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

[AlisonCO]

cr8nme - Hugs to you! You have done such a great job and Noelle is so lucky to have you. You have given N 6 months of breastmilk and that is AWESOME - really awesome! Every drop she gets is great. I am sorry to hear about the stress with your dad - I hope that this very stressful time passes quickly for you. Hang in there OK.

charmcity - I am reading the kite runner right now for my book club - the last 2 books we read were Bee Season by Myla Goldberg and
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.

[jo&sean]

Cr8nme - I totally didn't see your post from earlier today! I am so sorry that you are feeling so stressed. You should be so proud of yourself - look at how healthy and happy Noelle is (not to mention beautiful!). You have done her a world of good. I am also very sorry to hear about the stress your father causes you. I can't even imagine. Hang in there!

[crow]

cr8nme Hugs from here as well. And many little hugs for Noelle. I hope your day has gone by better.

Going back a few pages,
dbers how did your allergist appt go? I meant to clarify earlier about my chat with the allergist (not my baby's doc but my parents' friend, but she is very good also). She recommends feeding ALL kids--not just food sensitive ones--formula until age 5!

REgular formula for regular kids, and specialized ones for the sensitive ones! Isn't that interesting? I had never heard of formula feeding for all kids. She says that our baby, who has eczema and doesn't have bloody stools or other immediate type allergies/hives, probably doesn't need the Neocate/Elecare type stuff, but the hydrolysate ones would be fine for him (like Nutramigen and Alimentum).

Since then, crowbaby's skin has continued to improve. I think it may be my change in diet. So I think I can keep on BF. But I do understand how HARD it is to restrict the diet. Man, I tried for a couple weeks, and it was nearly impossible for me to avoid all the potential triggers. So I can definitely see the benefit in using a formula to help those mamas and babies.

[Brink]

Hi everybody - it's almost Friday!!!!

Jo&Sean - how is the remodeling coming along. Was it just Addy's room that was added or did you do a bunch of other stuff? My DH has not done anything on our house since Aimee was born. It's all finish work, but it would be nice to see it done.

Cr8zy - Ok, your MIL is a B*tch with that comment. I would have been really pissed. And the bib over the face is horrible. I am the one that posted a while back about the blanket over the face in daycare - they don't do that to Aimee anymore (at least they said they don't), but I was there the other day and another baby had one over their face - I wonder if the parents know. Very cool pictures of A in the pool. I have to say that one of the reasons we have not looked into it is that mommy just hates to be cold!

Cra8nme - I hope the formula goes well. As someone who has made it to six months BFing, I know how hard it is and you deserve a huge amount of praise for being able to do it. We had to start supplementing before you (5 months) and I felt bad at first, but I don't see ANY difference in Aimee with the formula. We have less than a week left and that was my goal. Sorry about your dad, that must be really hard to deal with.

Randysmandy - Hunter is so cute in his sunglasses!

Nikki - Glad you guys had fun in Texas. Ava is adorable in her swimsuit.

Sign Language - is anyone doing it? We started with the sign for food and milk. While Aimee can't do it back, this morning she definitely recognized the milk sign. I had put her bottle down and she had not seen it, I got her out of bed and did the sign and she got really excited. Then I grabbed the bottle and fed her. It was really neat seeing the recognition. It will probably be a few months before she can do it back, but it's really cool to see the first reaction.

Job interview - I think it went well. I should know more in the next few days.

Thanks for the well wishes on Aimee being sick. She is home today with DH and still sick but I don't think her fever had gotten any higher. I just hope she is better before her 6 month appt next week.

[dbers]

Charm and Crow Thanks for asking! It went well... The allergist wasn't too impressed with Alex's issues - he think it's probably a sensitivity to milk protein (different than an actual allergy), although he's not completely convinced because she seems to have chronic fissures. Of course, I feel like it's too much of a coincidence that she had blood after each trial of Alimentum, but I guess it could be. He did a skin test for milk, eggs, and soy and all were negative :) If she does have this sensitivity to milk protein, she will almost certainly grow out of it between ages 1 and 2. So, I'm going to continue supplementing with Neocate for a few weeks and restricting my diet, and then he said we can feel comfortable experiementing, either with Allimentum or my diet...we won't be harming her in any way.

But I do understand how HARD it is to restrict the diet. - I am off dairy/soy and nuts - and it sucks, but it's not THAT bad. I really feel for mamas who can't have wheat, glueten, eggs, etc. So hard!

[solongtogo]

sign language We do it, I have been doing it for her since birth. She is starting to sort of make the motions with her hands, but I wouldn't exactly say she has signed yet. She definitely knows what the sign for milk means...I'll sit her in front of me when it's time to nurse, make the sign for milk and ask her if she wants some milk. She'll watch my hand, and then make a dive for my chest :D I also do the sign for toilet when I change her diaper, as that sign seems to be easier than poop or change, and we also use more, eat, and cat.

[cr8zyforaf]

cr8nme - I am so sorry you are stressed. You should be so proud of yourself - you exclusively BF for six months - in my opinion, that is so great

Brink - I couldn't remember who also had an experience with the daycare putting something over the babies faces. Today when I went to get her, her favorite teacher had stolen her back to Infant I...so I didn't even see the teacher that did this...I am told she is moving into a room with older children (the reason teacher took her is because A was fussing - apparently, none of the babies have taken to this new lady..I saw it a week ago with another baby - she screamed until another teacher took her). So, we will be getting another teacher - I talked to another set of parents and they are pulling their daughter to go somewhere else...I agree that the turnover has been bad - but I think that will found where ever you go. And yes, the water is freezing and both A and I were chattering our teeth last week.

signing - we do it and they teach it at daycare - so far she hasn't really shown any signs of knowing the signs. But, I just started a few weeks back. However, when she sees her bottle - she will laugh and throw her arms in the air...if she doesn't do that, I know she probably isn't hungry.

Jo - so sorry you lost the gymbucks. I am also P*ssed because I waited until tonight to place my order and half of the stuff I wanted was sold out - the daisy pants and top were gone...I was so mad. This stuff is like crack...I can't believe they SOLD OUT of some stuff in less than 6 hours (I checked online at work midday and everything I wanted was still available).

Charmcity - I haven't picked up a book in ages...you amaze me - you knit, sew, AND read...I must have bad time management skills because I have time for nothing.

Well, A is asleep - I have found putting her in the crib awake has done wonders - she slept last night from 7-1:30 ate and went back down until 5:30 (I also have an early riser)...it was probably just a fluke. Also, I start putting her down 15 minutes earlier..so we will see how tonight goes...cross your fingers for us. I have a cold and am doubly tired.

[jo&sean]

Brink - Thanks for asking about the remodeling efforts. It is still on-going. We added Addy's room and totally re-did our upstairs - new floor, drywall, paint etc. It is pretty much done with the exception of a little painting in the bathroom which I plan to do this weekend. We are in the process of remodeling the downstairs now - new dining room, living room and kitchen. It's just a mess. Even though DH is a contractor it seems like all the other jobs come first. I got after him last night though and he is getting back on it. I am so sick of living in an unfinished house!! Sorry to vent!

I am glad Aimee's fever hasn't gotten any worse but still stinks she is sick. Sending get well vibes her way. Hope you hear back about the job soon too.

Dbers - Sounds like the appt was positive - at least you know it's not all those things. Still doesn't make her better though. Hang in there!

Cr8nme - Maybe that should be our sign to stop with the Gymbo addiction :) If everything sells out that quickly, then everyone is wearing them! hehe. I am actually surprised because none of the kids at school seem to wear that stuff. I took my loosing my gymbuck as a sign to STOP BUYING CLOTHES!! So glad A is sleeping better!!!

Signing - We do some signs - eat, drink, dog, cat, naughty cat, naught dog (yes, they are naughty a lot lately and Addy gets a kick out of the motions), change etc. I don't know how much of it she has picked up on - she gets more excited when you say the words, not sign them. She recognizes a lot though - you can ask her where the dog or cat is and she is looking around and will just stare at them once she finds them etc.

Must go pick up kiddo now :)

[Cr8nme]

Thank you everyone for the well wishes ! However my day didn't get any better. I called daycare today to see how Noelle seemed to take the formula. Well can you believe I called at noon to see and she hadn't had a bottle yet:eek: Now mind you I dropped her off at 6:45 I was pissed. I told them she needed to be fed immediately and that was that we do you know that they called at 1:30 saying that she had just been fed!!! I was livid. When I got off work I went up there and asked them "did you happen to miss your lunch break today????" I made it clear that in no way should my daughter ever go that long without eating. My DH told me to look for another daycare.

[charmcitygirl]

alison thanks for the book recs. i've read in cold blood... you should look forward to reading htat one.

dbers i got kinda frustrated reading your post... so is the doctor just saying to do things you've already tried!? sorry... i'm on a "doctors-drive-me-crazy kick lately"

cr8zyforaf you make me sound like supermom... trust me, i'm not. i sah, and dh really makes an effort now to give me some time off. the past few weeks, he's had some time off of work so i've had more time to do some things i've been wanting to get done. like read a book. ;)

got my test results back and apparently everything came back fine. but it's so frustrating not to be given any advice or where to go from here. maybe more testing? ugh. i know something's wrong and it's so frustrating to me when doctors just say "we don't see anything" and send you off. i had some ear problems for a few years and had several docs look at it only to be told "yes, there's some irritation" but duh, i know that already because i was contantly sticking my finger in there because they were so freakin itchy. finally, at the end of my 1st trimester, my eardrum ruptured. it's gotten better since the rupture healed but, man, it was driving me crazy. seriously crazy.

[BeachBum]

Well Happy Friday!
Tomorrow I turn the big 29, and I'm surprisingly depressed about it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I guess big birthdays like this make you reflect back on all the things you thought you would have accomplished by now and haven't. DH said to me this morning--you have a beautiful, happy, healthy baby, are financially secure, healthy and have a husband who loves you, what else do you want? Sweet, smart man--but I just can't shake the down feelings.

DbersI'm glad you got some good news (although incomplete it sounds) from the allergist. I hope that you guys can continue to work toward some answers.

Noellemust have been starving. I'm just so, so mad for you. What were they thinking?

SigningI'm so impressed with Addy and Courtney! Wow girls! Henry has zero interest. I haven't been as consistant as I should be, but he is clueless :)

swim lessons I'm so jealous! I've been calling my Y relentlessly (and you'd think I'd have some pull since I'm on the board), but they are undecided about offering a baby/mommy and me swim this summer. I really want to do this!

[dbers]

o is the doctor just saying to do things you've already tried!? - Well, I guess basically - but I'm choosing to look at it differently. No, we don't have a final answer, but it's not something dangerous, and it looks like she'll grow out of it. Since my nephew has a life threatening peanut allergy, this all seems very manageable to me! And since this guy is pretty much cutting edge in pediatric food allergies - I have to trust him.

Charm - Sounds really frustrating :(

Beach - I don't know if we'll ever know for sure what's going on - but I guess that's the nature of this kind of stuff! Frustrating.

