
For this reason, I am almost glad our Satellite dish, which went down in the hurricane, isn't working right now and I can't watch TV. It is heartbreaking to read and hear about these babies. New mothers, sick babies...it makes me sick to my stomach to watch this devestation.

jrdhbunny - I've never seen a Bumbo before, and now you are tempting me to go find one! Adorable pics!

Cynder - I'm pretty much alone with DD this weekend too. DH has to work a home show for his company. He'll be out the door by 10am and not home again until 11pm. Good luck on getting rid of the swaddle.

[diedra1027]

I just keep thinking, "how would I feel if I couldn't feed Abbey or give her a clean diaper." It's terrible. Me too :(. I saw a still photo of a man and woman wading through waist deep water holding their infant seat over their heads and I just lost it. I can't stop thinking about all those families just trying to take care of their little babies when they have less than nothing.

[usafwife]

Hurricane News ~ We've been watching a lot of it. It breaks my (and DH's) heart because we used to live down there in MS. We know the area really well and pretty everything we knew is gone or pretty heavily damaged. It's unreal. We have several friends that we are waiting to hear from. One of them lives about 4 blocks from the beach and Hwy 90. Pretty sure that her house is no longer standing. And where we used to live is heavily damaged as well. Thankfully we have heard from a couple of our friends that they made it through okay for the most part. One has some damage.

Stupid Mistake ~ I just went through the list and saw May mommies and clicked. Well, it took me to the May 2006 thread. :eek: I saw the subject line of 4 weeks and something and was like what the heck! That's what I get for just clicking pn something and not paying more attention.

[happy1nuv]

usawife ... i did the same thing.... man, time flies...

dreshny and diedra... yup. you guys help me remember that our babes are just needy, and that its not me/in my head. just this week, nic started to tolerate his swing - in limited uantities - woohoo. we joke that nic wants to be an only child... im still hoping hell grow out of it.

[BridalLace]

hey everyone,

just trying to keep up. its a miracle when i actually get to post and not just lurk!

postpartum return of AF - not yet. i am exclusively breastfeeding. since i am also working, i am feeling like i am chained to my breast pump sometimes....i wash the parts like 2-3 times a day, LOL. i pump in the mornings, at 12pm, at 4pm, and at 9pm. man...but i'm proud that we've kept it up and i am glad i can still BF Elodie.

name misspelling - yeah, like our insurance company who has caused us numerous problems b/c they couldn't read our daughter's name even though when i signed her up, i had to enter each letter of her name in its own special box etc...grr. if i get one more insurance claim dispute form asking who the heck 'Bodie' is, i'm going to scream. just goes to show you what happens if you try to be unique. :(

solids - we actually gave Elodie a couple of spoonfuls of rice cereal mixed with breastmilk last week. she ate it, too! but we just got the cereal as an in-case thing, in case my freezer stash of milk - which is depleting quickly - is completely gone one of these days. we haven't tried the rice cereal again since then. we'll probably try it occasionally on weekends until she is a bit older - 5 or 6 months - and then start making it a daily thing.

are we supposed to be giving our babies some sort of fluoride supplement? just worried about Elodie's gums, is all.

attention - yes, lots of people coo over Elodie. i'm another proud momma, of course. ;) nobody has really tried to touch her yet, though!

toys - she doesn't notice her stuffies. she likes her plastic key ring though. we also got her an Ocean Wonders Fisher Price toy today - someone posted a pic of it a few days ago, and we are all marveling at how cute it is. Elodie, for her part, seems to like it as long as we stay right by her while she's playing in it. the doggy is kind of jealous and i'm wondering if she is going to try to take a nap in it. grr..

sitting up - yes, Elodie started trying to sit up around the end of July. not only that, but now Elodie will even push her feet down and try to stand with our help. i am worried sometimes about her tender bones. i don't want her to hurt her own legs. but she LOVES trying to stand up and squeals with glee whenever she makes it up on her own two feet. it was a bit of a shock at first.

what else? hmm....i have a terrible cold right now. gotta blame going back to school for that...all the kids at my school have colds, it seems. grr. i hope Elodie doesn't get it, but i guess she probably will. :(

btw, being back at work is ok...i think we've all adjusted. Elodie cried a lot the first 2 days, then settled in and got used to MIL and finally, her bottles. she likes her playtex nursers, i haven't tried any other bottle type with her yet.

hope you all have a nice holiday weekend!

