September 2005 Mommies - Our Baby's First Year!!!

[philnikki]

charmcitygirl - No Problem! Consider them yours!! PM your address! :)
And thanks for the compliments on Ava!!

[charmcitygirl]

thanks nikki! jake & zoe thank you as well ;) i'm pm'ing you now.

[Kay2003]

Kaito (7 weeks) has slept from around midnight until 5:30 or 6 for the past few days! I initially kept waking up every two hours anyway because I would get worried. But now I'm starting to enjoy the long stretches of sleep.

cute holiday pics - wow, I better get my act together and take some pictures...

breastfeeding in public - SD601, I've been breastfeeding in the car if I can't find a good place...

[Sandie78]

Awww, the babies are so cute. I can't believe how fast they are growing.

[Brink]

Gripe Water - We swear by this stuff. I wouldn't consider Aimee really colic, but she does have some evenings when you just can't seem to settle her down. She is just fussy and doesn't sleep well. We started her on the gripe water and she sleeps much better that way. I would say we give it to her about 4-5 nights per week. If anyone is having trouble finding it, let me know and I can mail some out. They have it in our local women's center at the hospital.

Aimee is now 12lbs and 22 inches long at 7 weeks. My dad got me a scale and I thought it was silly at first, but it's kinda cool to be able to weigh her at the house. She now has three rolls under her chin. Funny that the rest of her body isn't chubby, just her chin and cheeks!

My DH just received an unexpected check from his prior employer, now I don't have to go back to work until January. I'm so excited!!!!!!! Sorry to all of those already back, I feel for you.

[wife&wannabemom]

Oh wow we have some cute babies!!! I am loving all the smiles and chubby faces! I'm trying to take holiday pictures of patrick but he has an irritation/rash/acne on his mouth and cheeks and it looks terrible in all hte pictures :( Hope it goes away soon!

cr8zy- I definitely have at least 1 coupon for the Enfamil Gentlease...PM me and I'll mail it to you. I'll look for more too.

charmcitygirl- I PM'd you to have you send me your last name so I can put it on the box...I don't want all the formula getting lost or returned.

wife&wannabemom, I was thinking my DS was that heavy, too. I haven't had him weighed since 9 weeks, when he was 11.6, but he's gaining so fast and seems really heavy now. In fact, I think we will be moving to 3-6 month clothes pretty soon. What size diapers is Patrick in now? Josiah's in the Costco huggies size 1-2, but I'm not sure when to move him up. Huggies fit him well, though, since he's very chubby.


SD601- I think we will be moving to the 3-6 month old clothes soon too...all of a sudden the 0-3 are getting snug. Patrick is in the size 2 Pampers Swaddlers...he was in the size 1-2 huggies/pampers but was pooping and wetting through them...so we changed to the size 2 and hadn't had a leaky diaper until TODAY...and we had TWO! I actually had to throw away one of the onsies because the poop was too bad and all over it!

Patrick is starting to be more hungry than I can produce milk :( I was very upset about it yesterday but doing better about it today. I have to wean him anyway in December so now I'll supplement too. He also only slept a 5 hour stretch last night for hte first time in a while and boy does your body quickly forget...I couldn't even see straight.

Sounds like we have alot of growing babies around here! Sorry for those still dealing with fussy babies...

[hmbay]

2 month checkup today--Alex was exactly 12 pounds and 23 inches. Got three shots. :( I hate shots. I thought Colin was good to go for his 2 year today but the poor kid ended up with a shot we were behind on as well (actually I SWEAR he wasn't but they couldn't find it in his charts so they gave him one anyhow). And it's so weird how different two kids can be--Alex was pretty much 50% percentile on everything and Colin was holding strong at his little old 5%. He weighed in at 23 pounds--not even double his brother. Poor little scarecrow kid but he just won't eat--he eats enough to keep himself alive and that's about it--he'd rather play than eat. Sigh. I hope when Alex starts eating "real" food Colin goes "hey he's eating more than me!" and picks up his eating habits. Ped isn't worried since he's steadily following his own curve and not dropping off it but it'd still be nice to get him up to 10% at least.

[cr8zyforaf]

wife&wannabemom - thanks - I will PM you. Sorry about the milk issue - I couldn't breastfeed at all (dry as a bone) so I know how it feels. Just remember - you did your best!

I am also moving into the 3-6 month stuff - thank goodness because I didn't have much 0-3 month stuff - most of her clothes that she got are bigger. Her problem - she is huge up top and has little beanpole legs - I can't even put her in turtlenecks or anything with a collar because her cheeks are so big.

hmbay -my neice was that way - would never eat - she eventually outgrew it but it drove my sister mad.

Brink - woo hoo for the unexpected check - what a nice surprise!

philnikki - the pictures of Ava are adorable - she has so much hair! Her turkeys are so cute - is daycare getting easier (please tell me it does - I am dropping Ashley on December 5th and I am already SICK SICK SICK over it).

Again - I have a can of Symilac and a coupon I think for 5 bucks - please let me know if anyone is interested. I posted over in the formula thread to get on an exchange with someone but haven't heard a peep back from anyone.

Ashley is asleep in her crib - I am starting to get nervous about her sleeping on me/with me so much - trying to wean her slowly - I don't want to have a hard time when I drop her with strangers at daycare :( . It is nice to have a few hours to myself - even though I feel guilty about it.

Is anyone else having a problem finding a holiday dress - if so, where are you looking? I've been everywhere - Sears, Penny's, Hechts, Talbots (found a dress I love but I am not paying $88 for it), Gymboree, The Children's Place, GAp - I can't find a thing that I like.

[philnikki]

I have the following available for all who would like them:

Isomil Soy Sample Can (half the size of reg. can of formula)
Coupon for Enfamil Gentlease
Coupon for Enfamil AR w/ Lipil


Brink Yeah for not having to go back until January. That is so great!! Take advantage of the time together...going back is hard!!

hmbay - Sorry DS1 is having such a hard time w/ eating. I really hpoe that Ava is not like that!! *Hugs*

wife&wannabemom - Sorry about your supply issues :( I would initially feel so guilty giving Ava formula, now it doesn't even pahse me bc she is a thriving, happy baby! It will get better!!

clothes - We are just now moving out of 0-3 mos clothes. Ava is such a peanut! She is 13 pounds now at 3 mos :eek: Seems like everyone's else's baby is 13 pounds at 2 mos. It's good anyway -- I have a lot more 3-6 mo clothes!

cr8zy - Thanks!!! All I can say is that it breaks my heart every morning to leave her, but once I am at work I am typically ok. Except for when she initially got sick. I hated leaving her there when she was not feeling well! Like all things, it takes time to adjust. And as far as holiday dresses go -- I agree. I thought that there were all kinds for babies, but the only ones I am finding that I like are for toddlers. I got her a cute dress at BRU that she outgrew, so I just picked one up at walkmart for her to wear for christmas (black velvet on top and a cute plaid Black&pink skirt on it).

Crib Sleeping - We have started letting Ava sleep in her bassinet. She hs been doing ok. She wakes up when Phil gets ready for work (2:30am) everyday, so after the holidays are over she is going in her own room and hopefully I will get a few more hours out of her. I am pretty lucky though. If she is with me, she sleeps through the night and has been doing that pretty much since she was 3 weeks old!

We are taking Ava back to the ped. for a follow up with the doctor. She is getting MUCH better, but still has a little congestion and is coughing (though not as much) I just want him to listen to her lungs and make sure she is not wheezing still. Then we can stop giving her this Albuterol. Its been making her fussy :(

[wife&wannabemom]

Good morning everyone...Patrick slept from 9:45pm - 6:45am!!! He woke up at 3:30ish and I heard him stirring but I left him for a few minutes and he put himself back to sleep.

Thanks for your responses on my supply issue. Yesterday was better and I only did 1 bottle of formula but I am already feeling better about it. I knew I'd have to start weaning anyway...and my DH keeps saying how he wants a chubby baby (we were both scrawny kids)!

cr8zy- I'm sending out your Gentlease retail check today...It's for $6....

nikki- I love all of Ava's hair!! Patrick is just about bald...she has so much...and she's super cute. Patrick was 11 lbs 9oz at his 2 month checkup...but i think he's packing on teh pounds now.

Brink- congrats on the unexpected check...that's a great holiday gift for you guys!

hmbay- sounds like both of your DSs are doing well....sorry aobut DS #1's eating issues...he'll grow out of it.

I like that we're all starting to exchange formula coupons....I too posted on the Formula Thread and didn't hear anything and I'd much rather exchange with you ladies anyway.

Question - Does any of your DC have rash/irritation/acne on their faces? Patrick has it under his nose, on his cheeks and on his chin now for over a week and it's not going away...should I call the ped?

[BeachBum]

Princess Crappy-thanks for the info on the Hooter Hider. I ordered one!

Noelle is adorable!

Busy - trying to get Christmas stuff ordered, find her a Christmas outfit, schedule the baptism, and get my house ready for Christmas and the baptism party (baptism in on the 18th and we are hosting Christmas for about 20 people..I must be nuts). I go back to work on Dec 5th .
You WILL be busy! Good grief!

Can you see any Japanese in him? He's 1/4 Japanese! I can, I think. He is just adorable!

Ava is adorable! It looks like her hair has lightened up from dark brown to a lighter brown. Do you think so too?

breastfeeding in public - SD601, I've been breastfeeding in the car if I can't find a good place... That is what I do too, but I'm hoping the HH can help make things easier!

clothes--Henry has been in 3-6 mo for a few weeks now. It is because he is tall, and we CD (which are more bulky) so he needed that extra room in the crotch. At his last check up he was 24 inches!
The hard thing is that if he keeps growing at this speed all the clothes people bought for him in larger sizes will be the wrong season. :( Here in FL we don't have much in the way of winter. It's still in the mid to upper 70s now. But December and January will be cold.

hmbay-thanks for the info on torticollis. I'm so sorry that you've had to deal with it at all. When I saw your post in parenting that is when I decided to take H to the doctor. He doesn't seem to have a problem turning his head, although he does favor his left. I'm keeping a close eye on it. It just seems like one of those things the Ped would tell you to watch out for, especially those of us that had a difficult birth.

brink--yippee for the extra $$--I'm glad it buys you a little more time.

[AndreaMMS]

Hi, everyone!

SUCH cute babies!!!!!

As far as sleeping goes, Naomi is still kinda undpredictable. We had a few great 5 hour nights in a row, then Monday she slept 6 hours (that was sooooo wonderful!), but last night we were back to waking every three hours. Ugh.

She's been eating like CRAZY over the last week - 5 ounces at a time, and sometimes she finishes in 15 minutes!:eek: HUNGRY girl! Must be a growth spurt. Right now I think she weighs about 9 pounds (my scale isn't completely reliable).