I'm off to CT for my niece's Bat Mitzvah - have a great weekend ladies!

[solongtogo]

I am absolutely furious for you cr8n. I nearly had steam coming out of my ears when I read that.

dbers here's hoping things just get better and better with the allergies!

cr8zy hopefully kicking up the bedtime will be the trick to make her sleep! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

charmcity I had a ruptured eardrum several years back as well...hopefully you'll get some answers soon!

beachbum happy 29th!!! I hear ya on the accomplishing things by a certain time. I'm no where near where I thought I'd be at age 29.

More about signing...one of the gals on my LJ FL teaches baby sign language..here's what she has to say for those of you interested:

Basically, here are the "steps" of progress:

1. Watches parents hands
2. Shows understanding of sign (e.g. chest diving)
3. Mimics your hands when you sign
4. Signs when you say the word
4. Initiates signs on her own (this is where you'll see the signing explosion)
5. Uses sign and word together
6. Uses word exclusively

[wildcat]

Quick post...I'm swamped at work!

signing - We are taking a baby sign class, we had the orientation about a month ago and have been signing "eat" since. Seriously within 2 weeks, Lauren recognized the word and now everytime we sign it, she gets so excited...kicking her arms/legs, etc. We had our first class last night and learned about 8 more signs. We'll start slowly working them in...I can't wait for the day she signs one back!!

swim lessons - We start parent/baby swim lessons tomorrow!! I'm so excited!! It's through our city's parks & rec department, so nothing fancy, just at one of the Jr. High pools, but it should be fun!! Swimsuit shopping last weekend was not fun however, carrying an extra 20 pounds still!:mad:

We have Lauren's 6 month pics at 9:20, swim lessons at 12:15 and a coed wedding shower at 6pm tomorrow. What a full day! Sunday will definitely be for recovery!

[wildcat]

HELP!

What do you think of this outfit for pics tomorrow? I'd do both with and without the hat.

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/20060323/normal_IMG_2754.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/20060323/normal_IMG_2751.jpg

[solongtogo]

adorable outfit both with and without the hat, but of course, it sure helps that the baby that's in the outfit is adorable as well. Her hair is really getting long!

[cr8zyforaf]

I posted in the other thread - Lauren is ADORABLE and I love the outfit both with and without the hat.

Cr*nme - I am furious for you- WTF??? Who lets a baby go that long without a feeding. I would complain to the director.

[solongtogo]

cr8nme There more I think about it, the more you've got grounds for child neglect on your hands....If something along these lines happens again, I'd go to the police.

[AlisonCO]

cr8nme - Gosh, I am so sorry that daycare added more stress to your day yesterday! Do you have any idea why they hadn't fed N her am bottle?

wildcat - LOVE the outfit! It is such a pretty color and will be so pretty in pictures - very springy:)

charmcity - I am glad that you got your results back, but sorry that there was nothing that could account for your problems!

signing - I have only been doing 'milk' and C is starting to react to me when I sign it before she eats. Now that she is sitting at the table, I will start doing 'more'. I think that DS was around 9-10 month before he started to mimic the hand sign.

Happy Friday! We are off to storytime, Whole Foods and the park - it is supposed to be 55 today! This weekend we are going to try and finish painting the guest bathroom. Have a great day!

[Cr8nme]

Well I gave them a piece of mind this morning when I talked to the director. Basically the director thanked me for letting her know and then she brought the teacher in and she told her i no way was ANY child supposed to go that long...I also told them I am paying more than 10k a year for her to be here so they better make sure she is getting the BEST care that is more than some private schools. I bet you she will be overfed today they already called me on my way to work and let me know she had 4 oz already and that was about 1 hour after I dropped her off.
Thank you everyone for the well wishes I was pissed and when I think about it I am still pissed. I am still thinking about putting her in a different day care center.

[Cr8nme]

Wildcat~ Love the outfit!!! Both with and without the hat

[pixiecat]

wow, lots to catch up on...

cr8mne - sweet jesus, *what* were they thinking!! :eek: I would be raging (which is sounds like you did!). Unbelievable. Also wanted to commend you on EBF for so long! I understand feeling a little bit sad about supplementing, but you are doing a great job & should feel proud! Big hugs to you & sweet Noelle.

dbers - I'm happy to hear that Alex will probably grow out of her allergies. I know that you guys (well, mainly you!) have been working so hard to eliminate the "problem" foods. Amazing what we will go through for our little ones without a second thought!

signing - ugh, I really *wanted* to do this (and I guess it's not too late!) but just haven't really worked it in. I think its *so* cool!

wildcat - Lauren looks darling! I love that outfit & her pictures will be so precious! I always think of her as Lily's "CC sister" since we followed each other pregnancies & then our daughters were born within hours of each other! Amazing really :)

cr8zy - wow, A really slept well last night! That is *great* news, & you deserve it! Can't believe about the Gymboree line of clothes, that is INSANE! I love Gymboree, but really can't afford it, so I try to resist... although I scan ebay all of the time! I should go to the outlet, they have one not to far from me...

swim lessons - I really want to do this! My friend is a swim coach & she said we can come to her pool (heated, lovely!) soon. The weather out here has been so crappy, I've been waiting for it to warm up :)

Hope everyone has a great day!

[philnikki]

Wow lots going on!

BeachBum - So sorry that you have the birthday blues. I really do hope you end up having a great day tomorrow despite it!! And I wanted to tell you that Ava has her froggy onesie on today that you got her! She finally can wear it! I will post pics this weekend! :)

wildcat - First off, Lauren is so stinkin adorable. In that second pic, she looks like she is so cheesin for the camera ;) Personally, I like the outfit both with and without the hat. Very cute and springy. Good choice, mom!

cr8nme - WTF WERE they thinking?!?!?! I am with you, i would be ragin pissed. was Noelle crying to be fed? Oh man, I can't imagine how you were able to control your emotions. I think I would have hit someone had they refused to feed my daughter when she was hungry. Yikes. I also know how hard it is to find childcare, so my thoughts are with you as you decide whether or not to move her!

Diane - I am so glad to hear that news! I really hope Alex ends up to be totally fine!!

gymboree - After already shoppin online, I am still going to the store this weekend for more. I am addicted :o And I am sorry to say Kim but I am one of the lousy ppl who got those daisy pants :o Don't hate me! We can share! ;)

So in Ava news...she is sick AGAIN. I swear, its really starting to get ridiculous. At least it seems like this cold isn't much more than a little cold. She is coughing a lot, which is good news. It means that the stuff is working its way out of her lungs with a quickness. Aside from that, baby girl is definately teething. I am just waiting with bated breath for her first tooth. I swear, its imminent. (feel free to laugh at me when I say this same statement 2 months from now! lol).

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

[cr8zyforaf]

Nikki - so sorry Ava is sick again...we are both sick with colds also - hopefully this is the end of sick season!! And, I am crazy...I called our local store and they did have the Daisy outfit that I wanted...and a ton of other stuff. I had to burn the receipt - if DH found it, he would DIE:

http://images.snapfish.com/346647%3B8%3A%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E577%3E3%3A8%3E WSNRCG%3D32335%3A95%3A2%3B93nu0mrj

Beachbum - sorry you have the birthday blues. DH reminds me all that I have to be thankful for also when I get down in the dumps...it is sweet but mostly it makes me want to smack him. We are all allowed a little pity party every now and then. Happy Birthday!

[randysmandy]

HAPPY FRDAY!
greenbeans this is a funny one: after all the talk about green beans come to find out-Hunter gags on them-he absolutly HATED them. he closed his eyes, shivvered and everything. Poor thing-no more of mommie's GBs!
nikki Sorry to hear about Ava-the poor thing! But cool that her tooth is in 'sight'. Hunter's tooth never came through-who knows when it will.
wildcat Lauren is a DOLL and loves the camera. You should do with and without hat! She look cute both ways.

cr8zyforaf what a cutie!

cr8nme OMG! I can't believe it-I was steaming when I read your post. I would take her out of there no matter how nice the director acted.

Alison Sounds like you were going to have a nive day today-I can't wait for it to be warmer out!!

Vacation in one week-my Dad's coming home from Iraq for a 2 week leave..I can't wait. He hasn't seen Hunter since October!
Thanks for the heads up on the EBAY clothes-i'm off to look right now!

have a great weekend everyone. Happy Birthday BEACHBUM! 30 is the new 20-didn't you hear? :)

[Kay2003]

cr8nme - What reason did the daycare people give you for not feeding her for so long?????? I just don't get it.

solongtogo thanks for the tip on the banana preparation. Kaito really liked this banana on day 3. Maybe it's because the banana ripened and the consistency was better.

wildcat - I just ordered swim short bottoms from Lands End. My stretch marks are really bad... I dont' think I will ever be able to show my belly out in public again. PLus i'm still super flabby. I have been down in the dumps about my body lately. I guess I'm worried that I'm going to gain more weight as I eventually stop breastfeeding. I'm just too tired to go to the gym after work and I find myself eating a lot because I'm stressed not because I'm hungry. Do you all still have your dark line on your stomachs? I still do...

[pixiecat]

Kim - omg, Ashley looks so darling in that outfit!! Oh, you guys are making me jealous w/ all the cute gymbo clothes!!

mandy - that is so funny about the green beans! I bet that was quite a face he made!

Kay - thankfully (?) it is still too cold for me to get in a bathing suit... but I do sympathize! I lucked out w/ no strech marks, but tummy is definitely not flat & I still have my dark line... although it seems to be fading a bit.

comparison photos - I never posted mine, but here is my little chick on her first week home:
http://images.snapfish.com/346653%3B79%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2326%3D339%3D94%3C%3DXRO QDF%3E2323%3B57876488ot1lsi

And here she is today!
http://images.snapfish.com/346653%3B79%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3235%3E248%3E85%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D32335%3B3834%3B96nu0mrj
What a difference!

Also, I *have* to share this ugly gift my MIL gave to Lily...
http://images.snapfish.com/346653%3B79%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E248%3E85%3B%3EWS NRCG%3D32335%3B3834%3B9%3Bnu0mrj

Yes, we went to the zoo & enjoyed the giraffes, but THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT I WANT A 2 FOOT RESIN STATUE IN MY HOUSE!!! Sweet jesus it's ugly. Oh well, that is definitely my "white elephant" gift for next Christmas!

[solongtogo]

LOL pixie, that statue is awesome!

And look at the hair on tiny Ashley...hahah, I LOVE it!!

[Cr8nme]

I am loving all the pics!!!

Ok heres the deal with daycare... THis is not the first time this has happened and granted Noelle NEVER cries for food...she will just suck her thumb and go to sleep even with me she will do this.
I turned in her 2 week termination... and I have about 1 month to find another daycare b/c we have spring break from April 13-23rd so she can stay home with me... and her last day of daycare is the 13th!

Basically the excuse was that they are short handed and my response was if the state walked in here your butt would be shut down...