[tgray99]

Aidan has taken to putting things in her mouth. If I hold anything in front of her, she'll grab it and try to stuff it into her mouth. Well, that is if she can aim right. ;)

She's getting really close to being able to sit up. I can prop her and she does well. Anybody ever seen that chair for babies that sort of props them up? For babies that aren't sitting up yet? I'll have to look around for it and come back and post it.

ETA: I found it, it's called the Bumbo Seat (http://www.bumbobabyseat.com), here's a pic:

http://www.bumbobabyseat.com/images/mainpic.jpg

[Aunt Liv]

Wow, I can't keep up!

I hope you all are doing well. I haven't been on for over a week. For anyone who has family or lives in the Hurricane-affected areas, my thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope that relief comes quickly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Name misspelling...yep, I had to spell Maia's name with an I as opposed to a Y. It's going to cause her problems her whole life. Poor child. :p

Maia says hello!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d723b3127cce93a7268d3c2600000026108CbN2Llm5ak

and "thank you, thank you very much..."
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d723b3127cce93a726c6bd5d00000055108CbN2Llm5ak

[Traciann]

Bridal Lace-Don't worry about letting Elodie stand on her feet. At DD's 4 month appointment they asked if she was bearning weight on her legs...so I think its normal for this age. DD LOVES to stand up and gets pretty excited about it!

[wendstress]

Just ordered the bumbo....I couldn't resist. I think James will love it. He just loves sitting up so much, yet he can't *quite* do it by himself yet. I think this will be a winner!

[Sherah]

LIZNKEITH : Thanks for listing your meds. Before pregnancy, I was on ADVAIR and Nasalcrom. Both worked well. I'm able to prevent asthma symptoms with exercise, but as I'm still working on getting back in shape, I need a maintenance med. like ADVAIR to open up my chest on a daily basis. I'm taking it until I'm able to see a pulmonologist. Has your doc. said anything to you about ADVAIR? I know some other posters mentioned they were wondering about meds too. Did any of you get any more info?

Oh! These babies are SO CUTE!!!!! I love seeing how everyone's DC are growing. We haven't taken any especially darling pics lately, but here's Arik at 3.5 months:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d722b3127cce93acbde185cd00000016108AZOHDVq1Zt8
Just Chillin...

And Elton:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d722b3127cce93acbdb204ae00000016108AZOHDVq1Zt8

Edited to ask if the Bumbo helps Mamas get work done?

[cynder]

Bumbo jrdhbunny posted about this 2 or 3 pages back. I am bidding on one if I can get within a reasonable range. This kid has too much stuff if you ask me and I am at fault!

[tgray99]

I hadn't thought about looking for Bumbos on Ebay. What a good idea!

I took these pictures of Aidan at my mom's. We had the bucket for my brother and his new wife's wedding celebration party. Turns out the only thing we used it for was a photography prop. :D She's a chunky one, huh? Most people can't believe that she's not breastfed!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d722b3127cce93ad933d247a00000015108AZs3LFk0bNP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d722b3127cce93ad93aea5d900000016108AZs3LFk0bNP

[happy1nuv]

tgray ~ too cute!

sitting up ~ yup. tries all the time. he's pretty good at sitting if he has something to hold on to.

af: not yet, but she disappeared when i stopped the pill, and nic eats around the clock, so im not holding my breath...

my heart goes out to all affected by katrina ... hpe all are well...

[kimthebride]

kim[/b] - That is a really COOL blanket. I'm trying to think of a good reason why I must get one...maybe for next summer?!?!
It's tooootally worth it! Even if you go to someone's house who has a pet and you want to lay baby on their carpet but want to avoid all the pet hair, it would be an easy blanket to tote around with you.

Sitting Up
During tummy time we also practice sitting up. He's not doing any crunches (that must be sooo cute!), but he'll lay on his back, hold my fingers and I'll help him sit up and he loves it.
I sat him in my friend's Bumbo last week and we couldn't stop laughing! I don't think I'll buy one, but it's pretty darn cute.

Pics
Thomas turned 3 months yesterday! Yowza!
I didn't get to take any pics (had mom & MIL in town), so I am trying to do a photo session of my own today. MIL wants professional ones, so I am taking her & Thomas to a Picture People tomorrow. She wants to choose the outfit, poses and pay for it, so I'm just along for the drive lol.

Growth Spurt
Holy crap. This kid went from a schedule and eating every 4 or so hours during the awake hours and having a big nap mid-day to eating every 2 1/2-3 hours and only catnapping. Oof! And I swear I have been cutting his nails every day. Crazy!