She's started smiling - it's so adorable! I finally managed to get a picture of a small smile - thank goodness for digital cameras- it took a million tries to get it!:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf37b3127cce952fa21a91b700000016108AZOHLFo4ZuK

I went out yesterday and bought her a dress for her baby naming (in February we're having her named in the Synagogue where I grew up). Oh, help me rationalize the purchase of a completely impractical SILK dress for an infant!! And I bought her the matching sweater too! Mommy is out of control. :rolleyes: Got it at Gymboree:


http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/Gymboree/140003562?$240x305$

http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/Gymboree/140003547?$240x305$


crib sleeping- HA! She hates the crib. In fact, I'll put her in it if I want her to wake up. She will sleep in the PNP at night though.

acne- Naomi has had a few pimples. I've just left them alone and they went away.

clothes- she is still solidly in 0-3 month clothing- many of the outfits are still too big on her, in fact.

question- would you wake your baby if he/she is taking a really long nap during the day? Every once in a while she'll go 5 hours during the day, and I'm woried that she won't sleep at night.

[wife&wannabemom]

Andrea- That dress is beautiful!! I say it's worth the purchase for future girls in teh family to wear at their baby namings!!! Even if it's not your daughters, Naomi may have daughters one day....you can start a family tradition :) I love the smile...she is so sweet.

crib sleeping- Patrick has actually been sleeping in his crib since he first came home from the hospital. Now I'm even trying to do some naps in teh crib if we are home...our room is right next to his so we can hear every sound he makes.

waking from naps - I do wake up Patrick if his naps run extra long during the day...I try not too but I don't want him going too long and missing feedings because then I'm afraid he won't sleep at night.

[philnikki]

Andrea _ Don't stress!! WE paid like $75 for Ava's white Christening dress...at least yours is something she could actually wear again to something! We plan on keeping ours though either for another girl or for her to have for her future babies!!

waking up baby - I usually only do this if its getting time for her bath. I wake her, bathe her, feed her, and then back to sleep :)

[charmcitygirl]

grrr... lost my original post....starting again...

nikki jake was 10lbs 5 oz at his 2mo check-up. zoe was 9lb 5oz. of course they were 5 weeks preemature.... ;)

andrea jake wore the sleeper/gown type outfit for his bris that i wore home from the hospital as a newborn. i love heirloom things like that!

wife&wannabemom i wake them up if they've slept more than 4 hours. oh, and you have a pm.

crazyforaf wow, i'm feeling like such a moocher, but if NO ONE ELSE wants the similac, i'll take it. seriously, does similac suck or something? am i really the only one who uses it?
--------
woo hoo! jake slept for 8hrs for 2 nights! in a row! zoe's been STTN for about 1.5 weeks now and i am so excited to be able to sleep for more than 4-5 hours at a time. happy, happy mommy!

mittyrd i think we were discussing the sleeping thing over in the twinmamas thread re: waking up both at night.... once it seemed like zoe was pretty consistently not waking at the same time as jake to eat (or during his feeding), i decided to go ahead and let her sleep and just let jake do his thing. she, it turned out, was ready to STTN. a week and and half later, it seems he's STTN as well. hopefully. it's really only been 2 nights. how are your boys sleeping?

[Sabre]

Kim I have a $6 Gentlease coupon also. I'd be more than happy to send it to you.

Charm I use Similac Advance, but I'm sure I don't go through nearly as much as you do! I'll let you have the cans.

Anthony is pretty much sleeping through the night. He goes to sleep around 10pm up around 5 to eat and back to sleep until 7:30. I'm starting to feel normal again. The fatigue is just so overwhelming!

He weighs about 13lbs and is about 23/24 inches long. He is officially in 3-6 month clothing and seems to be quickly outgrowing size 2 diapers.

[dbers]

Wow - Alex is a peanut too! She was just 11 lbs at her 2 month appointment - which was 50th percentile. We just made the switch this weekend to 3-6 month clothes, so I'm figuring she must be over 12 pounds now.

naps - I used to wake her up, but I decided not to recently unless it was time for a bath, or I wanted to give her one more feeding before bedtime. She seems to sleep the same at night regardless.

[charmcitygirl]

sabre if you're using your similac, i don't want to take it... i'm really not as desperate as it seems ;) i just figure that if someone has it but uses something else, i'll take it. please, don't sweat it. thanks you so much, though, for the offer. you're sweet!

[philnikki]

Diane - Ava and Alex are only two days apart, and they seem to be growing alike too :)

[Kay2003]

Do you all say your baby is two months old on the date your baby was born (e.g., if baby was born 9/23, the baby is one month old on 10/23) or do you just count the weeks by day of the week (born Friday so four weeks later Friday is one month)?

[dbers]

Nikki - Yup! :D It's nice to have them still on the small side, isn't it? Has any of Ava's hair fallen out? I've been trying to get rid of Alex's cradle cap, and I'm afraid I'm helping the shedding process along. It's so sad! Hopefully she won't lose anymore.

Kay - I've been going by weeks, but I decided that at 3 months - I will step. So even though Alex will be 12 weeks tomorrow, I'm going to call her 3 months on November 25th.

[Cr8nme]

Noelle is still in the 0-3 clothing with room to grow! At her two month appointment 2 weeks ago she was 10lbs 9 oz and she is 23 inches!!

Kay~ I say on the day like on November 4th she was 2 motnhs old

[AndreaMMS]

Question- How do you know what percentile your kid is for weight and height? Is there a chart somewhere?

[wife&wannabemom]

Question- How do you know what percentile your kid is for weight and height? Is there a chart somewhere?

Andrea, I forgot to ask at Patrick's 1 month appointment so I made sure to ask at the 2 month appointment...my ped is the one who told me the percentiles. Not sure if there is a chart anywhere.

I just bought 3 jumbo packs of size 2 diapers and as soon as I did it Patrick pooped through it and I'm afraid he'll soon be out of them...why does that always seem to happen? Luckily BRU is very good with returns.

[Kay2003]

waking up baby - I wake Kaito up if he has been sleeping for 3.5 hours during the day. Ideally I want to wake him up at the three hour mark, but sometimes I get busy running around the house!

Kaito got four shots today. He screamed like you would not believe. I am terrible with needles myself so I kept staring into his face so I wouldn't have to watch the needles going in and so that I could console him. But every needle that went in he yelped like you would not believe. Now the poor baby is asleep.

Everytime I go to the pediatrician I feel like a scatter brained mother. I ask the pediatrician to repeat what he has said three times because I am so distracted, trying to console the baby and listen and ask questions all at the same time.

Kaito weighed in at 12 pounds 1 oz (he is almost 8 weeks old - by day of week), and is 23 inches.

That's so wonderful that many of us are starting to get longer stretches of sleep. It's funny, I used to post here in the wee hours of the morning when I was b/f him. Now I am on less or have to make an effort to post during the day because I'm not up as much with him : )

[philnikki]

Andrea - There is a calculator at http://growth-percentile.adoption.com/ that you can use or you can actually use a chart at http://www.mybirthcare.com/favorites/babygrowthchart.asp

Diane - So wierd!!! I decided to stop using weeks at 3 mos too :)

Kay Sorry about the shots :( It stinks when they get them!! Gosh, seriously these boys are for the most part bigger than the girls! Ava was 12 pounds at her 11 week appt!!

[Cr8nme]

I actually cried when Noelle got her shots! My DH stayed in the room with her while she got them...I couldn't handle it :( Noelle is still in size 1 diapers and they are doing fine I tried the 1/2 pampers on her and they were way too big. Percentile~ They tell me at the doctor and at 2 months she was 23 inches 60%, 10lbs 9oz~75% and I can't remember what her head measured but it was 40th%

[cr8zyforaf]

I cannot believe some of you have to WAKE your babies from naps - I can't get mine to go down even if she is exhausted - and when I finally do get her down, it is never longer than an hour. I guess she is sleeping 8 hours at night so I can't complain too much but I would kill for 3-4 hours of time a day - I can't get anything done around here.

My pedi has a chart and puts the percentiles in her baby book.

Andrea - that dress is absolutely adorable. I almost bought an $88 Holiday dress at Talbot's kids the other day - thank god I had the good sense to walk away from the rack. That is something that she can wear numerous times.

charmcitygirl - PM me your info and I will get the stuff out in the mail to you. I know every little bit helps - formula is expensive and my little piggy goes through it - we started on the Symilac with Iron but I think it was too strong for her - she was going for a week without a bowel movement so I switch to the Gentlease.

Sabre - I think I managed to PM you - I keep getting a database error - if you didn't get my address let me know and I will resend it. Thanks again!

Kay - sorry for the shots. Poor little guy.

Ashley's stats at her last appointment - 12 pounds 8 ounces and 23.5 inches

[PrincessCrappy]

Nikki - I tried to PM you but it bounced back with a message that you're in box was full..

Wife - I put the formula in the mail today!

Laura - I honestly never go to the grocery store or Costco by myself. I am terrified Griffin will freak out and what would I do with a cart full of refrigerated items?? But if I'm at Targer or the mall, I will nurse him on any old bench I can sit on. I am so much more comfortable doing that now that I have the hooter hider. I do my fair share of nursing in the car, too.

Randysmandy - Where did you find a boy baptism outfit? I'd love to see a picture of him in his outfit if you have one. I need to start looking for Griffins, we scheduled his baptism for January 15.

Beachbum - I think you will really like the hooter hider! Let me know how it works out for you.

We're also in 3-6 clothes now. I totally cried as I was packing away his 0-3. I was so sad that he is growing so quickly and I couldn't believe how little he was when he fit into that size...:rolleyes: I'm so pathetic!

I never wake him when he's napping, even if it's a really long one. I believe that sleep begets sleep, so if he's resting well during the day he will usually sleep well at night...usually.

I count weeks by the day of the week he was born (tomorrow he will be 11 weeks) but I count months from the date he was born (he will be 3 months on December 1).

I love all the pictures everyone's been sharing. We sure have some cute babies here! I need to upload some more recent shots of Griff.

[PrincessCrappy]

I forgot to mention that I have a $6 check for Enfamil Gentlease Lipil if anyone wants it!

[philnikki]

Carrie - That's weird because I just checked and it only has 36 msg of 50 allowed :confused: It was full this morning though...maybe that's why?? You can email me at nicolez@healthplan.org if you want :)

[AlisonCO]

Question- How do you know what percentile your kid is for weight and height? Is there a chart somewhere?

My nurse always writes it on the sheet I take home. I can't remember if you are BFing, but if you are I like this chart better (http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/chart1.html) . Babies who are BF'd grow more quickly in the first 3 months, but more slowly from 3-12 months than FF'd babies.

Caitlin had her 2 month appt today. She is 23 inches and 11 pounds. She got 1 shot and it was terrible - her legs are so skinny that the needle looked so long (it really wasn't of course!) She is doing great and the doc asked me if she had ever had anything besides breastmilk because she is doing so well and gaining so well - he even asked if I would be interested in being a volunteer with their Breastfeeding Moms mentor group. It is where expereinced moms are paired up with younger moms to give support in regards to breastfeeding. They have had great success getting the new moms to BF longer when they have someone who has been there and that they can talk to especially if they have no other support. Very cool - hope I get matched up with someone soon!