Yesterday they called me 2 times to tell me that Noelle had Just eaten or that she finished her green beans blah blah blah and at the 2nd call I asked the lady do you do this for all parents? and she said no so I told her that while she is sitting there calling me she could be feeding some other child that might be hungry ugghhhhh

[solongtogo]

Good for you Cr8, I'm glad you took Noelle out of that wretched excuse for daycare.


Happy 7 months Courtney!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/7mo2.jpg

[hmbay]

finally adding my pictures:

3 days old (first day home from hospital):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/47b5ce05b3127cce94a0c643453a0000001.jpg


just two days ago at 6+ months:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/hmbay/A3-24-06-01.jpg

[wildcat]

Lauren had her 6 month professional pics today...here's a few (ok, several) to share!

We got this one in black and white:
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20060325/normal_0067.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20060325/normal_0037.jpg

We got this one in sepia:
http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20060325/normal_0046.jpg

http://www.billyandashlee.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20060325/normal_0092.jpg

She had her first swimming lesson today and it was so fun!! She did really well, especially considering the INDOOR pool was freezing!

[cr8zyforaf]

Wildcat - those pictures are amazing. I LOVE the side profile one! And yes, we are also at an indoor pool that is freezing. Yesterday Ashley screamed "MA MA MA MA" the entire time while her teeth chattered.

hmbay - ADORABLE. I know I've said this before by Alex has the nicest, bluest eyes! And I love the shoes also!

Well, Ashley is back to sleeping like cr*p. I've tried everything - moving her bedtime earlier/later, swaddle/no swaddle, elevate the mattress, white noise/no white noise, putting her down while she is still awake, rocking to sleep, shush pat method, CIO, putting her on her side, motrin, tylenol, hylands teething tablets, hylands colic tablets, teething gel....NOTHING is helping this horrible situation. She woke every two hours last night starting at 9:00 ( I put her down at 6:45). WTF? Finally at 2:30, I just put her in bed with me and she slept until 5 at which point, I handed her over to DH because I was ready to scream.

[cr8zyforaf]

Oh - I just realized I missed some posts on the previous page.

solong - courtney is adorable. She looks really good in green.

Pixi - OMG...where in the heck did she get that statue? That is horrible however, it did make me laugh outloud.

cr8mne - good for you. Those people at the daycare sound nuts - I would call the licencing board with an annonomous complaint.

And they did remove that teacher from A's room after many complaints from other parents. When I picked her up on Friday, the president of the company was there and they were all scrambling around like mice. He introduced himself and asked how my baby was being taken care of..I could tell the director was horrified at what would come out of my mouth..I felt like saying "well, in the last month, a drunk lady watched my kid and left her and two other babies unattended, another teacher fed my baby food without my permission, and this week I found out that another teacher was placing a bib over my child's face to sleep"..but I refrained. I don't want anyone to loose their job and the director has called me three times to discuss what she is doing to eliminate some of the issues. I talked to two other parents on Friday who had similiar complaints (one baby was taken outside without a coat or a hat and the dad came to pick her up early and saw this)...so I suggested that we keep complaining until some changes are made - three PIA mom's are better than one.

[AndreaMMS]

Hi, everyone - we're back! :D Rich, Naomi and I had an AWESOME time in Jamaica. It was magical watching Naomi experiece so many things for the first time - sand, ocean, pool....Really a wonderful experience for all of us.

The weather was perfect, the scenery was gorgeous, and everyone was SO nice to us because of the baby - we got special treatment from the second we got off the plane! For example, the line at Customs was huge when we got there - we were groaning because it looked like it was going to be at least an hour's wait in a crowded, HOT airport (no air-conditioning), but one of the airport workers spotted us and moved us to the front of the line! I was amazed.


She had a blast and was SO good and happy! I'll post a few pictures soon.

I don't think anyone else on here has travelled internationally with their baby
yet, so I wanted to post a few good lessons I learned:

- Pack dish soap to clean bottles with (got that idea from another CC chick - it was a lifesaver!).

-If you are worried about the water quality, you can sterilize bottles/pacifiers etc with the hot water from the in-room coffee maker.:)

-Pack a big supply of zip-lock bags. They were SO useful for dirty diapers (so the room didn't smell), wet swimsuits, carrying supplies...

-If you are using formula, bring more than you think you could possibly ever use. We learned this the hard way. I had packed a large can, thinking there was no way we'd go through it all, but I hadn't counted on a) the "dump" factor - it was so hot there that we ended up dumping formula a lot more often and b) Naomi went on a solid food strike! She literally would not eat ANY while we were there- I have no idea why. So we were using much more formula than we would have at home. We actually ran out the day before we left- Rich had to spend $20 on a taxi to get to the nearest supermarket to buy a $7 can. Ugh!:rolleyes: Ah, well. We were greatful that we could find it!

-Bring Pedialyte, especailly if you are going somewhere tropical. I had packed it in case she got sick, but we ended up giving her some each day because it was really hot and she was sweating a lot. I was nervous about her getting dehydrated.

-This is an obvious one, but pack Baby Tylenol. Naomi ended up being sick one night with a slight fever, and I was really happy I had it with me.

-And finally - pack more than one "emergency" outfit for the plane! ApPARently the air pressure can do wonky things to the little darling's digestive system. I will be gross now to get my point across- on the flight home Naomi was covered in poop form her chest (yes, that's right- the diaper exploded UP) to her toes. EEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW:eek: :eek: I was terrified that it would happen again as I had only packed one extra outfit.

QOTD- regarding having another baby. I've been thinking about this a lot and we've been talking about it a little. I still don't know. I have such a hard time thinking about going through another pregnancy - if it were to be like this last one (and according to my doc it probably would be) I would be far too sick to care for Naomi at all during the first four to five months. My Mom would have to basically leave her life and move in with us for that time. It's a lot to ask of someone, you know? And we seem to have gotten into a good grove with just Naomi - we can be pretty "roome-mate-ish" at times as well, but we're happy - it's hard to imagine what a second child would do to our precarius equillibrium, you know? On the other hand, I've always wanted two kids, and would dearly love Naomi to have a sibling....I don't know. But we've got to figure this out sooner rather than later - I'm 36 and there is a history of very early menopause in my family.

Kim- Wow, so sorry about the daycare problems - that's awful!

You had asked about our sleeping arrangements;) - yes, we are still co-sleeping. Rich and I have found to our surprise that in many ways we really like it. She will usually go to sleep around 8:30 (I lay with her until she falls asleep) wake up once to eat around 3, then sleep until 6:30 or 7.

Charmcity- I missed pics of the twins?!?!?!?! Rats!

Pixie- Wow, that giraffe is really....quite special. Thank goodness the baby doesn't love spiders!


Cre8nme- I'm so sorry to hear about the troubles with your Dad. It sounds really, really tough.

Diane- I'm so glad that Alex's allergies aren't serious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wildcat- Lauren is adorable! I really like the close-up shot.

Wannabe- Wow, congratulations!!!!!

[Kay2003]

andrea - welcome back, and thanks for all of those tips!

pixie - the giraffe is terrible. I thought it was a stuffed animal at first, but to think it's ceramic!!

[philnikki]

cr8nme- I am so happy that you were able to pull her. Good luck!!

Andrea - Welcome back! Love the new avatar! And I know what you mean about the dish soap. It was a lifesaver!!

Well everyone, Miss Ava is sick again. she's had this cold and the fever started today. Her ped wants us in there first thing in the morning. Keep your fingers crossed that its nothing major. She has not acted like she was sick though. Happy as a clam as always!!

BeachBum - here is Ava in the onsie you got her!
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/100_3234.jpg

And another pic, just because ;)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/100_3245.jpg

[AndreaMMS]

Anybody's baby have RSV? What were your baby's symptoms? Nikki, is that what Ava had? I may be paranoid, but Naomi is sick - low fever, stuffy nose, coughing, some difficulty exhaling sometimes, and last night some wheezing. Probably a cold but still...

And Nikki, I hope sweet Ava is ok....:(

[cr8zyforaf]

Andrea - Your vacation sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see pictures (love the aviator!) If Naomi is wheezing I would take her in..better safe than sorry. It is probably nothing, but you'll feel better knowing for sure. I looked up RSV on the internet - these are the symptoms of RSV.

These symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, mild cough, low-grade fever, and a general feeling of being ill.

Nikki - Poor Ava. That onsie is adorable and her smile...WOW! I will keep my fingers crossed that she is OK.

I think we are in teething he11...Ashley was fussy all day yesterday and I put my finger in her mouth to rub her gums and when I pushed on her top gum she screamed like I've never heard her scream...so, I guess cr*ppy sleeping is going to be the norm in our house...and she is also in bed with me - she will usually sleep in her crib until about 2 and then it is just easier for me to lay with her because she wakes almost every hour - and I can tell she is in pain...she is grabbing her ears and sometimes crying in her sleep. I've given her motrin, tylenol, and tried the teething tablets - nothing seems to take the pain away 100%. Getting teeth must be awful.

A friend of my FIL got back from China about 2 weeks ago - he went skiing and three days later he dropped dead...they are doing an autopsy but they are thinking it was the bird flu..very scary!

Happy Monday to everyone!

[hmbay]

cr8zy--sorry your sleeping isn't getting better. Alex is still being as erratic as ever although I don't think he's as bad as Ashley overall. Saturday mornign he decided he was up for the day at 5:15 am! WTF? Usually he'll sleep until 8 or 9. Then last night he rolled over onto his tummy twice and woke himself up screaming because he didn't like it plus then got up his normal 2 times to eat. So he was basically up every 1-2 hours. Sigh.

[BeachBum]

Alexis sure going to be lady killer! He is sooo cute!
Avadoes look cute in that onesie! Boy I do have good taste ;) Seriously I just love that brand. henry has several of their toys which are so cute (plus we love frogs :))
Laurens pro pics turned out adorable. You must be so pleased.
Ashleylooks adorable in that outfit. Definitely hide the receipt--it's a keeper.
I was also sorry to read that DH's business isn't doing well. That is such a tough call to know how to handle it. In some ways he needs to be the one to decide so he can move on with no regrets and "what ifs" floating around, but on the other hand it sounds like he really need to reprioritize and make sure you and Ashley are coming first. Hope that things work themselves out.

Lily is precious! And looks like such a happy girl. OMG on that giraffe!
Courtneyis a cutie. I can't believe she is 7 mo already. Time goes by too quickly.

andreaglad the vacation was a success! I'm sorry she's sick. Scary stuff!
Teeth/Ashley/sleeping
I think Henry is starting to get more too. The drool has started up again. He is still sleeping like crap. Up 2x is a good night up 4 or 5 is a bad one.
another babyActually Renrel summed it up for me on that thread about having just one child. She said she didn't want another child (yet), she just wanted her 1st child again. That is so how I feel. I just want to do it all again with Henry.


