June 2011 Whatever Ladies Graduates - Page 2

[AnnieA]

Oh Oh! And I have fluffy mail coming! I caught the "thirds" sale at GMD yesterday so I ordered 2 dozen of the yellow edge shorts. I figure that I will just fold them down for the first couple of weeks and deal with them being a little too big for Ava. I couldn't pass up $15/dozen even if they are cut a little funky!

[MarineWife]

I forgot to subscribe to the thread I started so I wasn't getting email notifications. I wondered why we all got quiet all of a sudden.

[akind1]

the crib my dad built has 3 solid sides and only the front has bars/slats, so even if I wanted to, I couldn't use a bumper.

I think we are going to go to Gymboree this evening . . . so tempting!

[pdiannet]

Still here.  Feeling really quesy lately and tired.  Love all the belly photos.  I won't be sending mine in until I actually have something to show.  I'm about 5 weeks now, figure I conceived around May 3rd- on the new moon.  I usually O around the new moon.  Don't know what that means. 

I am actually in the market for a new mode of stroller transportation for my kiddos.  Honestly I think I will be just getting a heavy duty garden cart.  I have a Bob Double stroller and absolutely love it.  But all four of my kids ride in it at once.  They fit fine, but the fights that occur during our walks could be avoided.  My oldest son is 6 and really has no interest in riding a bike.  Since there is a big accumulation of snow 7 months of the year here, it's important for us to have something with big wheels and good traction.  I am thinking of buying him a triton three wheel cruiser for Christmas.  I think it will be a good fit for some of the trails we go on.  Also, I carry my 15 mo old on my back in the Ergo, but she is real interested in riding with the others, plus she is getting heavy.  So, being nauseous, on a walk, a few fights here and there, is causing a need for change.  Plus, my Bob looks tired. 

Whatever gender this baby may be I am going to be needing a new set of clothes.  The boys and girls have worn all their out, so I am looking forward to some pass-me-downs.  We have a couple of second-hand stores in Anchorage I love to shop at also- very reasonable and it's always nice to recycle.

Nice to hear about all you ladies. 

[MarineWife]

I was just thinking that a lot of my boys' things probably won't make it through for this one to use, not clothes but things like bikes and other ride-ons and outside toys.

I went on a shopping spree today. Stopped at the 2nd hand store and got some good deals on a baby monitor, wipes warmer and bike helmets for my boys, plus some sort of vibrating, bouncy, rocking thingy to put the baby in. That was a total impulse buy but I'm hoping it will keep baby occupied sometimes so I can do some cooking or cleaning. I can't do a lot of that stuff with baby in a sling because of my back problems so baby either has to be put down or it doesn't get done.

I also got a few things from BRU but I'm going to have to return half of it. I bought the smaller baskets for the changing table because the larger ones looked too tall. Now that I've got them home I think the larger ones will fit and hold more. I also got a Britax cup holder to attach to ds3's Britas Boulevard. His doesn't have one so he's been using one on ds2's booster. I'm going to have to move ds2 to the 3rd row when the baby comes so ds3 will need another cup holder. The stupid thing says on the box it's made to fit the Boulevard but I can't see where it's supposed to attach.

I need to figure out when to start taking my GBS cocktail. I can't remember if it's just 2 weeks or 6 weeks before EDD. I got some RRL tea today since I was at the health food store but don't think I should start drinking that for another few weeks.

I'm just rambling but that was my day.

[jeninejessica]

pdianet-- I am ALL about the hand me downs and thrift store finds. Most people I talk to don't get it, because they're like "but it's your first, don't you want all the new things?" And all I can think is that I'm going to pay $12 for some onesie, and the kid is going to puke on it the first time they wear it. NOT my idea of money well spent. lol. 

Definately agree on the bumpers-- that's why it will be only these ones, or none. I couldn't justify putting out money for one, when it would only be there part time as a decorative option. The bars on the crib I want are super thick and close together as well, so I'm not even worried about limb slippage. It's just that I have them, so trying to decide if I'll put them on every now and then to look pretty. 

Annie-- Ooooh fluff! The AMP diaper store is having (or was having... not sure) a seconds sale, and I so badly wanted to buy, but I know I should hold off. She'll probably do at least one more before the monster gets here, so we've got time, but it was so tempting!

Busy weekend ahead-- Visited today with my friend, now I pretty much need to eat dinner and then crash, and then tomorrow I work until 330, then dinner at 430 with my family, and then sunday I work 7-330, and then possibly going over to meet my new nephew. I'll be looking forward to Monday! lol

[akind1]

I did go to Gymboree and bought the little girl 2 things and DS one, and still got out of there for under $25! now, when you can buy new as good as that, why not? but yes, we bought a TON of stuff for DS used. The co-sleeper, the swing, clothes, etc. Honestly most baby stuff - unless it has been used by more than 1 child - has seen so little wear, buying used is the way to go, if you can find what you want.

I ordered more diaper covers off Etsy . . . now I think I will be fine cover wise until she hits medium, where I have begun DS's stash. I told DH that likely I would buy a couple  things to supplement, but otherwise, we don't need anything new.  I do need some infant/newborn sized prefolds I think. I know GMD reworked their prefolds (I have the old style; the new ones I think are shorter and wider). I wouldn't mind having  a dozen of those.

I love shopping! not always a good thing though.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

[MovingMomma]

MW: the Britax cupholders only fit the newer models (manufactured after June 2010).  http://www.britaxusa.com/accessories/child-cup-holder

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by MovingMomma 

MW: the Britax cupholders only fit the newer models (manufactured after June 2010).  http://www.britaxusa.com/accessories/child-cup-holder

Yeah, that's what I figured. Would have been nice if they had put the model years it fit on the box. There was another cupholder there for less with an adjustable attachment. I didn't get it because I thought the Britax would definitely fit, right? I hate shopping so I dread having to go back and return things.