[LIZNKEITH]

Lovin' these baby pics! We sure know how to make 'em around here!

These are from last weekend:
http://images.snapfish.com/3448664323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E234%3C%3D965%3D%3B89 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A776%3A%3B463ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3448664323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E234%3C%3D965%3D%3B89 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A6%3B6%3A9%3A%3C2ot1lsi

Sherah,
I was on Advair pre-TTC. When we began to TTC my Dr. decided to switch me to Serevent because he said it was a little safer than the Advair in pregnancy/nursing. I have had the same success with it as I did the Advair.

Bumbo
I had never seen or heard of it until now. How cool! I just ordered one also. DD is wanting to sit up (assisted) 24/7 now so I think it will be right up her alley.

[kimthebride]

Just putting up 1 of the pics I took for Thomas' 3-month 'photo session' this morning.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d725b3127cce9389ae2e2fea00000015108AbMmzRk5bNM

[mama915]

Such cute babies! I need to download some of my recent pics of my little "chubs". We haven't done professional pics yet but hopefully we can get around to doing them soon. I'd like to get them done of DD and DS :)

[ahavnes]

Here's the latest pic of Abbey. I dressed her up for Labor Day, even though she never left the house! I am such a loser. ;) (ETA: Yes, that is a mohawk. She has terrible bed head.)

Bumbo Chair- Ok, now I want one of these. Hah! I wonder if we're all bidding against each other on Ebay. ;)

[happy1nuv]

Question for rancherswife/anyone with a colorful/mural'd nursery: Do you have problems getting your babies to sleep in there? We did a Dr Seuss themed nursery and the background is blue (which I thought was supposed to be calming) ... but, every time I try to get nic to sleep in his crib, he is just fascinated by all the walls - so even though he's sleepy, he's too busy looking at the walls to close his eyes. Argh... I loved designing and painting the nursery and its my favorite room in the house, but I'm seriously considering repainting to a solid color...

Hope everyone had a good Labor day.. we just stayed home. DH worked on the outside (we're redoing the front landscaping...hoping to catch a bunchc of sales at the plant nurseries)...

[Sasha]

What adorable babies we have here!

Here's some new photos of Sarah.

http://images.snapfish.com/34489%3C7923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3C54%3D729%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3A7%3B699378ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3449243923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3C54%3D729%3DX ROQDF%3E2323%3A9276%3C647ot1lsi

Sarah and I are very jealous of all these babies with lots of hair! ;)

Bumbo Chair- Ok, now I want one of these. Hah! I wonder if we're all bidding against each other on Ebay.
Ha, I was thinking the same thing!

Alicia - Sarah was staring very intently at your picture of Abbey, lol.

Well I've had a cold for a week and now Sarah has it. Poor thing is all stuffy and congested :(.

[KGif]

Carissa -
kgif I am holding Grace on my lap and she was fussing until she say your picture of Jack!

That is too cute! I'll have to show Jack a picture of Gracie -- I think we might have a little love connection on our hands! Can you imagine the two of them trying to explain to people how they met? :)

[Dreshny]

happy1: Your Nic sounds a lot like my Asher. We don't have a nursery, so I can't tell you from experience if he'd be stimulated by decorated walls, but I think he would. He stared intently for an hour at the paintings at a Cezanne exhibit at MoMa, sat through March of the Penguins, and last night DH had to turn off the screensaver on his computer because Asher got too fascinated by it to fall asleep.

Picture People: I went on Saturday, and I thought they were very professional and did a good job. Asher needed to nurse and have a diaper change before they started, and they told us to take our time. Afterwards, their computer was slow when they were ringing us up, so they threw in free photo sheets. I'd go back. Of course, we bought $86 worth of Asher-alone shots for our parents and my grandparents, and everyone wanted the lone 8x10 of all three of us that we got for ourselves. My parents went back and bought more. I'll post them later after DH scans them.

Growth Spurt: Asher is suddenly gigantic and fitting into the 3-6 month clothes that were too big last week. We're thinking of donating his 0-3 month clothes to the Hurricane Katrina victims.

I think I'm going to try out Reel Moms today. They're showing The Constant Gardener.

[cynder]

CUTE BABIES!!!! tgray I just want to pinch all those folds!

I am sure we are all bidding against each other for Bumpo so I hope one of us gets it.