Henry started rolling the other direction this weekend. I'm surprised that it took him this long to figure it out! But he is definitely using rolling to get where he wants to be. It is so cute. He is still on his knees and rocking but hasn't figured it out yet.He does a lot of backwards scooting which pisses him off. (which mommy thinks is very funny).
We lowered his crib mattress this weekend just in case. He has been pulling the bumper down so he can see out and grabbing the rails. I don't think he could pull up from a laying down position (just sitting) but we thought it was better to be safe....
We took him out in the boat with my parents yesterday. He liked it but not as much as he would have if it wasn't nap time.

We had a roller coaster emotional weekend. On friday a friend called and said a house went on the market that we would want to look at. I had always said that I wasn't going to move unless I could live in this location (which we thought we could never afford). We made an offer on Sunday only to find out someone else made an offer Sat night by fax. I have really run the gamut of being excited, scared, unsure, excited, committed,and disappointed. Now I'm just hopeful the first people can't get financing or that they reject the counter offer. It's so funny how something you didn't even know you wanted can make you feel so sad when you don't get it.
Happy Monday.

[charmcitygirl]

real quick...
andrea i posted the pic in the twinmama thread but will be taking it down soon. here's the page (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=13291&page=39). sounds like you had a great trip.

[Cr8nme]

I am overwhelmed today because I have to find a new daycare amd its upsetting I guess I am going to take a 1/2 day tomorrow and go and look for a place

[cr8zyforaf]

Will teething cause vomiting? I had to pick A up from daycare - she throws up everytime she eats, cheeks are really red, upper gums are puffy and she is FUSSY...I am waiting for the nurse to call back...uggg...

[Brink]

Cr8nme - bummer about the daycare. I hope you find somewhere soon.

Cr8zy - I hope A is feeling better. We haven't started teething so I can't answer on the throwing up. Sounds horrible though.

Dbers - how was the weekend in CT?

Wildcat - Lauren's 6 month pics are great. I love the one with you guys holding her hands.

Nikki - How is Ava feeling?

Randysmandy - So happy to hear your dad is coming home for a few weeks. You must be so excited to see him.

AndreaMMS - thanks for the tips on traveling.

I thought Aimee had an ear infection. She was rubbing it a lot but she didn't have a fever. I went to the store and bought "Samilison" (?). I put a few drops in her ear and she seemed better. I used it a couple of times over the weekend and she is ok today. Has anyone else used it?

I just found out a friend of mine is pg. I let her borrow all of my maternity clothes. That was scary - I plan to get pg again so I want them all to be in great shape. I sure hope she takes care of them as well as I would have.

[jo&sean]

Cr8nme - It sucks having to go look for a new daycare but you will be happier with a new place. Good luck on the search!!

Cr8zy - I don't think it would cause vomitting...poor Ashley! I hope you hear from the dr/nurse soon. Her new outfit is adorable :) I am glad I lost my Gymbuck!!

Nikki - Hope Ava is feeling better.

Randysmandy - How exciting that your dad is coming home for a couple of weeks. Have fun with him and enjoy!!

Andrea - LOVE your new avatar. Too precious. Glad you had a good trip and thanks for all those tips! I am going to copy those. I hope Naomi is feeling ok. Perhaps it was from the plane...

Brink - I haven't tried those drops but I have herad they work great. Aimee must be feeling better then?

Wildcat - The pictures turned out great! Lauren has such beautiful eyes and smile.

Lily - Holy cow that is one ugly giraffe. Why on earth would anyone buy a six month old baby a ceramic giraffe? Aren't their any other more age appropriate gifts out there? And it's not even a cute giraffe. That would go directly in the Goodwill box and not pass go in my house ;)

Solongtogo - That is a great pic of Courtney!

Sorry if I missed anyone else. Just taking a much needed breather from work...

Addy was really fussy yesterday. She is drooling A LOT (had to change her shirt twice yesterday) and was tugging on her ear a bit so I think it is just more teeth. DH thought he felt something coming in on top this time. Poor thing - she would wake up wimpering. She got up at 5 am both Sat & Sun morning so we cuddled and she went back to sleep for another hour. Good thing we are all early risers in our house.

Balancing Question
Is anyone still having a difficult time with the whole work/family thing? I am really struggling with this issue - so much that I haven't even talked about it until this past weekend with DH. I thought it would make it easier if I just gritted my teeth and kept plugging away but it hasn't been easier - just made it worse. Right now I totally resent the fact that I "have" to work. We would be just fine without me working but we certainly wouldn't be able to acheive our financial goals without it. I have been toying around a lot lately about going out on my own and do what I do for myself (make sense?!) but it scares me a little because DH is already self-employed and at least I have a nice, comfortable salary with my job. I know if I went out on my own, it is going to take time and a commitment and that doesn't really help me on more time with kiddo BUT I would have more freedom and flexibility. It is just really difficult and it is extremely hard to explain to someone how you feel because it is full of contradictions. On one hand, I love working and being productive but I love being a mom and staying home too. I just need to find that balance and it hasn't been an easy thing to do. It makes it even harder when I have to drop Addy off at school - every single time I do, I am crying as I am driving away. It totally KILLS me that she spends most of her productive time there instead of with us. I feel like I miss out on so much. Ok, enough of the sobbys - thanks for letting me vent :)

[BeachBum]

BrinkShe was rubbing it a lot but she didn't have a fever
The #1 cause of ear rubbing/pulling without a fever is teething.

[Cr8nme]

I took Noelle to Portrait Innovations...I love love love them!!!

So here are a few of the pics! They took a total of 93 pictures :eek:

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B7238974nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3 B79%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B7238976nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B724556%3Cnu0mrj

[Cr8nme]

Ok a few more LOL

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B7245588nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B7238984nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C5%3A4%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3A%3B8%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B724558%3Anu0mrj

[cr8zyforaf]

Noelle is adorable - love the outfits.

Well, the doctor said it is probably a stomach bug...but she hasn't puked since 11 and she seems fine..who knows.

Right now I totally resent the fact that I "have" to work.

Oh boy - I am not alone. First let me say, I enjoy my job and I love working outside of the home....but I feel so much guilt over her being in daycare. My day is like a crazy race - drive like a mad lady to get to work as early as possible so I can leave early, don't take a lunch so I can leave early....race around like a crazy person trying to get groceries, stamps, etc. as fast as possible so I can pick her up, race to her daycare to get her..it is just crazy. And to make it worse, I work very closely with 3 men - who all have stay at home wives...so they mosey in around 9:30 and then decide to have meetings at 4:00 when I am leaving (I get in around 7:00). So, I feel like they look at me like I only put in the required 40 hours a week and then I feel like a cr*p mom because I only see her a few hours a day during the week. It does totally S*CK. Is there anyway you can try going out on your own slowly while still working at your steady paying job?

OH, and today when I dropped A off - she actually put her arms out for the teacher while I was holding her - so I cried all morning. Just typing that made me cry - I wasn't going to tell anyone.

[Brink]

jo&sean - Yes, she is feeling better, thanks for asking. Still stuffed up, but I think we are on the mend. Thanks for the teething hint beachbum, I will feel her gums tonight and see if I detect anything.

Cr8nme - those pics of Noelle are priceless. I can't believe they took 93 pictures. That is just amazing.

Balancing - I can completely relate. That is one of the reasons I'm looking at changing jobs. I will still have the steady income, but I will be close to home and can visit Aimee on my lunch hour. I'm having a little difficulty with coming to terms with DH's schedule though. I am the primary income and he took the last year off to work on our house. He has been doing some odd jobs this year and has contributed financially, but he is only working 3 days per week. He is home with Aimee the other two. Makes me feel good that she isn't in daycare 5 days a week, but I'm resenting the fact that he gets to stay home with her. In addition, he complains sometimes about having to stay home all day with her and that he just doesn't "get a break", I tell him that he is lucky he gets to be with her but that doesn't help on the days when she is fussy. On the other hand, I like working and getting out of the house and really don't think I would want to be a SAHM. I'm really tossed on the issue and feel pulled in both directions. I think if I can get this new job and be closer to home, that might help a lot.

[hmbay]

having to work--count me in too. At least DH is home with the boys so I'm not struggling with the daycare issues some of you ladies are (although there are completely different issues that come into play when a man is being the caregiver on many emotional/social levels). I have the steady income. I have the benefits. I make more than DH would if he returned "full time" to the work-force. Therefore I HAVE to work. I encouraged him to give up his FT retail management position right before we married to pursue a self-employed career (realtor) thinking he'd be happier (he HATED his job). He agreed to stay home with the kids. we bought a big fancy house we adore. Therefore we're "stuck" unless we're willing to downgrade our lifestyle a LOT (and I do mean a lot--we'd probably cut our income in half) which we would have to do if we put DH back to work FT and I stayed home. Daycare is so expensive here that what DH would most likely make as a starting salary going back would barely cover it. I struggled very very very hard with all this after #2. DH feels since he does childcare all day and works nights I should do more housework/cooking etc than I do but there are just not enough hours in the day. Today he told me if Alex was going to continue to sleep badly I should go to bed after I put him to bed at 8:30. I told him "you do realize that means I do NOTHING around the house instead of just the little I manage to do now?" It sucks. :( Plus I'm struggling with some big maternal/suzie homemaker urges that make me want to be the SAHP and I know I can't which is a major stress point for me. When DH and I decided years ago that i'd work and he's stay home I had no idea I'd want to stay home so badly once we finally had kids.

[AndreaMMS]

Just got back from the pediatrician - Naomi has an ear infection and a yeast infection! Poor kid! At least it's not RSV....

Cre8nme- Could Noelle be any cuter???????!!!!!!????? What a doll!

hmbay, cr8zy, and brink- so sorry you are struggling......

Here are some pics from Jamaica....

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1778.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1769.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1807.jpg

Mommy and baby at the swim-up bar! HA!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1822.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1751.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/AndreaMMS/IMG_1843.jpg

[Sandie78]

Andrea and Cr8nme those pictures are too cute!
Sad to hear about the mommies struggling to find balance. Even though I'm a SAHM I can just imagine it must be so difficult. It makes me want to cry just reading your entries. And it makes me ever more thankful that I don't have to work.

[solongtogo]

balance I'm there with you too, and very resentful that I have to go to work while everyone else in America gets to be a stay at home mom. If they can do it, how come I can't? I hate dropping Courtney off in the mornings, I hate that she does everything at daycare first, I hate that she gets sick so often because of all the exposure. It blows. Big time. And with the risk of sounding like a huge whiny brat, it's not fair.

I'm sorry to hear so many of our babies are sick:(

Love the pics you all have posted!!

[wildcat]

Lauren is 6 months old today!!