Other than that we are doing great. Cailtlin is now sleeping about 6 hours and then another 3 after she eats. Aidan and my DH got colds last week and luckily Caitlin and I did not - it was a miracle because there were many times where I would wipe Aidan's nose and then touch Caitlin right afterwards. We went to Sears yesterday and got some pictures taken - no smiles but they turned out well.

clothes - She is right on the edge - the 0-3 stuff is OK if it doesn't have feet but the 3-6 stuff is a bit too long and wide.

diapers - She is in the 1/2 Swaddlers - they fit great and we have had no leaks since we moved up.

waking baby during naps - Only if it is getting late like around dinner time - otherwise I probably wouldn't. Caitlin's longest nap has only ever been 3.5 hours so I am not sure how I would feel if she slept for 5 hours - unless she were sick than I would say she needed the rest.

weeks vs months - I usually say weeks when I am talking to family or mom friends. I guess around 3 or 4 months I will say months instead as it is getting hard to keep track of the weeks!

Hope that you all are doing well - keep the pictures coming - everyone's kiddos are so cute!!!

[dbers]

New picture of Alex:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf37b3127cce9500debe70c200000015108AbMWjNs3cM1

[randysmandy]

Princess
I will get you a pic soon.......they have outfits at BRU, but i got mine at a local store

[PrincessCrappy]

Nikki - I just resent the PM. It was yesterday afternoon when the first one bounced.

Thanks, Randysmandy. I can't wait to see a pic.

Diane - Alex is too cute!

[PrincessCrappy]

Alison - that is great about the breastfeeding mentor program. My hospital has a weekly support group meeting that has totally helped my with breastfeeding Griffin. It is so great to have other breastfeeding moms to talk to and get support from. That's awesome that you're willing to help!

[Brink]

Wow, there have been a ton of posts lately! I'll try to catch up.

Rash (wife&wannabe) - Aimee has had one too. I got sone hydricortizone cream (1/2%) at the drug store and used that for 2 days and it was gone. You might want to try that.

Andreamms - Naomi's smile is fantastic and that dress/sweater is adorable. I say it is totally worth it.

Waking Naps - we don't wake Aimee regardless, but she has always slept well at night. we find she has some days where she hardly sleeps at all (I can sympathize on those days crazyforaf), and then other days when she sleeps all day. On those days we figure we are going to be up at night, but we aren't. I think they just need extra sleep sometimes when they are growing.

Cradle Cap - I think Aimee has this now. She has 2 flaky patches on her head and on one eyebrow. Guess I'll start washing her hair daily and see if it goes away.

Diaper Size - I can't believe some of your babies are in the size 2 already. Maybe I'm using too small of a diaper for Aimee. She is 12lbs and 22 inches (at 7 wks) and we are still using the size 1 swaddlers. We have not had any blowout problems, but now I'm wondering if I should switch sizes??????

We went to lunch today with some friends and I brought a BM bottle. Aimee had a hard time taking it. Now I'm worried that I've waited too long to introduce one (she has only had three bottles to date). I guess I'll start pumping every day to get her at least one bottle. I don't go back to work for several more weeks, but still I don't want her to be shocked when I'm gone all day.

Alisonco - That's great that you can provide the support for BF. At 7 wks I still cringe everytime she latches on. It only hurts for a few seconds, but wow it is still painful. I think Aimee has a really small mouth, because no matter what I do it still hurts.

Percentile chart - thanks for the link (philnikki and alisonco). According to the chart (if I'm reading it right), at 7 wks and 12lbs, Aimee is like the 95th percentile - she is huge!

Here is a picture we got of her while she was laughing (ok, the hair is definitely something to laugh at).

http://images.snapfish.com/34553%3B4323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2334%3D873%3D965%3DX ROQDF%3E2324243%3B567%3A5ot1lsi

[Cr8nme]

brink~ I wouldn't switch if you haven't had any blowouts. Noelle is 10 weeks and is in size 1 and we have no leaks or blowouts. Also I didn't introduce a bottle ot Noelle until about 8 weeks and she had a really hard time.. I pump about 18 oz a day and make her take 4 oz a day and now she takes it pretty easily. Just be persistant and she will ge the hang of it. My baby at 2 months was in the 75th percentile at 10pds 9 oz so that may be about right

[cr8zyforaf]

I must have jinxed myself - Ashley took a nap yesterday from 3-6:30 and I was thrilled - until she kept me up all night - I finally got her down at 11, but she was back up at 2 and then napped on and off from 4-6 but not a restful sleep. She is overly tired now and in her swing fighting it. Just when I think I got it down, she throws me a curve ball. Do you think some of the babies don't sleep well at night because they are getting too much sleep during the day?

Diaper Size - I would say unless you are having blowouts - don't switch. I have Ashley in 1s and she is fine - she is almost 13 pounds and the bag says 14. I also have 1-2's which go up to 15 pounds - I plan on using them all up if I can.

Brink - that is the most adorable picture. Aimee is adorable and I love her hair. I also have a big one - Ashley is in the 95 percentile for everything. I got her a pair of 3-6 month jeans at Old Navy and they fit - I don't think they will last much longer though.

dbers - Alex is adorable - what beautiful eyes - I love the shape of them!

PrincessCrappy - I'll take that check - do you have more than one because i think I sent you my info earlier? I also cried when packing away her stuff - I got a good cry when I came across her little hat they put on her when she was first born - I have no idea how it fit over her pumpkin.

Is anyone else going nuts with Christmas/Holiday shopping? I went out the other day and got a ton of clothes and toys - she is going to be totally overwhelmed - not to mention both grandparents will spoil her - I figure it is her first Christmas so what the heck!

[Cr8nme]

Sleeping~Noelle usually sleeps from 8-8 over night waking about 3 times to nurse for 5 minutes or so...She also sleeps a good 2-3 hours during the day if not more and I never have any night sleep problems. I guess it just depends on the baby and little Ashely likes to fight it:( Hope things start getting better.

Christmas~ I don't even think I am buying Noelle anything big maybe a exersaucer or something we didn't get off our registry that she will need soon...I know it might sound bad but I think we will save the buying for when she can open her own presents. She is probably going to sleep the whole time anyway...thats just my philosophy

[philnikki]

Brink LOVE that pic of Aimee!! Ava has that same sleeper!! I thought Ava's hair was crazy, but her's is pretty cute :) lol

Sleeping - Can't complain here. She's a great sleeper! I keep waiting for her to start fighting it and being fussy though. Its really too good to be true with her. She sleeps from 6:30-8:30, gets a bath and bottle, and then she sleeps again from 9:30 to 5:30 if she is in bed with me, and from 9:30-3:30 if she is in her own bed.

I just wanted to show off a few outfits that I have for Ava. I posted more in my journal if you are interested ;)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf37b3127cce9518b97d30ac00000015108CbMmzRq1bQ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf37b3127cce9518b8cb708200000015108CbMmzRq1bQ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf37b3127cce9518b81af16300000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

ETA: Diane - I forgot to comment on that cute pic of Alex. She is about the same size as Ava!

[solongtogo]

nikki where did you find the turkey outfit?

[pixiecat]

Wow! I am so far behind.... I won't try to catch up, but all of the babies are such cuties! I love all of the smile pictures! I'll try to post mine later - *finally* caught one on camera!!

Lily is doing really well - she is over 11lbs, so I think she is up there in the percentiles too! Her rash has mainly cleared up, although we are also dealing w/ some cradle cap.

She still has a fussy period at night, but she usually sleeps from 10 - 2/3 and then 2/3 to 6/7. So we are getting some decent sleep around here and I am thankful!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we are alive and well! Hope everyone has a great day!

[hmbay]

xmas--like someone else posted (sorry I'm to lazy to look and see who) Alex is getting only 1 or 2 presents for the holiday. 1) he's too young to care 2) we're short on cash this season due to carrying two mortgages until our rental property rents out or sells 3) he will inherit a ton of toys from his older brother. DS1 will get 5 or 6 presents from us but I know he will get spoiled rotten from my parents (I'm an only child so Colin and Alex are their old grandchildren) and reasonably spoiled from Jon's side of the family.

[Brink]

Aimee has officially slept through the night for two nights in a row. The first night she went down around 8:30 and slept until 7am and then last night was around 11:00 and slept until 7:30, I can certainly deal with that!

Cr8nme/Cr8zyforaf/Philnikki - Thanks for comments on Aimee's pics. I think she is adorable too, but then I'm her mom!

Philnikki - very cut outfits. I didn't think about getting a Turkey Day outfit. I'll have to go shopping in the next few days.

Christmas - I don't think we will be buying much for her. I'm sure she will get things from family members, but we are watching our pennys now while I'm not working. Next year she will get spoiled, but this year will be very conservative.

[philnikki]

Lisa - I have had a lot of ppl ask me that and I have no idea! Its Carters and it was a gift from a friend. If I had to guess I would say BRU, but she got it like right after Ava was born in August. I was so excited, bc I never would have gone out to get anything like that. It's great!! :)

[pixiecat]

Here is the happy pic I took of Lily - she loves that dang mobile... too bad it only runs for about 3 minutes! arg!
http://images.snapfish.com/3455565523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2326%3D339%3D94%3C%3DX ROQDF%3E232424454873%3Bot1lsi

[randysmandy]

Hunter's batism
http://images.snapfish.com/3455572723232%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3256%3E2%3A%3B%3E962% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233333%3B7%3A477nu0mrj Ignore the crease and white spot! I am going to put him back in it for another pic-ARG

Nikki Your formula is on its way!

pixiecat Lily is adorable-damn the mobile

christmas We are only getting him 2 gifts. His grandparents are going to spoil him!

[solongtogo]

Seems like I don't have much time to come on here anymore! I'm glad everyones babies are doing so well, they're all so beautiful!

We took her holiday photos last Sunday, here's a couple..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/holiday.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/holiday1.jpg

and today I was finally able to catch a smile on camera!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/cheese.jpg

Courtney is doing great...we are also fighting cradle cap. I put vaseline on her face, but I'm not worried about her scalp. That'll go away eventually. She'll be 3 months old next week! I can't believe how fast it's going!

[cr8zyforaf]

Thanks for those of you who sent me coupons for the Gentlease - got them - I am sending out the Symilac on Monday - I have to take it to the post office.

solongtogo - I just have to say - not only is Courtney adorable - you take the most amazing photos! The one with the hat where she is staring into the camera is GREAT!

randysmandy - Hunter is so adorable in his little outfit!

Nikki - I am so envious of the Turkey outfit - I went to two Carter's stores looking for one and they had nothing...BRU didn't have any Thanksgiving attire either..BOO HOO!

pixiecat - glad that you are getting a decent amount of sleep and falling into some sort of routine..I think that is the hardest part...figure out what they need and then giving it to them.

We had a really bad day yesterday - it was my neice's birthday and Ashley flipped out - I think too many people held her and she was just way overwhelmed - she cried (SCREAMED) the entire 3 hours we were there and all the way home. It was the worst - and she had slept good the night before, and even took a really long nap before we went. I cried all the way home because it was just a miserable time for all.

I am really worried about daycare - she is a very fussy, high needs baby and unfortunately, most of the time I am the only one she will go to. DH tried to feed her the other night and she wigged out on him. DH works crazy hours so really it is just me and her most days - however, the other day I took her to my moms and she was fine with her - maybe it was just too many people coming at her. Does anyone else deal with a needy/fussy/clingy child. I fear daycare is going to call me to come get her because she will be so awful.