Just wanted to comment on the colorful nursery. Sam loves looking at his clouds which is helpful when we nurse but not when we go to sleep. He likes his Symphony in Motion mobile but there is no way that it can soothe him to sleep. This kid is a total observer. He stares at things for hours and I can see the gears in his head churning. DH and I get a kick out him trying to figure out the ceiling fan. It becomes an issue when we are trying to put him to sleep.

Picture of our nursery
http://www.cynthiavarkey.com/samblog/images/room1.jpg
http://www.cynthiavarkey.com/samblog/images/clouds.jpg

I survived the weekend as a single parent! DS was great and is laughing and talking up a storm. We are close to rolling over but not quite yet. I am also convinced that this kid is taking after dad - he loves to fall asleep at church.

I had a hard time being alone this weekend. Not to get into it but I am still having bursts of post partum depression. I don't if others are having this after all these months but being alone brought some of things into sharp light for me. I just thank my lucky stars that I able to keep Sam away from it and that he seems to be thriving.

[Aunt Liv]

I love seeing all the pictures of our babies...they're growing so fast!!


cynder - {{{{HUGS}}}}. I haven't had a lot of baby blues or PPD, but I did have one day where I just didn't feel like myself, and I told DH that I didn't want to take care of Maia. It was a really strange feeling b/c it had never happened before. Thankfully, it only lasted a day and DH stayed close to me all day. I just felt like the worst mother! I do hope that you're feeling better. These hormones are so wacky!

[Sherah]

So much to address!

I'm so happy to see all of our babies looking adorable and getting huge! Thank you to everyone who is posting pics. They always make me smile!

LIZNKEITH : Thank you for the info. I'm talking to my doc. about meds today.

happy1 : Don't you dare paint over that fabulous nursery!

Dreshny : Arik has accompanied me to a few exhibits and gallery openings and loves to look at all of the artwork too.

Cynder : Your son's room looks "killer"! When DH is on shift, I am a single parent. It sucks and I start feeling down by the 3rd/4th day. If he works overtime too, I get irritable and start feeling trapped. I think it's just because there's not enough time to take care of a baby full-time and go to the gym, and have personal time, take care of the house, and work too! I'm an artist who only gets 1.5 hours to work every day. It is driving me nuts!!! All day, I walk by my studio (right next to Arik's room) and think about all the ideas I have that are not being painted because I'm just too busy right now. I think it will get better when Arik can do more, because then I can have people take him places. Anyway, just wanted to shout an "I hear you, Sistah!"

Dreaded Teething : Some of you have said you believe your DC has begun teething. I swear Arik has too, though no teeth have pushed through yet. He has been very cranky lately and would rather chew than suck. Night sleeping hasn't changed yet, but it has been harder to get him to take a good nap during the day. Oh, and of course, we have lots of drooling, but I have to say: the drooling is so much better than spitup!! I think I see a white tint where his lower right incisor should come in, but it's hard to tell. Any babies actually cut a tooth yet?tgray ?

Don't forget next Sunday is Grandparents' Day! We're having a BBQ and I'm trying to put together letters to each grandparent for their first year of being g-parents. (Arik is the first grandchild on all sides.) I was also thinking about taking a pic. with each person, blowing it up and framing it in honor of their first grandparents' day. Does anyone else have gift ideas for their DC's grandparents?

I hope everyone had a fun Labor Day! It was dreary here.

[jrdhbunny]

What adorable babies we have here!! I love looking at the pictures- keep them coming!

Hope everyone had a good Labor Day weekend! Ours was not relaxing at all, but still great because we moved DS into his own room. DH put up a loft bed in our living room and we gave DS the bedroom. Now I can't wait to decorate it!

Good luck to all of you bidding on the Bumbo!

cynder- I love your nursery- it's gorgeous. And {{{hugs}}} to you. I remember feeling the same way when I was home; there were days when I was literally counting the minutes until DH got off work. And if he wanted to go out directly from there to grab a beer with friends- I would feel like crying.

Distracted baby- DS has been more and more difficult to nurse lately, unless he's really hungry. I can't talk at all or he'll unlatch and start babbling. He also loves his friends the ceiling fan and the television. :rolleyes:

Sherah- thanks for the reminder about Grandparents' Day!!!

[diedra1027]

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! We're off to Avery's four month well baby visit, but I saw all the cute pics and had to add some more ;) to the mix. This is my new favorite picture of Avery:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/diedra1027/Avery128.jpg

This one is so crazy, but I just love the smile:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/diedra1027/Avery129.jpg