WBV went well, her current stats:
Weight: 15lb 6oz, 40%
Length: 24.5", 10%
Head: 43.5cm, 75%

So, she dropped in percentiles in length and weight, but her head size held steady...hopefully that means she'll be smart;). The rest was pretty routine...the dr. wants her on 3 meals a day, which we just started over the weekend, she LOVES sweet potatoes!

work/life balance - I NEVER thought I would want to be a SAHM, I worked really hard to get my degrees, graduate degrees, CPA and CIA licenses, etc. That was the understanding when DH and I got married. Flash forward 3.5 years and I LONG to be a SAHM. We purposely started in our 3br, 2.5bath "starter home", so that I would have the option. We make twice as much now as we did when we bought the house, and we are debt free now (had a little cc debt then). So the option is definitely there and it's killing me that I'm not taking it. However, I am working for my "dream company" and can't imagine quitting. I love what I do, but wish I could do it about 2 days a week, instead of 7-4. I rarely take a lunch and work at home sometimes in the evenings or weekends after Lauren goes to bed to keep my head above water (I totally sympathize with however said she feels like she runs from place to place everyday). Both of my bosses (mgr and director) are working moms whose husbands stay at home, so while they understand about being a mom, they can't understand what it's like to both be working parents. I know we could afford for me to stay home, but as someone else mentioned, we couldn't meet our financial goals or live the way we do now (vacations, savings/retirement, 529plan, etc). It just kills me every Monday that I am CHOOSING to work, even though I feel like I don't have a choice. I've talked to my DH several times about how we need to discuss me being a SAHM and he keeps telling me I'd be bored after a few months and how he likes our comfortable life now. Urgh. I feel like I'm in a no-win situation:(. I just keep thinking about how I have my whole life to work, and I'll NEVER get these years back with Lauren.:( Sorry to be a downer.

[charmcitygirl]

just took a quick look at all the pics...

cr8nme cute, cute pics. where is noelle's floral top from? love it.

andrea first of all, so jealous that you are in a bikini... you rock. also, where is naomi's pink ruffly bikini from?

[jo&sean]

Cr8nme - Noelle is such a cutie! Love her outfits!

Andrea - Your pictures are great! Looks like you guys had a wonderful time. Makes me want a vacation even more after seeing those pictures ;)

Thanks for all the comments, support and comisserating. On one hand it is nice to know I am not alone in my feelings but on the other hand, I am so sad for all of us :( It's like we work so hard to become something in the workplace and to make good incomes to have nice things and a secure future but then we are faced with having to make huge sacrafices to balance it all.

Cr8zy -
And to make it worse, I work very closely with 3 men - who all have stay at home wives...
I work with 12 of 'em and I am the ONLY women in my office. Talk about wanting to KILL someone...Half of them simply do not get it while a few others get about 1/4 of it.

Part of my plan is to phase out of my job while brining in my own accounts. I just need to work out an agreement with my boss but I haven't wanted to do that yet until I am 100% ready to pull the trigger. There are some issues with licensing for my job that I need to address and it takes time to plan and right now, I barely have enough time to keep up with my work right now let alone have time to do any planning. It just never ends....

I am sorry that you cried this morning too. It makes me cry just thinking about it...

Ok, I will try not to be negative anymore. Life is about choices and we must deal with the choices we make. I am going to make a list of positves & negatives to get a better grasp on the reality of it all. I just know I need to do something because I can't imagine living with such resentment for a long period of time. It's not healthy! I feel my like I am really becomming the nickname I have at work which is "ELBOH" (pronounced like elbow) which stands for "Evil Little Ball of Hate"....hehehe.

[philnikki]

Sorry I have been MIA as of late.

Ava is wheezing again. Another upper respitory infection. She is bad enough to admit to the hospital, but they want to see if we can treat her at home for a bit. We are supposed to take her back tomorrow morning. The breathing treatments are helping much and she still has mucous trapped in the bottom of her lungs, so we'll see. I am exhausted and need to get off here and get some rest while she is finally sleeping. Thanks for asking about her, and I will keep you all posted!!

[AlisonCO]

nikki - Thinking about you and Ava and hoping it does not get worse!

Andrea - Those are great pictures and it looks like you all really enjoyed yourselves - hope N was drinking a virgin drink in the bar pic:)

cr8nme - Beautiful pictures! I can't believe they took that many pics - N must be quite a patient model:)

balancing - I guess the grass is usually greener because although I hate hearing all of your daycare worries and negative stories, I do wish that I worked outside the home part time. I had 2 jobs before kids that I liked and that were challenging and rewarding but I made so little money it would actually cost us money for me to work and have kids in daycare. I HATE HATE that we all don't have the choice to do what we want - if you want to work - awesome. Want to work part time? Great! Want to stay home? Yeah! I wish that money wasn't the main reason that we can't do what we want in terms of our families, work and self. Make any sense?

As a SAHM I have a difficult time with balance too but in a very different way. I have extreme guilt every month when I write my student loan check from my 4 year degree and teaching degree but am not using it right now. I mean my 2 year old isn't really ready for Kinesiology, ya know:);) I have guilt over wanting me time, but don't even enjoy myself when I am out alone because I feel I don't deserve it or that I shouldn't need it. It is ridiculous because everyone needs alone time! My DH is great because we decided when we got married that we would wait to have kids until one of us could stay home, but I know that he feels tremendous pressure. Also before Caitlin was born I had a ton more free time and hobbies and social time as well as WAY more time with my DH - now with a toddler and baby we have no time and I have very little time. Sorry - that was long but feels good to get out. Man, this parenting/being an adult stuff is hard!

Anyway - we are doing well. Caitlin isn't feeling 100% but I am not sure what it is. I am still thinking teeth but her nose is running and she is cranky-pants, She will also be in a deep sleep and then wake up suddenly and arch her back. That seems like gas, but we haven't done any new foods since last week. Maybe it is a mild cold. Don't know.

I hope that you all are doing well! Sleep well!

[hmbay]

Just wanted to say my mom loaned me this book two weekends ago and I'm finding it great (but it is christian/bible based just to warn everyone):
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1586609793.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586609793/sr=8-1/qid=1143516060/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-9609212-7256622?%5Fencoding=UTF8

I think it's well written and addresses a lot of parenting issues. the chapters are short enough to read one anight before going to bed.

[Cr8nme]

Thank you all for the compliments on Noelle's pictures... Charm~ the shirt is from babies r us its by osh kosh! I loved it the minute I saw it and knew it was picture worthy ;)

As far as wanting to be home with my baby~ I do want to be home with my baby but I also enjoy the adult communication! Now that my husband is gone I find myself getting up early to go to work just to be around other people...I must say that I have never cried when I dropped Noelle off at daycare and I am OK with that however do I hate leaving her yes...but I also see a differnce in her when we walk in the door of the daycare and she sees all of her "friends" and she even jumps in her teachers arms. Besides from the whole not feeding thing (which I now have the whole story and am not switching her) I am amd more that happy with their care. I would love to be a stay at home mom and while I would be wasting 2 masters degrees:eek: I think maybe now isn't the time. When I have another one I probably will.

[Kay2003]

no such thing as balance, more like juggling - I work full time too. Like many of you I like working but wish I could work part time (can't happen because of my job and we'd have to move!)

sick babies - I hope everyone gets better soon. Philnikki, I hope Ava fights that respiratory infection asap. Count me in as one of the sick mommies. Today I was really sick. I actually took a pregnancy test yesterday because the nausea was back full force and my sense of smell was heightened just like when I was pregnant. It came back negative. I've got body aches and likely a low grade fever. Kaito has a stuffy nose. I hope he's okay..

wonderful pictures! - GREAT pictures, everyone!

cr8zy the story about A reaching out for the day care person made me feel so sad. I would've been crying too, just like you...

[charmcitygirl]

everyone else in America gets to be a stay at home mom. If they can do it, how come I can't?
i can only speak for myself as a sahm, but i have to sacrifice in other ways. my lifestyle has changed significantly. we don't make a lot of money (dh is starting a home renovation business and i freelance from home a few hours a month), and some months we really struggle, but it's the choice we've made. and like someone else said, as a sahm, we have other struggles in balancing--or is it juggling?--our lives.

none of this is to say that i don't sympathize with you. i really do, and i know it sucks.

[cr8zyforaf]

Horrible night last night - poor A's upper gums are so inflamed she won't even let me put teething gel on them. I hope these D*mn teeth pop out soon - I am a walking zombie. She is with my mom today - daycare was out of the question since she cried everytime she was put down. Poor thing. Is anyone else having these kinds of issues with teeth? I think I have a drama queen on my hands.

Nikki - Gosh I am so sorry about Ava. I am thinking and praying for you all...poor little girl..she has had a tough time of things!

hmbay - the book looks good - anything in it on sleep?

Andrea - Could Naomi be any cuter - and look at you in your little bikini!! So sorry that Naomi is sick, but glad it isn't RSV.

Wildcat - your post made me sad because I feel the same way. It is hard...I was home yesterday with A and kept thinking - gosh wouldn't this be great if we could hang out every day??

Jo&Sean - it really does stink to work in a male office - glad I am not alone - and many of these men say they understand but I can tell the judge me for my decisions. I am so glad you have a plan and it sounds solid...that makes me happy for you. And yes, I find myself being an ELBOH...so I must stop!!

Alison - Caitlin's symptoms sound just like Ashley's...arching her back in pain while she is sleeping - I am convinced it is teething pain. And yes, yoru issues make complete sense. I can't imagine how hard it is to stay at home full time - yes, I would love to be home with Ashley but man, staying at home is much harder than my day job...and I am being serious!

Charm - totally understand...I think there are guilty feelings and wishes for other things no matter which decisions we make (SAH vs. WOM) and I think that is just part of being a mother. I think we all do a lot of struggling and juggling. I think it is great that we've all made different decisions that work for our families (even though they may not seem to work for *us* and individuals) and we can all have empathy for each other, if that makes sense. And I may be envious of someone elses situation, but I am sure that each mom has struggles with their decisions.

Well, I am off to do some serious work since I was out yesterday.

[solongtogo]

I'm not saying it's easy to be a SAHM either, because I remember just when I was on maternity leave the expectation DH had of me to keep the house clean when Courtney was attached to the boob all day, and him getting mad at me when the house wasn't clean. I was just venting. It would just be nice to get to see my child more than a few hours a day, KWIM? The whole SAHM/WOHM battle will never end because usually it seems the grass is always greener on the other side. Plus I had a bad day yesterday as well..so I was just frustruated.

[Sandie78]

Heather-I'll have to check out that book. It looks cute.

Here's a picture of Zach being held upside-down by Daddy. He loved it.
http://static.flickr.com/35/119047276_aeecf2f8cd.jpg?v=0

[philnikki]

Ava Update:

She did not cough as much last night, so her ped told us that was a good sign. We taking it day by day. Thanks for all of your thoughts!!!

Loving the pics!!! SO cute!

[charmcitygirl]

solongtogo i hope you didn't take what i said to mean that you shouldn't vent, that we all have it tough. i know it probably sounded that way. in no way was i trying to get into a sah vs woh debate. i have to utmost respect for moms who work and can't imagine how you do it all.

[jo&sean]

Nikki - So glad Ava is doing better this morning. Must be a huge relief for you.

Sandie - That is a great picture of Zach. Isn't it funny how they LOVE that kind of stuff.