And here is the picture I picked for her Christmas card:

http://images.snapfish.com/34556%3C3923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D668%3D499%3DX ROQDF%3E232423763665%3Aot1lsi

And I really liked this one - however the white onsie looks a bit raggy in all the cards I liked

http://images.snapfish.com/34556%3C3923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D668%3D499%3DX ROQDF%3E2324237626%3B92ot1lsi

And one more favorite:

http://images.snapfish.com/34556%3C3923232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E577%3E3%3A8%3E WSNRCG%3D323332854343%3Anu0mrj

I have a coupon code for Kodak gallery if anyone is interested - it is 20% off of orders 10 bucks or more...just let me know.

[hisdaffodil]

Wow, ya'll have been busy!!

I'll attempt to catch up, somewhat.

At his 2 months appointment, he was 12lbs 10oz and in the 75th percentile for weight. 50% for height.

I just checked that website adn he's still in the same percentiles. He's over 13 lbs now. He's a little chunk!

We're barely in 0-3's. I haven't started 3-6's yet because I'm desperately trying to get worthwhile use out of his 0-3's still! But I bet we'll be 3-6'ing it this week.

Cradle cap.... not yet, but DS1 had it bad for a while.

Christmas - Jamie's only getting like 2 or 3 things under the tree, and at least 1 of those is a "shared" present with his brother that he won't care about for a long time. Then we're doing his stocking, but it'll just be filled with socks and binkies and teethers, so not like he'll care. This is the 1st year that DS1 has really noticed presents and such, so we're actually cutting way back. I dont' want him to expect 20 presents every year.

Pictures, I'm so far behind.

Anyone else with 2 or more kids having difficulty spending equal amounts of time/effort?? I feel so guilty because J's baby book is not kept up like I did E's, I don't take 100 pics a week of J like I did for E, etc.

Still no AF

I think I've stagnated and possibly completed my post-partum weight journey. I can't get the scale to budge anymore. I'm only 5lbs over my pre-prego weight, but my hips have widened. So I'm up 1 pant size, and 1/2 a shoe size too. New wardrobe for me. Sucks, I'd just bought a ton of stuff I loved!

[AndreaMMS]

Wifeandwannabemom, Nikki, Charmcitygirl, Brink, and Cr8zyforAF- thanks for supporting me in my crazy dress purchace for Naomi! Y'all are great. And thanks for the compliments on her. :)

Diane- holy cow, Alex is SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! It's practically dangerous!

Nikki-thanks for the links to the growth charts!

Brink- Aimee is adorable - that hair is amazing! She and Diane's Alex. Sheesh- my husband has called Naomi "Kojack!"

randysmandy- Hunter looked adorable in his Baptism outfit!

Pixiecat- love Lily's smile!

Solongtogo and Cr8zyforAF- the holiday pics of Courtney and Ashley are wonderful. Really sweet!

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

Holiday gifts- ooo, so glad y'all brought this up. Rich and I just discussed how we really won't buy andything much for Naomi this year, and I was feeling a little bad about it - but she has SO MUCH STUFF and we know she's going to be getting lots of presents from relatives.

Question- Ok, I'm embarassed to even ask this, but how is everyone doing "down there?" I ask because When went in for my OB check up and the doc put in the speculum in I screamed, it hurt so much. And intimacy? SO painful, we really can't! My doctor says it's normal because of low estrogen after giving birth and scar tissue from the episiotomy that needs to stretch, but am I alone in this? Nobody warned me about this!!!!:confused: :mad:

[hmbay]

down there--it's gotten better but it was pretty uncomfortable for a while. If you're BFing make sure to use lub--BFing dries you out for some reason. One of my friends who had a baby has claimed after trying the first time post-partum that she's never having s*x again unless the dr comes over and gives her an epidural first so you aren't the only one. :)

[philnikki]

Andrea - Yeah, it hurts like H*** down there!! Even using a tampon during my first AF hurt like crazy, so there is no way I am letting DH near me unless and I drunk and fully lubed up ;) I think its gonna have to be that way for awhile until the scar tissue heals and gets stretched. I told DH I feel like a born again virgin :D lol

[wildcat]

OMG I am SSOOOO far behind!!! My DH was out of town so I went to my parents (3 hours away) to stay. They really enjoyed having her there (my mom took several afternoons off and we shopped like crazy!) and my grandparents are there, so we spent a lot of time with them during the day. Anyway, I was so busy, no time for internet access, shocking, I know!!!

I've glimpsed through the last week, but am going to go back and read, but for now:

weight - OMG - I was totally freaking out that Lauren is way too small compared to what your babies have weighed at 2 months!!! My mom calmed me down a bit though, she told me she wouldn't be peeing/pooping as much as she is if she wasn't growing. And I can tell she's growing as her 0-3 month clothes finally fit really well and we're actually finally moving to size 1 diapers (newborns still fit, but my mom said they're starting to look like bikini's on her!hehe). When I weigh her on the scale with me, it's a 9.5 pound difference. Her 2 month appt is a week from today, so I imagine she'll be around 10 pounds. We got out my babybook and I weighed 9lb 10oz at 2 months (which my mom remembered and didn't even have to look at the babybook, crazy!). So, I guess she's ok and is just going to be little like her mommy!

cradle cap - We are very lucky and haven't had that yet!

crazy hair - Lauren is another baby with a ton of hair, except hers likes to stand straight up all over! My mom and I talked to a mom while out shopping with a baby with a lot of hair that was laying down and she said the trick is to put a cap on while her hair is still wet. It totally works!!!

down there - I haven't ever been sore (2nd degree episiotomy, took pain meds in hospital but not since) and my 6 week PP check-up felt like they usually do. We tried s*x for the first time on Saturday and it was painful but not as bad as I expected.

gifts - I think I've spent maybe $100 on Lauren so far and then we're going to open her 529 plan with a contribution and that's it, she's so young and my relatives are already going cazy buying for her (first grandbaby and great grandbaby all around).

weight - I lost 20 lbs by 2wks PP and haven't lost since...so still have 25 to go to get to PP weight and then would like to lose 15 more (that I gained while TTC). Back on WW, hopefully it works like it did before I got pg when I got to my goal weight.

pics - We went to Picture People yesterday for xmas pics and had a pretty bad experience. I didn't like the photographer, they were 30 mins late getting started and by then Lauren was overstimulated (they were swamped and kids were running everywhere and they put us in the front studio in plain view of everything) and she wasn't happy. I tried feeding her and then she fell asleep. Anyway, I personally think we could have taken better pictures and I think we are going to try that next weekend. We might also try Portrait Innovations to see how we like them (similar place I think). I just want nice pics and don't want to spend $500 every 2 months. We'll probably go to a "real" photograher when she's 1 or something, but don't want to spend that much money every few months.

Not sure if I posted these pics, but these were the first smiles we were able to catch on camera!

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20051112/normal_IMG_1417.jpg
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20051112/normal_IMG_1419.jpg
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20051112/normal_IMG_1420.jpg

[BeachBum]

winkflash RandysMandy, just wanted to let you know I did order some pics from them and they turned out great. I will be using them again. (12 cents photos and 99 cents shipping)

down there I'm still on pelvic rest. I had an episiotomy and a 3rd degree tear. I'll admit that I'm glad to have an "excuse". I'm really nervous about DTD.

gifts We haven't decided what to do. He doesn't really need anything. I'm sure I'll find a few things, but we will be using it as our last year to get good stuff for eachother. :)

weight I'm back! My clothes don't fit, but I'm at my pre-preg weight. My feet also grew 1/2 size, which sucks.

pics The mall is an hour a way for us so I've not done any pro pics yet. I was at K-Mart this week and they have Olan Mills (that doesn't look right, but you know what I mean) there and you get 1 pose and like 5 pages for $5! I couldn't say no, so we go tomorrow.
I can't decide if I want to do his thanksgiving outfit, or his christmas one.
For TG, I got him this bib from BRU, and he has a striped shirt (orange, tan, brown and cream) with brown pants from gymbo. The bib covers up the kangaroo on the front of the shirt and looks really cute.
For Christmas I got him a john-john that is green and white cordoroy with a big santa applicay on the front. I love it! (I better for what I spent!)

[philnikki]

beachbum - Awww!!! his eyes are *SO* blue!!!

wildcat - Aww! Don't you just love it when they are blowing bubbles and are just so happy?!? *sigh* that is the best feeling. Lauren is such a doll!! :)

[wildcat]

I forgot to add that we already got Lauren an early Christmas present (I was going to give it to her for xmas, but why wait, she doesn't know the difference anyway!). We got her a Bumbo seat and she LOVES it!!
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20051112/normal_IMG_1431.jpg
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20051112/normal_IMG_1424.jpg

- beachbum - OMG - Henry's eyes are amazing!!!!

Nikki - I know!! She was ALL smiles this morning!! She just wanted to sit with me and babble and smile, I love it! I'm going to be so so sad to go back to work and miss her happy mornings:(. I still have 4 weeks of maternity leave left though, then only 2, 2day weeks and daddy will be with her those days. So, I count that as still having 6 weeks left!;)

[Kay2003]

close up pics everyone's close-up pics are GREAT. I have to remember to get really close up after seeing your pics.

weight - I'm so glad you brought this up. I have stagnated at 12 pound over my ppg weight and am pretty bummed about it. I've started exercising, too, but that hasn't seemed to make the scale budge. I'm actually having some body image issues. Not only am I over my prepregnancy weight but my stomach looks quite gross - so wrinkly and so many stretch marks. I think my body image is partly to blame for my DH and I not DDT. I'm also fearful of the pain. I know i have to get over this. I've only lately started thinking about it (8 weeks out) now that I am less sleep deprived.

[Cr8nme]

BEach~ his eyes are amazing...

Down There~ I was really sore for the first 2 weeks. We have DTD recently and it hurt but not that bad.

Weight~ I lost 27 pounds within 2 weeks of giving birth...I only gained 14 ...but my stomach is really soft and I have apouch at the bottom

Wildcat~ I want to get one of those for Noelle!!

[wife&wannabemom]

weight - I'm so glad you brought this up. I have stagnated at 12 pound over my ppg weight and am pretty bummed about it. I've started exercising, too, but that hasn't seemed to make the scale budge. I'm actually having some body image issues.


I could have written this for me. I lost 20 lbs almost immediately after DS was born and I'm now stuck at 15 pounds over my ppg weight and I too am exercising. I'm BFing so I haven't dieted at all, but it's definitely bothering me. Hopefully after the holidays I'll really get on that diet and lose the rest.

PrincessCrappy- I got the formula today...thanks so much!!!

down there - Amen sisters....I too almost jumped off of the table when teh OB put the spectulum in....I think it just takes the body time to heal. DH and I have DTD a couple of times and I have to say it gets easier each time...

Christmas- We are not really getting Patrick anything....my MIL asked what to get him and I said nothing...she buys him stuff all the time and he really doesn't need anything. My dad is making a contribution to his 529 (if we ever open it).

BeachBum - I can't see your pics for some reason and I want to see those eyes everyone is talking about!

cr8zy- I LOVE the pics. Sorry you are having a rough time.

pixie, wildcat, solongtogo, randysmandy (and everyone else), I can't get over how cute all of the babies are...I love all the chubby cheeks and smiles.