Cr8zy - Those gums sound awful! Poor little thing. I hope those teeth come out soon.

It is so nice to hear both sides of the sahm vs. wohm issue and thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed my four months off when Addison was born but taking care of her and running the house full time is a tough job in itself and with a newborn it was even tougher. I admire the many moms who can do that because I don't think I have the patience for it. I really think, given the option to either sahm or wohm, I would still choose to work some. That is why I am working on my "plan" so I can hopefully have the best of both worlds. My other big thing is to cut out other things that really aren't that important to us so we can have more free time. That has been tough because we have demands on our time constantly and DH finds it really hard to say "no" to people. I on the other hand always say no ;)

Since I am complaining about not having enough time...I better start using it more wisely!! Back to work I go :)

[cr8zyforaf]

solong - love the new aviator!!

Sandi- Zach is adorable..A loves to be upside down also!

Nikki - So glad to hear Ava is doing OK.

I got this yesterday (ordered it off of Amazon) and I LOVE IT...it folds up so small - so much better than the travel system stroller I had - now the dog can fit in the back of the 4-Runner again..

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BN4EMQ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I love that we can be so civil in here about the SAM vs. WOH issue - there is a rather nasty thread in chit chat - I just don't understand why women have to be so judging and nasty to one another. I respect others choices - why can't we all just cut each other some slack??

[hmbay]

book--it doesn't have any real solid advice--more of a "I can relate and you'll get through it" type tone. I've enjoyed it so far. I think I have two chapters left.

[BeachBum]

Glad Ava seems to be feeling better.
Sorry Naomi is in so much pain
Cute, cute, cute pic of Zach
Love the new avatar solongtogo

I guess I missed the SAH,WOH talk yesterday. I SAH and seriously couldn't be happier. Sure sometimes I am itching for someone to talk to, but most of the time we get out and about plenty. My best friend has a flexible schedule so I see her during the day, play with other moms, run errands, etc. I just feel so much more in control of my life than I did when I was working (before baby even). I think people who are successful at work do well at home. I think it takes a "self starter" type to be at home--otherwise its too easy to spend all day in your PJs. :D If you are wondering if it's right for you I assure you it is not nearly as isolating as it may first appear.

Aren't our kiddos so much fun?? Yesterday Henry was cracking me up rolling back and forth playing "peek a boo" with me. When he giggles it just lights up my whole world. I swear I've never heard a sweeter sound! It is so amazing me to how nervous I was about being a mom--to think I almost didn't do it!

[philnikki]

Kim - Personally, I think the answer to that questions is that we are a supportive group of moms who are all going through this right now. If you notice, many of the ppl in that thread who are stirring the pot are either:

1. Not a mother themselves
2. Are mothers of older children
3. Are just general sh** stirrers.

Anyhoo -- I really enjoy this group. I always know that I can post anything about my thoughts/concerns regarding Ava and am free from being flamed. You guys are all so awesome. Its great that we can be *there* for each other in that way, ya know?

[PrincessCrappy]

I think people who are successful at work do well at home. I think it takes a "self starter" type to be at home--otherwise its too easy to spend all day in your PJs. :D If you are wondering if it's right for you I assure you it is not nearly as isolating as it may first appear.

I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. Griffin and I are busy everyday doing some sort of activity - both for me and for him. At first I was terrified I would go crazy staying at home, now I'm terrified there may be a day I have to go back to work! :D I am very proud of my decision to stay home and our ability to handle it financially. However, there is one sentiment that I've repeatedly seen on CC and encounter IRL, too, that really ticks me off. In no way do I feel that I've "wasted" my education/degree/career by staying home. I think my son deserves the most well educated, well rounded person to influence and raise him. I learn more from him and about myself every day. The experiences I had prior to having him make me who I am -- I wouldn't be the mom I am without the education and work history behind me. I don't think that was wasted. Sorry, I just need a turn to vent. ;)

And now, a picture of my employer:
http://images.snapfish.com/346687%3A57%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3233%3E4%3A%3A%3E9%3B9% 3E23244%3A%3A%3A%3A%3A%3B75ot1lsi

[philnikki]

Princess - gasp! are you a hokie???? ;) I say this because I went to WVU! oh no! :) lol and Griffin is such a cutie!!

[PrincessCrappy]

Hokie by marriage, only. We can still be friends, right? ;)

[philnikki]

Oh yeah! ;) Your DH and I just might be at odds ;) lol

Of course, I am a Buckeye by marriage too, and it didn't sit well with my fam! hehe

Ok, back to mommy talk!

[pixiecat]

Morning ladies!

Nikki - glad Ava is feeling better...she is such a cutie!

Andrea poor Naomi! - I hope she is in less pain today. The pics from Jamaica are *awesome*!!! She (and you, mom!) look so darling!

Sandi - your zach is adorable! L. loves going upside down too... must just be that "headrush" feeling!

wildcat - omg, the pics of Lauren are so SO cute! She is such a little doll!

Princess - Griffen is a cutie pie! Haven't "seen" him in a while & look how big he is getting! (as are all of the babies, yikes!)

SAH v WOH - It is hard to know if it was just a touch of ppd or what, but I was pretty miserable when I was home. We live in a pretty remote are a (at least 45 minutes to any store or family) so I had a hard time motivating to get out of the house & it really got me down. Now that I am back to work (4 days/week) I feel so much more normal! I am happy again, less snappy, etc. It helps that I *love* my day care and that I can go every day during lunch to nurse. I don't really feel guilty about working. I feel like it works for us.

Today is Lily's 6 month appointment! I'll post her stats when we get back!

[solongtogo]

cr8zy I have that stroller too...LOVE it. A great stroller for a great price, and Court just loves sitting in it and watching the world around her.

Thanks for the compliments on the new avatar...it was a snapshot DH took of us the other day, and doctored up a bit, because there was a nice lookin vaccuum cleaner and other crap in the background :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/hair2.jpg

[AlisonCO]

solong - that is such a neat photo!

cr8zy - glad to know that C isn't the only one that does the arching the back thing - it is so weird and I cannot think of how it could be related to teething but who knows!

PC - SO SO cute - G is a very handsome fella!

Personally, I think the answer to that questions is that we are a supportive group of moms who are all going through this right now. If you notice, many of the ppl in that thread who are stirring the pot are either:

1. Not a mother themselves
2. Are mothers of older children
3. Are just general sh** stirrers.

Anyhoo -- I really enjoy this group. I always know that I can post anything about my thoughts/concerns regarding Ava and am free from being flamed. You guys are all so awesome. Its great that we can be *there* for each other in that way, ya know?

Nikki - ITA! Isn't it funny how civil and interesting the conversation is this morning without "those" people!:)

I really enjoy this group too. I am still an active member of my son's group and there are 5-6 of us who have been together since the beginning of 2003. It is so wonderful how supportive we are with each other. It is rare (except online) that you can have a support system of moms who have kids exactly the same age.

Hope that you all have a great day.

[AlisonCO]

I forgot to ask: Does anyone have a rec for a great pair of socks that stay on and do not totally stretch out after 1 hour? Caitlin has long, skinny feet and basically no ankles so I cannot keep socks on her. Even the Robeez fall off if she is wearing socks. Help please:)

[philnikki]

Alison - I like the socks from baby gap, but Ava has chubby feet, so we are just the opposite!!

[jo&sean]

Cr8zy - That new stroller looks great. Is it a zooper? I have a bigger zooper and am considering scaling down because I can't fit it and the dogs in the back of my Pathfinder. Addison

Beachbum
When he giggles it just lights up my whole world. I swear I've never heard a sweeter sound! It is so amazing me to how nervous I was about being a mom--to think I almost didn't do it!
I could have written that mysefl and feel exactly the same way! It is the most amazing thing ever.

Solongtogo - That is a great photo :)

PrincessCrappy - I couldn't agree more on your feelings about being a sahm and your education. I don't think choosing to stay home if you have an excellent education means you waste it by any means. It drives me absolutely crazy when I hear people make comments about women who make that choice. So staying home to raise your child - which is one of the toughtest and most important jobs ever - is a waste of your time? To me that is an insane idea. Did I mention that you have one adorable employer ;) How on earth do you get any work done with a face like that to look at all day :)

It sounds like the other thread about SAH vs. WOH is pretty interesting. It really aggrivates me that some of the people who stir the pot don't even have children. They can have an opinion of course but until you are there yourself, you do not know how you are going to feel. How many of us feel completely different about our children, our priorities and our future now that we have a child or children? It is one of those things that you really do not understand until you are in the experience yourself. I remember people telling me things before Addy was born and rolling my eyes and saying "not me" but now that I am here...some of them weren't off base at all.

Anywho, it is so nice to have this group and the support.

Socks - We are having the same problem but Addy has chubby feet. Everything I have bought is too tight. Maybe I will have to try the baby gap ones too.

Question: Do Babies have nightmares? - Addy was sleeping with me and she started thrashing around but was still asleep then she woke up screming and crying and she seemed scared. I consolled her and just cuddled with her and she settled right down and went back to sleep. It made me wonder if babies have bad dreams and if so, what could they possibly be dreaming about? Makes me sad thinking about it...

Ok, back to work I go! Hope everyone has a good day.

[Sandie78]

Socks I don't have any good suggestions. I'll just commiserate with you. Zach's legs are so fat that most socks cut off his circulation, but the ones that don't are constantly falling off.

[solongtogo]

socks C has long narrow skinny feet as well. I found some socks at walmart that seem to work, but she's going to outgrow them quickly. I bought some little hanes socks, those fall off her feet faster than I can put them on!

nightmares at age 6 months, babies are able to remember their days, so they will likely have dreams. Just as we have bad dreams, they will as well. Though 2 times when Courtney was just a few weeks old, she screamed in her sleep. It freaked me out.

another qotdhas anyones child started showing signs of seperation anxiety?? I put C in her crib the other night to go to sleep (normally she's conked out before I put her down) but this time she was awake. She watched me leave, and started howling. She'll wimper when I leave her at daycare too...I sure hope the seperation anxiety part won't be too bad for her :(

[Cr8nme]

Noelle has major seperation anxiety when we are home...its hard since dh is away but she cries whenever I walk away from her so I have to leave the bathroom door open in the morning so she can see me brushing my teeth and stuff. She doesn't cry when I drop her off at daycarer but she does cry when I go to pick her up.

Hope all is well with everyone

[Brink]

busy, busy thread these days. It's fun to be out of the office for a day and come back to so much chatter around here.

No time for s/o's, but all of the babies are just so cute.

Nightmares - I have heard that "night terrors" can continue. Aimee has not had any, but my nephew used to get them and they were horrible. However, when he woke up, my sister said you would never have know he had a horrible dream at night.

Seperation Anxiety - she is showing small signs of this. Last night I was changing her and DH left the room and she cried. Then she realized I was still with her and she was fine. DH drops her off at daycare, and I think she if fine.

Socks - we actually have a hard time with the baby gap and old navy socks. They fall off a lot. The best ones I have found are just the cheap ones from Target.

[Sandie78]

Separation Anxiety Yes we are going through this. When we hand him over at church nursery he looks at us, screws his face up and starts crying. He cries a lot and sometimes they have to page us. When they do as soon as Zach sees us he stops crying. Ohhh boy. And FWIW he's been going to nursery since he was 2 weeks old. This crying started about a month ago.

[AlisonCO]

Thanks for the sock recs - I have tried ON and Walmart, but now I will get a pair of Gap and some from Target and try those.

nightmares - thankfully not yet.

sep anxiety - YUP! With my son it was really bad from 7-10 months and it seems like Caitlin started around 6 months. She will get so pouty if my mom is holding her and she sees me, but the worst is when I put her down and leave the room. I often will keep talking to her (maybe that makes it worse) but she screams like I put her in the oven! I tell her that mommy needs to pee occasionally, but she doesn't seem to understand.

[Cr8nme]

Socks~ We use the target brand and we have never had a problem

[pixiecat]

We are back from Lily's 6mo WBV... here are her stats:

Height = 26 1/4 inches (60%)
Weight = 16lbs 10oz (60%)

He said that she is doing great! We are supposed to start putting some hydrocortisone cream on her face for her excema & giving her more solids - he said we can add one more jar/day for "lunch". She just tried squash & it was a hit!

socks - I can't keep any socks on my kid's feet! My mom bought her some socks from Yosemite & they are the only ones that stay on! I bought some from Old Navy, but they fall off really quickly.

separation anxiety - not too bad yet, but I think we are getting there... she has started to watch me leave & sometimes fusses a bit.

[cr8zyforaf]

Nikki - you are right about most of the participants in that thread...it just amazes me how critical and nasty we can be to each other. What does it matter what choices others have made?? How is Ava...anymore coughing? A has a small cough - I think some of it may be allergies..mine have been going nuts lately.

PrincessCrappy

In no way do I feel that I've "wasted" my education/degree/career by staying home. I think my son deserves the most well educated, well rounded person to influence and raise him.

I couldn't agree more - I think it is so great that we as women can go to college, get advanced degrees and have the option to do whatever works for us and I personally think that is a great message to send to our children. I am a strong believer that there is no such thing as a wasted education - that anyone can think that seem silly to me. And oh my, Griffin is ADORABLE...what a great smile!!

solong - what a great moment he caught between you and Courtney.

socks - I love carters socks - with the skids on the bottoms...my mom bought me socks from Kohl's and I hated them - maybe they were Cherokee...they wouldn't stay on - and the one from the Gap were too short for Ash.

Jo&Sean - the stroller is a Combi Cosmo EX...I love it.

separation anxiety - Yup. Especially at night. And the other day - I came home (my mom was here watching her) and I took off my coat, pet the dog, put dinner down...and she started fussing and holding out her arms - I guess she wanted me to come right to her - great feeling. She also does that at daycare – I usually gather her stuff and then get her – and once she sees that I am not coming to pick her up – she starts crying. No stress at daycare drop offs just yet - wow, can't imagine how hard that must be.

pixy - great stats...how did the shots go?

Nothing going on here - I got to A's school early today (I missed her so much after spending Monday and most of Tuesday with her) and they were taking a walk - so I walked with the teachers and talked - Ashley laughed and screamed the entire time..she really is happy and that makes me happy. Sometimes I am very sad that I spend so much time away from her...but it is what it is. It is great to feel so supported in here...I am off to bed...this teething cr*p is killing me...last night I was up every two hours.

[Cr8nme]

Education~ there seems to be a lot of talk on this and being a waste.. I did say it would not be putting my 2 masters degrees to use...I also however think that being a mother is a great job and don't get me wrong I would love to be at home with Noelle but after 2 masters degrees and an unspoken amount of school loans staying at home is absurd for me when I will have to pay those back on a degree that is not even being used...I too have to vent because I do feel that my degrees are somewhat being undervalued as a stay at home mom...call it what you may but I think that I could be just as good of a mom with or without the education what I couldn't be is a better paid employee without my education. I also know that I would NEVER be one of those women who stay at home even when the kids are in grade school...I just couldn't see me doing that so I am glad that I got my education when I did so that if I ever chose to stay home then re-entering the workforce would be easier

[cr8zyforaf]

Ashley's morning teacher resigned - her last day is the 11th - I am devastated ...I've been crying all morning..this daycare cr*p is really hard - this is the THIRD teacher in three months that we've loved that is leaving...add on top of that the drunk lady, the bib lady...what is next?

[solongtogo]

cr8zy There seems to be an extremely high turnover rate at your daycare...I'm sorry that it's happening again :(

question How do you know the difference between teething and ear infection?? Courtney has been gnawing on everything, she drools (but not buckets full), and she's tugging at her ears. She's been doing this for a few weeks, but there is no tooth. I'm scared I'm going to mistake teething for an actual ear infection and her hearing will be damaged...

[BeachBum]

How do you know the difference between teething and ear infection??
Fever, and ear infections ususally follow a cold.
Henry hasn't had an ear infection yet, but from what I understand the pain is very intense so they will be really crying/fussing.
FWIW it took over 2 month of drool and ear tugging to see teeth in this family.

[hmbay]

cr8zy--sorry about daycare. That has to be so hard. I remember when we checked in to putting DS1 into daycare the place we visited stressed to us that they hadn't had an employee leave in over 2 years which made me feel very comfortable with the place.

sleep--dare I post here and jinx it? We've had 3 nights of good sleep. Two of the last three nights Alex has gone down around 8:15 and slept until 3 then until 5 or 6. Last nigth he went down right around 8 and I woke HIM up at 5 because my bbs hurt so bad. Oh please please please please please be the beginning of sleep habits that continue.....

[cr8zyforaf]

How do you know the difference between teething and ear infection??

very good question. I will say that my niece got ear infections all the time and NEVER fussed about. I would say, when in doubt, call the doctor. I've taken in her twice already just to check her ears. And yes, it took about 2 months of drooling and ear tugging to see a tooth.

HMBAY- praying that this is the start of a trend. A still stinks at sleeping - up at 11, 1, 3, and 6. Totally stinks...but now it is as simple as popping in a few hylands teething tablets, rocking her back to sleep, and popping her back in the crib. Still kind of stressful to have to get up every two hours - although I think I am getting used to it.

Yes, turnover is high. And funny - I was sold on the fact that the two infant teachers had been there for over 5 years - both have resigned in the last three months. However, one is helping her husband get his real estate business off the ground and the other is going to nursing school. so, it isn't like they are leaving because they are misrable. Such as life I guess.

[solongtogo]

cr8zy so you've eliminated the night feedings?? Good for you!! Hopefully once the teething hell subsides a bit, she'll not wake up as often and will sleep through. What about giving motrin some nights before bed? It lasts for 6-8 hours...

[AndreaMMS]

Thanks everyone for your concern about Naomi - she is doing a lot better. No more pain from the ear infection, but still a pretty bad cold, which she has sweetly decided to share with her Mommy.:rolleyes:

And thanks for the compliments on the Jamaica pictures!:)


Mind if I vent for a few minutes? I don't usually b*tch in here, but I could really use some "Awww, I'm sorry" or "Yeah I get that." Naomi has been up for the past 3 nights because she's sick. I've litereally barely slept (Kim, I don't know how you are even functional!!!). I suggested Rich sleep on the couch the 1st two days, as he gets up so early for work (between 5:30-6AM). Nice of me ,yes? Last night he was in bed with us. He know's I'm sick too. He knows I haven't slept. Did he get up with N. in the middle of the night? No. But it didn't stop him from complaining about how tired he is today. Talking about how he never gets a break. I wanted to scream at him. Excuse me, I'm the one who never gets a break. During the week I'm with her from the second she wakes up until the instant she falls asleep and then I'm "on" all night!!!!!!!! And on another note, his Mom took the enitre week off from work - wouldn't it have been nice, kind, even to say to me - "hey, I'm off - why don't you let me have the baby for an afternoon and you relax." Obviously it's her vacation and she can do what she wants with it, but don't ya think she could've skipped or reschedualled some errands to take Naomi for a few hours???? I knew going into this that N's care would never be 50-50, but what I didn't expect was 98-2 during the week, and 90-10 on the weekends.

I love my baby and my husband and my Mother-in-law, and I'm thankful that I'm home with her, but for pete's sake, I'm not superhuman - I could really use some help!!!!!!!!!!:mad: :( :mad: :(

[solongtogo]

AndreaHear hear. In my next life I'm coming back as a husband.

[dbers]

In my next life I'm coming back as a husband. LOL! Me too :)

Andrea - We just spoke, but I'm sending you big (((HUGS))). When Naomi's feeling better you can bring her over here and take a nap while I watch the babies..

[AlisonCO]

Andrea - Vent away - I am sure that we have ALL been there.

cr8zy - Sorry about daycare, again.

hmbay - Yeah for good sleep! Hope this is the new trend.

solong - I don't know how to tell the difference, but C has days where she pulls her ears a bit and then immediately puts her fist in her mouth.

Caitlin seems to be feeling better and was back to her normal sleep last night. She also had avocado today for the first time and loved it - it was really the first time she got mad when I didn't feed her fast enough. DH thinks that is a good sign that she will love chips and guacamole (his favorite:)) Hope that you all have a great day!

[jo&sean]

Cr8zy - Another teacher is leaving? At least it sounds like they have a good reason for leaving and aren't going to another school.

hmbay - I hope it doesn't jinx it for you!!

Andrea - Vent away! I remember feeling like that until I had a mini meltdown with DH. He is now a lot better but still doesn't understand the morning routine yet...I hope you get a much needed break.

Solongtogo - Too funny about the husband thing! Now that would be the life :) The rule of thumb that our pedi told us was that if the tugging is in conjunction with a fever, then think ear infection. Addy tugs on her ears a lot lately but I think it is because she is getting another tooth and also, I think she is enamored with her ears. It is more like an explaratory tug...

Alison - Glad Caitlin is feeling better. Yeah for the avacado too. Makes me hungry thinking about it...

DH was gone last night so I had Addy sleep with me and I am sooo tired this morning. She woke up at 10:30 for her last bottle, then woke up at 3:00 am wide awake being miss chatty cathy then was back up at 5:00 am being all cute. She wasn't hungry or fussy, she was just as happy as a clam and ready to play.

Here is Addy trying some raspberries - she loved them!

http://images.snapfish.com/3466974%3C4%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3236%3E553%3E7%3B6%3EWS NRCG%3D3233623%3A%3C4858nu0mrj

Any exciting plans for the weekend?

[Brink]

Aimee is still sick. She was coughing so hard this morning that she kept making herself throw up. Poor kid has basically been sick for 3 months, I guess that comes with the territory and putting her in daycare!

Cr8zy - so sorry to hear about the teacher turnover. Have you met the new person yet?