We just got back from our first plane trip and Patrick did AWESOME!!! He was awake and happy on the plane trip to Atlanta and slept the whole way home...and in the hotel room he slept from 11:30-7:30!!!! My MIL came with us to watch DS while DH and i were at hte rehearsal dinner and wedding...it was amazing.

patrick has been sleeping throug hthe night for over a week now...last night he slept from 9-7:30! Tonight he went to bed around 9:45ish so hopefully he'll sleep through again.

I think that is about it for us....Gotta get to bed. Oh, and my milk really isn't drying up after all! DS just started to eat for longer stretches so those few days that he wanted to eat every hour was likely just becuase I wasn't feeding him long enough...things are good now though :)

[randysmandy]

Nikki Did you get your formula yet?
Wifeandwannabemom So glad you trip went well. And you are lucky patrick sleeps so long. Hunter goes from 8-4 then wakes up at 7. but miraculously he is down for a nap-IN HIS CRIB right now!

Thanks for the compliments on Hunter. Since his pic was creased I took moe in his baptismal outfit last night. I know I am a cheater!

http://images.snapfish.com/345589%3A323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3256%3E2%3A%3B%3E962% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233345772%3B2%3Cnu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/345589%3A323232%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D3256%3E2%3A%3B%3E96 2%3EWSNRCG%3D3233345772%3B33nu0mrj

Weight I can't seem to lose it either-I fit into 3 pairs of jeans and refuse to buy "fat clothes". I need to get on the treadmill more!!! 13# left to go.

Wildcat
I have never seen a seat like that-it looks like fun to sit in. Lauren is such a cutey.
And so are all the babies-what a good looking baby month we had.

[philnikki]

randysmandy -YES!!! I was going to get on here and mention it this morning but got caught up in other threads ;) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! It was very generous of you!!! Let me know if there is anything I can do in return!! And ADORABLE pics of Hunter!! Yeah!!

A few pics of Ava!

In her bath...this expression was P.R.I.C.E.L.E.S.S!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf39b3127cce9506cddae6b700000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

Taking a nap on Mommy's bed

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf01b3127cce950f87a21b3000000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

More pics a few pages back in my journal if interested ;)

Have a great day!!

[wildcat]

I'm so excited to post this morning to say Lauren has slept through the night 2 of the last 3 nights!! Since she's been born, she's slept from 9/10 - 4, 4:30 - 8:30ish. However, on Saturday night she slept from 9 - 6:30 then 6:45 - 8:30 (I know 6:30 is morning for some people, but not for me, I'm not a morning person and neither is she;)). Then last night we got her new swaddle blanket my mom made for her (it's a HUGE square blanket made of minky on one side (really really soft fabric from the quilting store) and soft flannel on the other side quilted together). She stayed swaddled all night and didn't make a peep and slept from 10 - 7:30!!!! Of course out of habit, I kept waking up every 30 mins or so from 4am on, checking on her (she's still in our room), but was THRILLED with DH's alarm went off at 7am and she was still asleep!!!

I don't want to jinx anything but am hoping this is permanent!!

Nikki - Adorable pics of Ava, as always!! I love the dress and tights, Lauren has a few like that from Target that she received as gifts. It was pretty funny watching daddy try to put it on her the first time (tights, onsie, dress...he couldn't figure out the right order for a second..hehe).

randysmandy - Very cute baptism pics!!

[pixiecat]

Hi everyone!

All of the pics are so cute! I can't believe that Lily is 2 months tomorrow! She weighs 11 lbs... I'll try to get caught up on a few of the questions:

gifts - we are not getting her anything, although that chair is really cool wildcat!! I'm sure she will get things from other people though...

down there - things have been healed since about 3 weeks pp... but DTD is still painful. We have a few times and it does get better every time.

weight - it is still going down a few lbs at a time. I haven't really had a chance to do much exercise b/c I've had one cold after another (so unlike me to be so sick all of the time!) I'm no where close to fitting into my old pants and most of my tops look v. slutty w/ my new big chest! I bought "fat" jeans yesterday (sigh)

sleep - not sure when it happened, but we don't dread going to bed anymore! Lily usually goes down when we do and only gets up once for a change and feed. In the am, I get up and she sleeps awhile longer.

We went to a firefighter's academy graduation yesterday... I got all dressed up, drove 1.5 hours, just to spend the entire time in the bathroom w/ Lily screaming! She was pissed for some reason! Oh well, it did feel good to put on pretty clothes for a change!

Also, I think we have our day care situation handled! I've been so nervous, I don't have any obvious family members to care for her and the good centers near my work are *ridiculously* hard to get into and expensive. But my neighbor (who is an awesome stay at home mom) said that she would be interested! If we can finalize it, it will be a big relief.

Hope everyone has a good day!

[cr8zyforaf]

wildcat - woo hoo for sleeping. I am doing a happy dance for you and hope that it continues. I am also not a morning person - but Ashley gets up at 6 - little stinker.

nikki - tub picture is too cute - what an expression!

randysmandy - Hunter's smile is adorable - I love how he has his little hands together!

wife&wannabemom - glad to hear the plane trip was a success!

weight - don't even want to think about it - I dropped 20 instantly and now I am stuck at 20 above what I was and I would like to loose 15 more - hopefully when I get back to work, it will be easier.

down there - I am fine - we did the dead once so far - the other times we have tried the baby woke up. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I had a pretty bad cut. I healed up pretty good, so I am fortunate I guess.

Christmas - I have gone overboard already - toys, clothing - I am out of control. I figure it is her first Christmas, she is too young to know I am spoiling her, and I am too fat to buy myself anything - plus I tried for 18 months to get pregnant so I am going to not feel bad about it. I just got her first Christmas stocking from Pottery barn kids - it is adorable -it has her name on it.

I am back at work today - Ashley is with my mother. I came in so i could get my holiday pay for Thanksgiving - I officially start back on the 5th. It feels good to be back - but I feel OK knowing she is with my mom - dropping her at daycare will be another story.

[AlisonCO]

Great pictures moms - gorgeous babies as usual:)

nikki - where did you buy those tights for Ava? I need some and have never bought tights before;)

down there - still a bit sore/tight. The speculum didn't hurt when I was at the doc, but I still need lots of lube and a glass of wine before DTD!

weight - I am stuck also! I have about 6 more pounds to go, but my stomach looks like it has 15 to go! I kept an extra 4 pounds on the whole time I nursed DS so I am expecting the same with Caitlin - as a side note, I lost 6 pounds the first week I weaned so keep that in mind if you plan to nurse for awhile.

Christmas - Caitlin is getting 2 Taggies blankets, a pair of Robeez and a Lamaze toy (the cube one.)

Glad to hear that lots of the babies are sleeping better. Caitlin is sleeping from 8:30-2:30 and 3-7 so I can't complain.

Hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving - we have A LOT to be thankful for!!!

In almost every picture I take, Caitlin has a double chin - she is going to hate us when she is a teenager!

http://www.allsam.com/NOV2005/images/112005_50.jpg

[charmcitygirl]

nikki wow, that's a cute freakin' pic of ava in the tub.

formula thanks so much to all the girls who sent formula... every little bit helps and i really appreciate it!

cr8zyforafwe did the dead once so far ...dead... funny! sounds like that's the sentiment of all the ladies around here.

gifts i'm not sure yet if we are going to really get gifts for the babies this year. all the grandparents are sure to spoil them... we're going to ask for more practical things, like the afremontioned silicone covered spoons, feeding sets, maybe a bumbo seat (http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=279755&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=279755&change=117) or two, floats for the pool, a jumperoo. maybe i'll get little things for every night of hankkah, like a rattle, pacifiers, socks, etc.

ETA: oh, and they are totally getting this (http://www.baby-wise.com/popup_image.php?pID=620).

---

so things are going well here. over the weekend, my mom decided it was time for jake and zoe to have their first taste of solid food. so they they tried carrots and avocado. bad mommy for giving them 2 different foods... probably shouldn't do that in case they have a reaction... but oh well. they seemed to like the food, but did not care at all for the spoon. need to make sure i get silicone covered spoons for real feeding in the future. i ended up just giving it to them on my finger. i'll probably let them try sweet potatoes on thanksgiving and then back to formula until january or february.

both of them have been solidly STTN for a week now (zoe has been for about 2.5 weeks), sleeping from 10/11pm to 8am.

i've finally picked up my knitting needles and started making hats for the kiddos. finished one for jake last night and am working on zoe's now. hopefully they will be ready for thanksgiving... they are calling for snow here on thursday :eek: jake's needs a cotton lining b/c it's a little too scratchy. i made zoe a sweater before she was born and had ordered yarn for a hoodie for jake but it never came....grrr... so i'm getting some from ebay. hoping zoe likes her hat, she's really not a big fan of hats. screamed on sunday when we went out and finally figured out she didn't like her hat.

speaking of sunday, we got pics with santa. ha! 2 jewish kids taking santa pics! hubby really wanted to get some and i told him it'll be a cold day in hell when i stand in line at the mall with two 3 month olds. not that they are bad... i just didn't want to deal. anyhow, it was so nice on sunday so we went for a walk at the baltimore harbor and they had just opened the santa pics place. no one was in line so we just did it. the pics are cute, but not really good quality. it took maybe 10 minutes, all told. yay!

happy thanksgiving to everybody!

[cr8zyforaf]

we did the dead once so far

Oh gosh - typo - kind of funny though.

charmcitygirl - knitting??? Good lord - all of my hobbies have gone undone - I just ordered pictures so I can start her scrapbook - where do you find the time? I sent your formula out yesterday and I got a TON of Symilac checks in the mail - I left the envelope on my counter - so it will go out tomorrow.

[charmcitygirl]

cr8zyforaf they still take pretty long naps, so that's when i've been knitting. hats are pretty quick and easy to pick up and put down. as for jake's sweater... well, we'll see how that goes. i just don't really set high expectations for getting things done day-to-day. whatever gets done, gets done. some things i'm more fanatical about than others. and since i'm a sahm who does some freelancing, work doesn't really get in the way ;)

got the formula... thanks again!

[Brink]

Wow, everyone has been busy. Let's try to catch up.

Weight - I am also in the "stuck" club. I droped about 25 in the first few weeks and now I'm stuck with the remaining 20. I started riding my bike for about 10 minutes each day and that seemed to help, then I got lazy and haven't been on it for a few days. If I could do it consistently I think I'll loose another 5-10 more that way. Then I'm counting on WW when I go back to work in January.

Down There - sorry to hear about everyone's troubles. Guess that is one positive about having a c-section. The pain of those first few weeks was bad, but nothing changed down there. Our problem is just finding the time. With Aimee at 8 wks old, we have only DTD once!

BeachBum - I also can't see your pics.

Randysmandy - Hunter is so adorable in his outfit. Definitely worth taking the second round.

Nikki - If I could take a picture of Aimee while bathing I think her expresion would match Ava's. Although, Aimee's crinkled brow would follow with a cry since she still doesn't like her bath.

Sleeping through the night - congrats for those of you who are getting full nights rest. Aimee had three nights where she went from 10 - 7:30 and then last night went back to a 5am feeding. Still not too bad since she went back to sleep until 9:00.

Pixiecat - Good for you on the daycare. That must be a relief. DH and still have a reservation at a daycare place but we are considering having him stay home and take care of her. Does anyone else have a Stay at Home Dad?

DH is actually taking care of Aimee this morning and has her taking a nap in the other room. Maybe I can get caught up on my chores now!