Solongtogo - I've had the same question. Aimee is batting her right ear constantly. She doesn't seem interested in the left, just the right. She has had a cold, but no fever. I have heard of babies that have ear infections without a fever, but when I call the dr. they said don't worry about it. So, I have used the Samilison a couple of times and that seems to work for a while. I've felt around in her mouth and cannot feel anything for teeth. She has her well-baby visit next week, I'll be sure to ask them about it then. Glad to hear so many other babies pulling on their ears, maybe it is normal.

Hmbay - Yeah for good sleep. Hope it keeps up.

AndreaMMS - I hear you on the husband issue. We have all been sick for the last week, but he clearly is WAY more sick that either of us. I wish I could say it will get better, but I think that is just how men are. No matter how hard we work, it will never be as hard as they do (in their minds anyway!).

I'm still going back and forth on the job issue. They are going to offer me the position, but there are a couple of drawbacks. The pay is the same, but I would have more responsibility and there are a few benefits that are not as good (disability, life ins., etc). It's really hard because it would mean being 5 minutes away from Aimee versus an hour. My current job has said I can even work less during the day to help make up for the commute time, but I'm still an hour away. I don't know what to do!!!!!

[randysmandy]

Andrea Can I come back aas a husband too!? Yo uare not alone Andrea..... I am home working 3x a week while my MIl watched DS in my house. Sadly DH sees DS for only 2 hours everynight. HOWEVER, DH doesn't even HEAR DS wake up in the middle of the night. I even poked him last night and he didn't budge. I get up every night at 11/12 to feed Hunter while DH sleeps. He complains cause he is tired, but Hunter gets up at 5:30 just like Daddy. And when he goes to work I watch the baby, try to get ready for work in time and go to bed later than him because I have to make the bottles, clean up from dinner, and make lunches for the next day. It's funny, the other night I asked him if he wanted me to make him a sandwich (as I was making bottles and emptying the dishwasher) he says "yah sure" and sits on the couch to watch tv-ARG!
As for your MIL....I don't get them someetimes (mothers too) my Mom lives 5 minutes away and she has NEVER called me to watch H. then she complains that she never sees him. My remark "that's your fault".So glad that Naomi is feeling better. there's nothing worse than coming back from vacation and being sick-ugh.
HMbay thank goodness you are getting more sleep....I always wondered why God made us the ones that could thrive on no sleep. Seriously, I can go on 4 hours, while DH can't get up after 8! :rolleyes:
Socks thanks fr the heads up-I have a chubby feet baby as well and old navy fall off like nothing. I found that Kohl's are great.
My Dad came home TODAY! I am going to see him tomorrow-I have the day off. Dh has to work thoug-he is not too happy about that. I have a darn bridal shower to go to Saturday-6 hour drive total, to be there for 2 hours....if I wasn't in the wedding I would send a gift. Rats.We bought H a swing and he LOVES it! he wanted to fall sleep in it today though!

[randysmandy]

Brink
My work is 40 min away and I go there every mon, wed, and every other frid. I don't find it too bad being 40 min away because I have family around own and my MIL watched DS. It's nice to get out of the house sometimes. Can you work longer hours and have a day off? Can you shorten your hours and still have benefits? At least you will get more time with her on those days. Hope that helped. Good luck with your decisions.
Jo We cross posted. Addy is adorable-love the blue eyes!

[cr8zyforaf]

I am also coming back as a husband - I think I've said this before. Believe me - I've dealt with this from day one- no one works harder than DH or is more tired. He complains that he gets home at 2...however - from 2 until whenever he decides to get up (sometimes as late as 9) I leave him alone. I am up at least every two hours. I've tried to explain to him that I get NO REM sleep - but he doesn't get it. I've stopped trying. So I can empathize with all of you. Men are extremely lucky. He can also work late with out having to stress about A being in daycare for longer than necessary..I on the other hand have to race out of here 8 hours on the dot to pick her up. I am sorry Andrea, I know how awful it is. My husband is never around and when he is, he is 'exhausted'. And then he will say 'I don't know how you do it'...umm, what f*cking choice has he given me.

Will do shoutouts later - I should be working.

[Kay2003]

Andrea - I'm on the luckier end of having a DH who does do stuff (like take him all day Saturday so I can work to make up for my Wednesday that I don't work and take care of Kaito), but I really don't get how he can sleep and not wake up when Kaito is crying.... WOMEN and MOMS in particular have my utmost respect... they always have but after having a baby that respect has grown 500%!! VENT AWAY. That's what we're here for.

Kaito's got a nose cold again. I'm still sick but feeling less pregnant : ) (reminder: I'm not pregnant but I have pregnancy nose, nausea and I've been eating cereal a lot just like when I first got pregnant!!) Maybe I'm ovulating again? I would think your hormones go out of whack when you ovulate again... I get these awful cramps too...

[solongtogo]

Woo-last night was a rough one for me! Courtney was up from 12-4 and at 4 I made DH get up with her so I could get an hour of sleep before having to get up to take her to daycare and myself to work. She's got clear drainage from her nose, and can't breath very well, so I'm not sure if it's a cold or if that's connected to teething. She has a terrible diaper rash as well..so bad that when you go to wipe her off..even to just dab, she screams from pain. Hopefully the weekend will go better. No one better say anything stupid to me today at work...I might have to hit them.

[philnikki]

Gosh, as usual, you guys are right on a topic that has been bothering me lately too.

My DH has to work from 3am-noon everyday. You would think he is Ghandi for the way that we all need to respect his sleep schedule. DH comes home, eats, plays on the computer (his little ebay business), watches sportscenter, plays with Ava, naps till I come home, eats, plays with Ava, and is down for the night by 8pm and NEVER gets up with her.

*I* on the other hand, get up 5:30, get ready, get the baby ready, give her her breathing treatment and any other meds she needs, feed her, and then head off to work. I leave work at 4:30pm, drive 45 minutes to get home, make dinner, eat & feed Ava at the same time, clean up the kitchen, make bottles, pick up around the house, give Ava her evening meds, give her her bath, feed & put her down for bed, then pay bills, etc. And then I am up at 1am and 3 am to get up with my sick little girl who doesn't STTN anymore because DH needs *his* sleep and because he usually doesn't hear her. Men really do suck sometimes :( *pout*

And while I am at it, the other day, I gave instructions to MIL B AND to DH regarding Ava's meds for the day (since apparently I am the only one that can remember when, what and how much she needs) Well, I got home, and not one of them had give her her Motrin that day!!! :mad: I didn't blow up at them, but man I sure felt like it! I can understand MIL forgetting, but DH should have ABSOLUTELY remembered. WTF?!?!?!

Anyhoo -- most of the time he is really great husband, so I shouldn't say that he doesn't do anything, but the worload is certainly NOT evenly split, and no one works harder than him in his mind, so whats the point? aack

On the Ava front, her ped finally broke down and gave her prednisone (orapred). So far, we have not seen a difference, so please keep your fingers crossed that the steroids work, because this was the last resort (short of admitting her to the hospital).

[hmbay]

husbands--well many days I'd like to kill him but he is the SAHP in our house so I can't say he doesn't do his fair share of the baby/toddler duties. :)

discount--not a great discount but SPRING is valid at www.onestephead.com for $5 off an order until 4/7. I needed one last babyproofing thing that was like $5 I had forgotten to order so I got it for the price of shipping which was nice since I can only get it there (bifold door lock for closet doors--I'm sick of Colin always knocking his out of the track).

sleep--we had another good night.... maybe we've turned a corner finally.

no time for real SO's--hopefully this weekend--TGIF everyone!

[AlisonCO]

solong - Poor C! It sounds like maybe a combo of a cold and teething. I know that I have mentioned it before, but the Triple Paste ointment is the best for bad rashes. Also I always switch to warm washclothes because I think that wipes are pretty harsh. Hope that she feels better and you get some sleep tonight.

nikki - Get Well vibes to Ava - I hope that she does not have to go to the hospital again!

poopoo head husbands:) Here is my theory - let me know if it applies to you: In my circle of friends, it seems like those husbands who act like babies about sleep, diaper changes, being sick etc were raised by moms who did everything for them. My husband was raised by a single mom who had them do their own laundry by 10, cook and clean, make their own lunches etc and while she loved them, she did not dote on them (especially the boys) - he really doesn't complain about lack of sleep etc and is pretty good about doing things around the house.

Happy Friday!

[solongtogo]

poopoo head husbands:) Here is my theory - let me know if it applies to you: In my circle of friends, it seems like those husbands who act like babies about sleep, diaper changes, being sick etc were raised by moms who did everything for them. My husband was raised by a single mom who had them do their own laundry by 10, cook and clean, make their own lunches etc and while she loved them, she did not dote on them (especially the boys) - he really doesn't complain about lack of sleep etc and is pretty good about doing things around the house.

Happy Friday!


YES!! My husbands mother did everything when taking care of their children and his dad never lifted a finger. He never even changed a DIAPER!! He was scared to hold Courtney for the first time. I've discussed with my DH that he needs to be a lot more helpful and that I'm not the type of wife that's going to do everything. You helped make the baby, you darn well better help take care of her.

[philnikki]

Alison - Your theory holds true with me. Both MIL B and MIL K did EVERYTHING for DH. DH is MUCH better than his dad, but he still has his moments. Here is a fun story that will put how DH was raised into perspective: At christmas this past year, I hosted the meal and family gathering at my house. I made lasagna and it was served buffet style. I told everyone to come in and eat, and MIL K makes this big scene about how could I expect *the men* to know how to get their food themselves! :eek: Yeah, its that bad.

[jo&sean]

Brink - How is Aimee feeling today? Have you made any decision about the job? One way to look at the lack of some benefits at your other job is to figure how much those things would cost for you to pay out of pocket. With what you would save on gas and car wear and tear, it might be a wash. Just an idea. It is great that you have the opportunity to even entertain the idea!!

Randysmandy - Yeah for your dad making it home! Enjoy your time with him. That sucks about having to drive all the way for the bridal shower. Thanks for the comps on Addy :)

Kay - Isn't it funny that you would have those symptoms? Our bodies are quite interesting at times.

Solongtogo - Poor Courtney! Addison had gotten a diaper rash last weekend and in my baby book it said that teething can bring one on too. I hope it clears up and she starts feelling better. Thank goodness it is Friday so you can get some rest over the weekend.

Nikki - Sending more get well vibes to Ava. Poor little thing.

Hmbay - Congrats on another good night of sleep!

Alison - I think you are onto something with your theory. DH was pretty independent from an early age because he wanted to do those things while his brother is just the opposite - his mom did everything for him and he is one of those whiny poopoo heads.

I am so glad it is Friday! This week has just been really, really busy. Addison has Spring Break next week so I am taking Monday - Wednesday off and my mom is coming to watch her on Thursday & Friday. I am so excited to have some time off without her being sick!!

This morning, Addy's main teacher strongly recommended that we try soy formula. She has been a teacher in the infant class for 10 years now and has seen A LOT of babies and feels