[hmbay]

sleeping--anyone else's kids being erratic? Alex had been pretty consistant with a 4-5 hour stretch (that sometimes lasted as long as 6-7 hours) but he has popped back to 3-4 hour stretches the last week or two and it's just exhausting me (he doesn't go to sleep until between 11 and midnight either and I have to be to work at 8am so I'm up at 6:30 to get ready and feed him). Anyone have any ideas why he's backslid or how I can "fix" it?

[AndreaMMS]

Naomi had her 2-month appointment and shots today, poor kid. She actually handled it really well- a minute of hard crying and then she forgot about it.

She's 9 pounds 10 ounces and 21 3/4 inches - the doctor says that's 50th percentile for both measurements! I'm so happy (and see Wildcat, under 10 pounds is FINE! DOn't worry about Lauren!)! Considering what a peanut she was at birth (5 pounds 7 ounces) it's great development!

[Brink]

Here is our first attempt at Christmas Pics for Aimee. I also have a cute dress that we are going to try in a few days.

http://images.snapfish.com/34558%3B%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2334%3D873%3D965%3 DXROQDF%3E232425572%3B%3A97ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34558%3B%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2324%3D345%3D67%3B %3D323334558%3A%3C%3A6nu0mrj

[philnikki]

How cute are her booties?!? :) lol I just love it!!

[BeachBum]

Thanks for the compliments on Henry. His eyes are very blue, but that photo really makes them stand out. I think because it is a bit overexposed.
QOTD
rolling over Is anyone else rolling over? Nikki, has Ava done it regularly since that first time?
H has done it 2x now, but both times seemed really surprised. Plus there has been about 2 weeks inbetween times.

teething I posted a question about this in parenting, but H is starting to drool--a lot! Does this mean he is teething? Is anyone else drooling a lot?

gifts Let's be sure and share any great toys / practical things we find for this age group! I know there is a general thread, but you guys know what we need.
So far, H really likes the
Lamaze Cube
Lamaze Freddy the firefly is his absolute favorite!
He also has the Lamaze Inch worm which he is so/so on. He really shows no interest in the gymini.
We have that thing that goes on your back seat for him to look at in the car seat which has helped with car rides a lot.
So please share your secrets!!


Aimee is adorable! You don't post many pictures of her :) Love the booties

Hunter looks so cute in his outfit! I don't blain you for redoing! :)
(but I didn't see the problem in the first one)

Caitlin is so pretty! She is going to be a looker for sure!

Laurenlooks so happy in that chair. How cool!

Ava looks great! That sling thing in the bath looks helpful!

[wife&wannabemom]

Hi ladies....I just have a minute before Patrick needs to eat but I wanted to answer the questions...

rolling over- Add Patrick to that list...he's done it now 3 times...twice last Thursday and once on Saturday. But he hasn't done it again since...

teething - My ped said it could happen anytime after around 3 months old. Patrick is a HUGE drooler (hence the spit up rash/ance around his mouth all the time)....the ped said it was a bit early for teething at his 2 month checkup but his drooling hasn't let up since so I think it is the beginning of teething...

[pixiecat]

We just ordered our Christmas cards from kodakgallery... we choose a very traditional red card with this pic:

http://images.snapfish.com/34558%3C8%3B23232%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3235%3E248%3E85%3 B%3EWSNRCG%3D32333466%3C2%3A29nu0mrj

We wrote: Wishing you Peace and Quiet this Holiday Season.

:D Hope they come out okay! DH thought it was *quite* funny!

[Kay2003]

pixiecat - I love the holiday greeting! Very clever.

[Kay2003]

erratic schedule - Kaito slept the night a few nights, then after his shots he has been getting up every 3 hours again sigh...

[solongtogo]

sleep Courtney started sleeping through the night 2 weeks ago, on the first day I had to go back to work. Good timing baby! She usually conks out around 7:45, and I wake her at 5 so I can have her to daycare at 6am, then I get to work around 6:15 and leave at 3.

Laugh has anyones baby started to laugh yet?

[charmcitygirl]

drooling yep. zoe's a drooling fool. started to get pretty bad yesterday. she's got a bib on now 24/7. i've been feeling around in her mouth to see if there's any bumps and i have not found any. not sure if this means teething is just around the corner or not. hope not! we are sttn dammit!

laughing jake & zoe have both been making laughing sounds for the past few weeks. i wouldn't say it's out-and-out laughing though. soon, methinks.

[cr8zyforaf]

drooling - yup - all the time - and blowing bubbles.

rolling over - nope - not once. She hates being on her stomach - are the babies rolling front to back or back to front?

laughing - I think yes - but it isn't really laughing - it is more of a big smile/gasping/squealing noise - but to me it is laughter.

pixiecat - what a cute idea...love love love the picture!

Brink - adorable pictures - her little belly is so cute! Love the booties!

She loves her Lamaze flutterbug - she also has a Lamaze frog with flowers in his hand that I can't find online that she loves.

I bought her a little gund doggie dressed in red boots and a red hat the other day at the mall - she fell asleep in her carseat with her arm wrapped around him - she woke up before I could take a picture but it melted my heart.

[Brink]

Laughing - Aimee is just over 8 wks and has been laughing for about 2 wks. I guess I would consider it a laugh, it's a pretty big squeal when she is really excited.

Pixiecat - that is so funny. I love that picture and idea - very cute.

[randysmandy]

Rollingover no rolling over yet, but VERY close a few times
Drooling Constantly-especially when he is excited!
Sleeping Hunter went to bed at his normal 8pm time but he woke up at 1 and then 4 and at 6 for the day-very speradic!
Laughing He started to laugh when I held hum in my arms and bent my legs and said-up...down repeatedly. It was a riot when he did it the first time. Now he laughs when we do silly things.
charmcitygirl Hunter has been on cereal for a few weeks now....I was wondering when I should start giving him veggies. I was thinking of waiting til he was 4 months-seems to early now. But I saw that you gave them to your babies. Did you talk with your ped or just go for it?
pixiecat that's a riot!
brinkvery adorable..we had the same idea, wish i thought of the booties though! you reminded me to post my homemade pics
http://images.snapfish.com/3455979523232%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D3256%3E2%3A%3B%3E962% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233345%3A64%3A9%3Anu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3455979523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2347%3D39%3C%3D%3A53%3 DXROQDF%3E2324254%3B53945ot1lsi

[philnikki]

AAWWWWW Hot cute is that pic of him in the present :) lol LOVE it!!

[charmcitygirl]

randysmandy cute hunter pics... actually, jake & zoe are not eating veggies yet. i was only giving them tastes. they will have to wait until jan/feb for more (well, except for maybe some sweet potatoes tomoroow ;) ). but if you think hunter is ready, try some. some babies, esp. if they are big, are ready for solids much earlier than others. i was looking at dh's baby book last week and it says he was eating cereal at 3.5 WEEKS :eek:

[wildcat]

sleep - Lauren STTN again last night (9:30 - 7:15)!!! Woohoo!!

rolling over - Nope, I haven't even seen her try!

laughing - Nope, she started smiling at 5 weeks (she's 8 weeks now) and we've heard a few squeels when she's been excited (just within the last few days), but no laughing.

drooling - I wouldn't say she's doing it a lot, but she's started drooling and blowing bubbles in the last few weeks.

Very cute pictures everyone!

[solongtogo]

Boy I'd love to recieve THAT present! What an adorable picture!

[pixiecat]

mandy - wow, those pics of Hunter are adorable! What a photogenic little babe you have there! Lily cries everytime I take out the camera, hence the screaming xmas card!

rolling over - nope, not really! Although she can roll from her back to her side if the bed is sloping that way (i.e. if I am in it, weighing it down!)

laughing - a few "loud" laughs here and there, but nothing consistent! Love the big mouth smiles though!

:D

[hisdaffodil]

rolling over - once so far

laughing - more like a coo'ing giggle, but I call it his laughing

Xmas cards - haven't even got that far yet!! Aaaah!!

Pics - all the babes are sooooo adorable! Almost makes me want another one soon. Almost.

[Sabre]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/sabrespa/47b5cf02b3127cce95f42988d34b0000010.jpg

Hope everyone has a great day!

[AndreaMMS]

I have a $6.00 coupon for Enfamil A.R. LIPIL "for babies who spit up frequently." If anyone is interested, PM me!

[cr8zyforaf]

I got two small cans of Enfamil AR Lipil in the mail - if anyone is interested, PM me.

[solongtogo]

Hope everyone had a nice thanksgiving.

Both Courtney and I are sick with colds, picked up at the daycare she goes to. Guess it was only a matter of time, but 3 weeks at daycare and allready sick. Grand. I feel terrible for her...she coughs and is so congested. I have to practically hold her down to suction the snot out of her nose...she *hates* it!! Poor baby :(

[hisdaffodil]

BTW

I have 2 cans of Enfamil Lipil with Iron that they sent me. I held on for a bit just in case BF didn't work out. I know how expensive formula can be so if anyone would like these, just let me know!

[cr8zyforaf]

solongtogo - sorry you are both sick.

Ashley is no longer sleeping - for the past few night - she has been up every 1.5 - 2 hours and I just don't get it. She is very gassy which is probably a reason - she seems fine otherwise, no fever, still eating...she just won't sleep. And if she does sleep - it is on me...I can't put her down. I feel like I've created a monster - I have no idea what is going to happen when I throw her in daycare next week - because they are not going to hold her all day. Have I spoiled her? I really thought it was too early to do that. Does anyone else deal with a baby that won't sleep or that will only sleep when held?

[AndreaMMS]

cr8zyforaf- Sorry you're struggling with Ashley's sleeping. Naomi will pretty much only fall asleep in our arms, and we have to wait 20 minutes-1/2 hour before we can transfer her into her PNP or she'll wake right up. I worry about spoiling her as well. Swaddling definately helps her stay asleep longer...

[BeachBum]

Hope everyone had a good TG. Here's a pic of Henry http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=37526725&c=1188530&z=0&v=d64c1a0acbc8f14810b6098460d0b7c998cd5d5d9fc29442 e45b32d3537c862231eff83a322b5cba
He had such a rough day--no nap with all the excitement, smells and people all around.

I know it's crazy, but I think he's teething at 12 weeks! I have no other explination for his fussyness and chewing on his hand. It stinks because he can't hold a teething ring or anything. Poor little guy!

I too am worried not that the "no spoiling" period is winding down. I bring H into bed with us when he wakes up to eat. DH is afraid of creating a monster so he wants to have him in his crib in his room by 4 months. I just don't want to have to get up and stay up during the night to feed him. UGH.


Sorry about the cold Solongtogo--that stinks!

Sabre--Anthony looks so cute! What a smile!

Hunter makes such a cute present!

I love the "peace and quiet" too funny!!!! And great pic! I wanted to do H with a "bah humbug" hat on.

[BeachBum]

Oh, I forgot...
Cr8nme, I got a hooter hider! I really like it. It is so simple I certainly could have made one, but I just don't have the time. Anyway, I'm glad you mentioned it. It has made NIP easier...I can relax more :)

[randysmandy]

Happy First Thanksgiving!
cr8zyforaf Sorry to hear about Ashley. Hunter went through a period during the day where he would only sleep in my arms. I started to put him in his crib as soon as he got crabby and now he sleeps around the same time everyday. Hopefully she is going through a stage as well. Maybe she is starting to teeth early?
Beachbum Hunter chews his hands too. I think it is because he is trying to suck his thumb, but can understand that he needs to open his hands up! he ends up with his entire fist or his two fingers and thumb. Does Henry have a fever? Can you feel his front bottom teeth at all? My mom told me the gums get soft and then hard then a tooth pops through. Hmm???
solongtogo I hope you and the baby are feeeling better. DS has a runny nose this morning-clear, but runny and he is sneezing. I guess it is that time of the year!

[dbers]

Guess who slept all night in her crib for the first time last night!!! :D Of course I was a mess - I kept getting up to go check on her :rolleyes: - but I'm a proud mama this morning.

[philnikki]

Diane - Us too!!! Wasn't it so hard to not go in there every 5 minutes. I think I got better sleep when she was in bed with me bc I had her right there!

Thought I would share some pics of Ava's Christening this past weekend. There are more in my journal if you are interested.

Getting Ready for her Big Day!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf06b3127cce952b5a02915300000016108CbMmzRq1bQ

Don't I look pretty in my dress?!?!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf06b3127cce952b5984507c00000015108CbMmzRq1bQ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf06b3127cce952b5ed510b600000015108CbMmzRq1bQ

[dbers]

Nikki - YES! I was so sad when I got into bed and she wasn't in her bassinette right next to me...but we MUST let go ;)

[solongtogo]

dbers Congratulations! We put DD in her crib almost a month ago, and she slept there for about a week, then started daycare. I couldn't stand not having her by my side during the day, so I regressed. She now sleeps beside me in a pack and play. Oy...I'm never gonna be able to let go...

[wildcat]

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!! We were out of town at my parents and I caught up yesterday here, but didn't post! We had a great Thanksgiving, it's so fun being able to show Lauren off to all the relatives! However, she was pretty fussy by the evenings from being handled and passed around so much. A few weeks ago, we bought a swing for my parents house as it's her "unwind, don't touch me" place;).

I am VERY proud to say that Lauren has slept through the night for the last 7 nights (started at 7.5 weeks!)!! She's going to sleep between 9 and 10 at night and sleeping until 7:30am!! It's absolule heaven! I've had it really good with only 1 night waking since pretty much the beginning, but sleeping the entire night is so amazing!! I hope everyone's babies are there soon!

Lauren had her 2 month pediatrician appt today and received 3 separate shots. She immediately screamed like I’ve never heard before and it took her a good 10 minutes to calm down. Needless to say, mommy was crying also!! I’m really glad my DH went with us! We gave her infant Tylenol before and every 4 hours since. Then Lauren and I hit the mall for the afternoon followed by the grocery store and she just slept the entire time. She’s been a little fussy this evening, but that’s to be expected according to the pediatrician. As far as her weight goes, she’s up to 10lb 12oz!! That keeps her in the 50th percentile (same percentile she was at 2 weeks at 8lb 3oz). For length, she’s 22″ which is also the 50th percentile (she was 20″ and 40th percentile at 2 weeks). Her head is up to 15.5 inches from 14.5 inches at 2 weeks and is still 75th percentile. Her dr. was very pleased with her growth! She also commented that Lauren is “very interactive” and loves attention but we knew that! She’s doing REALLY well with her head control and when her dr. placed her on her tummy, she actually not only lifted her head up, but used her arms to push up and stayed that way for a minute or two! We hadn’t seen her do that before and the pediatrician was really surprised and pleased as they don’t expect babies to do that until 4 months! Her dr. said she’ll be rolling over soon!!

Ok - Lauren has been fussing for the last 45 mins (totally never done this before, stupid shots) and DH is saying it's my turn to try to make her happy! S/O's later!

[AndreaMMS]

I'm REALLY confused about baby weight percentiles. My doc told me that at 9pounds, 10 ounces for her 2 month appt, Naomi was in the 50th percentile. But widlcat's doctor told her the same thing about Lauren, who is 10 pounds, 12 ounces! How can they both be right??????:confused:

Also, I found an online growth chart that says Naomi is in the 21st percentile. What the heck?!?!??!?!?!?

By the way - congrats on Lauren sleeping throught the night!:)

ETA: Not that the percentile really matters all that much, as long as they're growing everything's fine, I know.

[hmbay]

STTN: depends on his mood and it is driving me nuts. The worst is though that most nights he will NOT go to bed until almost midnight and I have to get up at 6:30 am to make it to work on time so put going to bed at midnight together with 1 or 2 feedings before 6:30 am and you have one exhausted mama. :(

And a new picture of Alex from this weekend at my parents house:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf08b3127cce95960bdee67500000046108IZt3Lhm3Zy

[charmcitygirl]

andrea really, i wouldn't get too caught up in the percentiles. i don't even get that info from my ped because i know she will tell me if they aren't growing at an appropriate rate. i'm sure jake and zoe's percentiles are waaaayyyy down there. my guess is that zoe wasn't even on the chart until her 2 month appt.

thanksgiving the babes did really well on turkey day... they had some sweet potatoes and loved it. i'm a mean mommy for teasing them. they won't get any more solids for another month or 2.

road trip! at the very last minute, i decided to bring to babies to nyc (we live in maryland -- 4 hr drive) for our family hanukkah party. it's held every year on the saturday after thanksgiving since that's when all the college kids are around. i drove up with my mom and stepfather (dh stayed home) and the babies did really well. they slept for the entire trip up, waking once at a rest stop to eat. at the party, they were passed around to everybody and thank god no one was sick, so they got lots of action. they were a little fussy probably from too much stimulation, but everybody commented on how good they are. my cousin's 2 month old baby was there as well but he slept pretty much the whole time. on the way home, jake and zoe just slept. phew! however, my stepfather almost got zoe killed. we were at a light, and he was turning left onto the ramp for the highway. i was feeding zoe in the back and all of a sudden there's this car flying at us. exactly to where zoe's carseat is. all i could manage to say was "f***" and both cars stopped. somehow, the car missed hitting us by inches. seriously. inches. i don't really know how it happened because i wasn't paying attention to the road so i don't know if my stepfather ran a light or what. wouldn't be surprising since he is a terrible driver. once we got near my house, he ran a red light. needless to say, jake and zoe will never ride in a car with him driving again. i have to say that i was really just so stunned by it all and thankful that nothing happened, that i didn't even yell at him. my mom took care of that herself ;)

[wildcat]

andrea - I could see the ped's file and it said something like 9-11lbs = 50%. I don't get it either!

[AndreaMMS]

Thanks, wildcat. Wierd that it would be such a large spread, but ok! (shrug)

[charmcitygirl]

oooh... i forgot to add that i ventured out to the mall on sunday and though i am not a big fan of gymboree (or any other baby clothes that are mega bucks for that matter), i got this for zoe...

http://www.gymbohaven.com/teache139.jpg

i've been stalking it on ebay, then i found it in the store and it was marked down to $16, then 25% off. they had it in both 3-6mos and 6-12mos. i'm lame and couldn't decide, so i called my mom to get her opinion and she offered to buy the 6-12 if i got the 3-6. they were the only ones in the store and, yep, i got 'em both. she'll be wearing it for xmas and hanukkah. still looking for something for jake. it won't be anything fussy... probably a romper or cord overalls.

i have to say, though, that the gymboree clothes are really well made. i got a dress for zoe on ebay by icky baby/once upon a moon that is super cute, but kinda flimsy. it retails for about $35-$40. i got it for $8. yowza!

please post all your good baby deals... i'd love to know where to buy great stuff on the cheap! or even more spendy things, as long as it's something you can't live without.

ETA: fixed huge pic

[wildcat]

charmcity - super cute!! I have to admit I'm a gymbo addict!! However, I refuse to pay their prices and only buy when things are hugely on sale or with my gymbucks. There were great sales last weekend and between the stores and online, I spent about $200!! I got a ton of things though (both 3-6 and 6-12) and retail for everything would have been over $400 and now I have a ton of gymbucks for January;). Sorry to hear about the scary driving but glad everyone is ok!!

hmbay - Alex is adorable!! I can't believe how much our babies have grown up already!

dbers - I'm so proud of you, I haven't been able to bear the thought of DD not next to me in her pnp!! Congrats!!

Nikki - Ava is just gorgeous as always!!

[charmcitygirl]

wildcat i see in your new avatar that lauren is in a bumbo seat... i'm thinking of getting bumbos for j&z for xmas/hanukkah... how do you like it? can she really sit in it alone? tell me everything. ;)

[wildcat]

charmcity - I have a sleeping girl on my lap, so I've been on the computer all morning, I'm not used to this much time on cc!!;) We bought Lauren's Bumbo seat a few weeks ago ($45 in a baby store here) and she loves it!! She's getting so much more neck control, so we've started using it more. Yes, they can sit in it by themselves and the way it's designed, their butt sits lower than their legs, so when they're older, they can't get out! We use it when we can tell she wants some alone time or I'll put her in it on the kitchen counter while I cook dinner or beside us on the sofa while we eat. We have friends with a 16 week old and he really loves his also. They can use it until they no longer fit, supposedly around 18 months or so. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[AndreaMMS]

Wildcat- I have a question! How much head control does the baby have to have in order to sit in that thing? And what is it amde out of? I'm stalking one on ebay, and I want to make sure its washable.

[wildcat]

andrea - I think the recommended usage is 3months on or if your baby has enough head control. I've also read 8 weeks somewhere. Lauren is still small enough, that her head kind of rests on the back (or it keeps her head from going backwards). She has really good head control, but still, we don't leave her in it without us right there, we sit right beside her just in case. It's made out of some kind of foam, it's really light, so yes, it is totally washable (sponge and cleaner). HTH's!!

[AndreaMMS]

Thanks!:)

[philnikki]

Hmmmm.....I think we need a new QOTD....and in the spirit of the Holiday Season, please make a list of what you are planning on getting DC ;)

I'll go first....

1. Little Touch Learning Pad from Leap Frog (in pink of course)

2. Fisher Price Kick and Crawl Aquarium

3. Jumperoo

4. A Bunch of Books

5. Some more Baby Einstein videos

[charmcitygirl]

jake & zoe's holiday wish list:

1. Jumperoos
2. Baby Einstein Caterpillar Discover & Play Activity Center
3. Bumbos
4. Swim School: Baby & Me Floats (paternal grandparents are moving to a house with a pool in a few weeks!)
5. Uncommon Goods' Piggy Banks
6. CDs: Mary Had a Little Amp, No! & Bed Bed Bed by They Might Be Giants, For the Kids 1 & 2
7. Babystyle Giant Stacker & Sorter (matches their room decor! bonus!)
8. Boon Frog Pod - Drainable Bath Scoop and Toy/Organizer
9. Feeding Dishes/Spoons
10. 6-9 month rompers/sleepers/playwear
11. Soft-soled shoes, something along the lines of Robeez or baby Uggs
12. teething rings, rattles, mesh feeder, books, etc for stockings

wow, that's a lot. but this is the list that will go out to 3 sets of grandparents, aunts & uncles. they are going to be spoiled! i'll get them the stocking stuff, the feeding dishes/spoons and probably the babystyle items. oh, and i am getting them ramones and the clash onesies (kinda for daddy & mommy more than the babies).

[wildcat]

Lauren's wish list (at least what I've already bought her!)

1. TONS of 3-6 month clothes (gymoree, gap, carters, and dillards)
2. some 6-12 month clothes
3. Bumbo (she got it early, she doesn't know when Christmas is!)
4. Baby Einstein soft blocks
5. Leap Frog Baby Soft Touch (didn't know there was a pink one!)
6. Fisher Price Roll a Rounds Tree thing
7. 3 more packages of roll a rounds
8. Fisher Price Stacking blocks (clear with animals in them)
9. 529 plan with contribution

And we weren't planning on getting her anything but the 529!! Not sure what everyone else is going to get her! I'm glad Nikki suggested this QOTD so I can get some ideas!

[AlisonCO]

? for the moms of girls - where in the world did you find tights in size 3-6 months? I looked at Gap baby, Old Navy, JCPenny and TCP and NADDA! I don't have a Gymbo nearby plus I hate to go in there because there stuff is so expensive.

Also I need some fashion advice :) - Caitlin has a burgandy/purple velvet dress - what color tights would you buy? What about for a red jumper? White? Seriously I am such a doofus about this stuff - I am so used to dressing my son and it is so much easier. Thanks!

X-mas for Caitlin:

2 pairs of Robeez
2 Taggies blankets
Lamaze toy - the cube one
personalized piggy bank

bumbo seat - we never had one, but a friend has one and uses it still with her 4 month old.

Little Touch Learning Pad from Leap Frog (in pink of course)


nikki and anyone else buying this - just wanted to let you know that my son got this as a gift at 6 months and wasn't really into it until lately. I pulled it out again when he turned 2 (he got a new book) and now he LOVES it! So don't be too surprised if they are not into it right away - it is a great thing to have for later.

Sounds like a bunch of our babies are sleeping pretty well. Sunday night Caitlin slept from 8:30-4:45 with only one quick wakeup for her paci. She is doing so well and is a smiley fool - I love it!

Hope that you all are doing great!

[Brink]

We just got back from five days up at our cabin. Aimee did great and slept her normal schedule and everyone up there was really impressed. We have such a good little girl!

dbers - congrats on the sleeping in the crib. We haven't even talked about it yet. How far away is your nursery? Ours is at the other end of the house, I can't imagine putting her that far away.

Nikki - Ava is just beautiful in that dress.

Charmcity - So scary about the almost accident. I wouldn't let him drive again either!

Christmas list - I haven't looked for specific things yet. I just told everyone to get her some toys and educational things.

Insurance - I can't believe this - I sent my work an e-mail to enroll Aimee on her birthday and said to let me know if there was ANYTHING I needed to do to cover her. Well, I guess they sent me an e-mail to another address that I have and it was deleted. So, I just found out she is not insured. I can't believe it! I've tried arguing with them and they are saying too bad, I have to wait until January 1st. I'm still pursuing it with my boss to see what he can do, but until then I bought her a temporary policy on the internet. I was really scared until I found that one. Talk about needing to live in a bubble for a month!

Hope everyone is having a good week....

[Sabre]

Kim~ I've been trying to get in here and post to you for days, but my kiddos have been keeping me busy. My 1st child was alot like yours. She barely slept all day, but thankfully, by 3 months, she was sleeping through the night, but it while she was in bed with us. I will say that starting daycare helped. She was 2months when I went back to work, and they helped to put her on a schedule, which she seemed to respond to really well (but she would only nap in the swing). At 6 months, I was able to rock her to sleep, put her in her crib and she would sleep until about 1am, then we'd bring her to bed with us and she'd finish out the night there. We didn't even try sleep training until she was nearly a year old. And I used to sit and hold her for her naps. If that was the only way she was going to nap, then that was what I would do.

Hmmm, that's kinda jumbled, here's what I'm tryin' to say:
Napping during the day helped her to sleep better at night. And if it required me to hold her for 2 hours so she would nap, then that's what I would do. I armed myself with the remote and a good movie in the DVD and just resigned myself to it. But it wasn't forever, I sleep trained her at one year and she was able to put herself down for a nap with very little fuss. I probably could have done the STing sooner, but honestly, I was just a bit lazy and enjoyed snuggling her while she slept.

[dbers]

Well so much for Alex sleeping in her crib! She was back in her bassinette the next night - and last night she was miserable - up every two hours!! :eek: I'm exhausted. Well, at least I know she can do it...

Brink - We're in a one bedroom apt. so she's very close. We had the monitor on, but I like knowing that I can get to her in about 15 seconds. I can understand it would be more difficult if DC was farther away!

[wife&wannabemom]

Hi everyone, Sounds like everyone had great Turkey Days and all the babes did great.

We had a great day and Patrick enjoyed his bit of mashed potatoes...but we all came home with colds!!! Luckily, it seemed to only last 48 hours and Patrick slept it off. He is a bit congested still but feeling MUCH better. Patrick seems to be one of those babies that whenever there is too much stimulation he closes his eyes and goes to sleep...he kept falling asleep all day on Turkey Day as he got passed around, but didn't cry at all.

I ended up taking him to the pediatrician on Monday because he literally slept the entire day and he is up at 13 lbs, 10 oz at 13 weeks...he gained 2 lbs in one month!!! We upped his Zantac prescription because he'd outgrown the dosage and has been vomitting alot lately. But the ped said it's no big deal since he's obviously not having trouble gaining weight :rolleyes:

wildcat- Patrick was the same way with his neck control at his 2 month appointment and he is already rolling over consistently at 13 weeks...so definitely watch Lauren on the changing table!!! Patrick started rolling over at 11 weeks...he's only doing stomach to back but does it in his crib alot.

charmcitygirl- Glad your NYC trip went well. Sorry about the almost car accident. Your stepfather sounds like my dad....my dad is forbidden to drive any of his grandsons!

Brink- That is crazy about your insurance...keep fighting it. That stinks.

nikki- I love the baptism pics...so sweet.

Alison- I'd go with white tights for both (but I'm a mama of a boy :) ) Patrick has 2 pairs of Robeeze and they are the best!!! Perfect for the cold weather and even when they start walking.

dbers- Sorry about only one night in the crib. We actually immediately put Patrick in his crib because the nursery is right next to our bedroom...w

I love all of the holiday pictures...so sweet. Today is Patrick's 3 month portraits...he's sleeping now but the photographer should be here in about an hour. I hope they turn out well.

QOTD: Patrick's wish list is really only teethers and pacifiers and things for daycare....I have so many toys and hand-me-downs, he's pretty well set.

Baby deals- I just got from Ebay a Janie & Jack Christmas sweater that retails for $42 and I got it for $13!! I'm happy and think it will look cute in his Santa pictures.

STTN- Patrick has been STTN since about 9 weeks...usually 9 or 10 to 7am...but last night woke up at 4 and 5:30...he didn't eat and went back to sleep but I'm exhausted because I'm used to him sleeping until at least 6am...hopefully tonight he'll be back to normal.

He's up so I better run...

[hmbay]

Brink--so sorry about the insurance hassle. I had one with my first son. Um so if they are saying Aimee isn't insured does that mean they aren't covering her portion of the room and board from the hospital either?

[hisdaffodil]

Just wanted to throw in an ITA with the Little Touch Leap Pad comment. DS got one at 6 months, and didn't get into using it till about 2 years. The most use we got out of it before then was just letting the music play on it while he listened. Otherwise it was sitting around for that long. Now that he's getting into it, the books seem too baby for him.

Jamie's list was mostly clothes, socks socks and more socks (those teeny things disappear at 10x the rate of normal sock vanishings).

oops, gotta go. He's a little fussy.

[hmbay]

Little touch leappad--like a couple other posters have said my DS1 got one around 9 months and could have cared less. Not until around 2 did he really start playing with it and honestly I think he just likes that it makes sounds. If I turn on the feature to read the story he whines. He likes setting 2 which gives the word and a sound with it best at this point but he still bores of it quite quickly (then again I have a 2 year old who doesn't watch tv either so maybe he's just weird!) ;)

[dbers]

Picture of Alex ( at 3 months):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf06b3127cce95de74e930ee00000026108AbMWjNs3cM1

[philnikki]

AlisonCO - I got Ava's tights at JCP. And I would do white with the red jumper, but maybe pink with the burgudny one if there is pink in it already. If not, I would go with white that one too :)

LittleTouch - My girlfriend told me the same thing about the Little Touch and that her daughter didn't get into it until she was three, but that she loves it now and that they used it to read to her until she could use it on her own. I think that's why they say 6mos-3years...I didn't really expect Ava to read the books on her own at 6 mos...just thought that it might be neat to add some sounds to my reading to her. All kids are different though, so she might end up hating it! Who knows??

529 plan - I asked my tax prof from college about whether or not to open one and he said that he would get an Ishare on a Dow Dividend Stock group bc of their performance. He is a personal financial planner as well, so I think I am going to take his advice.




Keep the lists coming ladies!! I need more ideas!!

[dbers]

QOTD: Anyone else working on a Will since DC was born? We're executing ours on Friday - partly because DH is having major surgery - not that it's life threatening - just got us *thinking* about things.. So many decisions about guardianship, etc.!

[hisdaffodil]

QOTD - No... but I really really need to. We've talked about it a lot, but I'm not sure we can afford to have a lawyer draw one up. Is it horribly expensive and are there DIY options, anyone know?

[dbers]

I know there are DIY options - although you have to be careful because each state has different rules, etc. I suppose *something* is better than nothing - so I think Staples has templates. You should also do a healthcare proxy while you're at it!

I believe it usually costs around $1000 to meet with a lawyer :eek: at least here in the northeast.. we have a friend of a friend doing it for a discount, so we got lucky.

[BeachBum]

qotd

here are the toys I'm gettting H--
I haven't seen anyone else mention these toys by Kushies (and I love stealing your ideas) so I thought I'd post.
http://s7is.sysiq.com:8080/is/image/FlaxArt/optimized/pr_1582693_m_jpg.tif?$232X232$
http://www.mastermindtoys.com/store/Assets/product_images/67448.gif
http://www.mastermindtoys.com/store/Assets/product_images/67449.gif
I'm also thinking of getting and exersaucer of some sort. Any suggestions?
I did get him some clothes, but most likely will not 'save' them until Christmas.

[hmbay]

will--I have a friend who is a paralegal and it may vary from state to state but she said we could honestly just write something up on a piece of paper and have her notorize it (she's a notary as well) and it would stand up in court in most situations. that being said DS1 is 2 and we STILL haven't done it. :rolleyes:

[philnikki]

Wills - DH and I Have been thinking about this too...I am just not sure who we would have raise her. Both of our parents are divorced and so that leaves 8 ppl fighting over her. I don't want DH's parents raising her, mainly bc I think they argue too much (works for them, but its seriously unnerving to me) and his mom is just kind of loony. I would ask my mom, but I don't think its fair to ask that of her considering she is just now starting to do the things she always wanted to do but couldn't bc she had kids. I would prefer for friends of ours to take her, but they live kind of far away....that is the main reason we haven't done it...don't know who should have custody...so sad for me to even think about not getting to watch her grow up :(