I was reading a thread about RRL tea in my DDC. It seems I could start drinking it now. I'm a little paranoid because I drank one cup very early in one of my pgs and started to m/c the next day. Probably a coincidence but that's why I haven't drank any yet with this pg. Also, I don't know how I could drink as much as is recommended. I can't buy it in bulk and the boxes of tea bags are expensive and won't last very long.

All this talk about newborn PFs is making me want to buy some just to see how they measure up to my larger ones. Hehe I've been busy knitting away, trying to get all the soakers, sleepers and longies for the NB-6 months done before baby comes so I don't feel pressured to make them when I should be napping with baby. Now the problem is that I've got all this beautiful yarn but can't use it yet because I want to wait and see how big this baby is before I make stuff too far into the future. I'm off to see if I can order my birth kit.

[BarefootScientist]

MW, I started drinking RRL in the second trimester. I drank it weaker than recommended though, I think.

We're doing pretty good here. DS2 is a very happy baby, except when his clothes or diaper needs changing, then it's like "shriiiiieeeeeek! Hands off my apparel!" LOL He seems to have his days and nights figured out already - he woke up twice last night to nurse but then fell right back asleep. And actually DS1 slept in until 8 or so too, and so did I! It was very cozy and nice. DS1 got into a great pattern of waking up twice at night early on too, which is wonderful. I know I'm very lucky in that regard. Nursing is going well, still having pain at latch-on, but I think it's getting better. His cord stump has fallen off and my milk has come in so I feel like we're over the initial postpartum hump! And he's pooped in the potty already a couple times too!

Got to go though, he's waking up.

[pdiannet]

barefoot scientist- you are doing ec?  I tried it with my ds2.  He did great until 10 months.  That's when I was worn out- it was so much work and really hard with all the things we were involved in.  I could never sit through a bible study because he would pee or poop a few times.  So, it finally got to be too frustrating for me.  But, I am very thankful for the closeness we gained through it, and I really needed that closeness- and I think he did too.  He's my sensitive little guy.  All my other kids are a fraction of his emotion. 

mw- I drink rrl tea regularly and really think it depends on the person how much you should take.  I drink it all through my pregnancies regularly and a bit more as the due date comes.  It helps with braxton hicks, but I always go overdue no matter what- atleast so far x4.  I'm sure some people are more sensitive to it. 

Just to throw in the batch a concern I have.  This is my fifth pregnancy and my last.  And I hate to think of this baby being less special because it is #5 or because people might think I'm nuts for even having a #5.  So, I am hesitant to tell people or even see people react.  We live surrounded my trooper families who are childless or only have two kids at most- and no stay at home moms.  Everyone is very nice, but I do feel like a spectacle.

[MovingMomma]

MW: Yeah, the cupholder thing stinks.  I would have liked to get one for DD2.  I probably have extra RRL you can have.  Or I can buy some for you the next time my coop orders Frontier, but I don't think that will be for another month.It's 6.50/lb for conventional and 10.50/lb for organic; free shipping, but 5% surcharge.  I've bought from Mountain Rose Herbs before & like their product & prices:  http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=Raspberry+Leaf

BFS: I love the baby update!  Yay for poop in the potty!  

I got out all my newborn clothes/dipes today & I've been washing them up.  Then I'll take stock & see what I need.  Initial glance looks like we're pretty much set.    I'm thinking about dying the plain white lap shoulder & kimono t-shirts so they'll be cuter! That's pretty much all our newborns wear (well, those and infant gowns) so making them cuter would be nice.  

[MarineWife]

BFS ~ Thanks for the update. So glad things are going so well. I'm jealous that you are getting more sleep than me and I don't even have a newborn yet.

I'm thinking I may try seeing of this babe will pee and poo in the toilet sometimes but I'm not going to be strict about schedules, just do it whenever I think of it.

Shannon ~ Thanks for the link. It occurred to me after I posted that maybe I could find some in bulk online. I think the online co-ops I am involved in do Frontier every so often so I'll definitely check that out more next time I see it.

IDK about the RRL tea, though. I made a batch today and poured myself a glass. I only drank maybe 4 oz. and got sick, sick, sick! I got an awful headache at the base of my neck and felt sick to my stomach. I had to lay down and slept for at least 2 hours, which is something I rarely do. I couldn't even get up to check on my boys. Thank goodness ds2 has been having a good time being the more responsible man of the house and taking care of things. I don't know if that sickness was from the tea. When I got up I finished the glass (It was about 20 oz. total) and I feel okay. I still have a slight headache but I don't feel sick to my stomach anymore.

pdiannet ~ It can be difficult to deal with people who are, at the least, not excited and sometimes even negative about a pg. I didn't really tell people I know and see regularly. They eventually figured it out, obvioiusly. My sister is militant about overpopulation so she doesn't think I should have had any children, much less 4. I don't really speak to her, though, so it's not an issue that comes up often. It would be nice if we could have a better relationship, though.

I forgot to ask. Do you all know anything about these pregnancy teas? I noticed that Mountain Herbs has a couple with RRL, nettle, oatstraw and a few other things. While reading the RRL tea thread in the July DDC I noticed several people make their own teas with all of these in them. However, the premade teas also have dandelion in them and I vaguely remember dandelion not being good for either pg or breastfeeding. Any opinions?

One more thing. I'm having this baby at the height of the summer heat. Do I need short sleeved or long sleeved shirts? At first I think short sleeved because it will be so hot. Then I think long sleeved because we will be indoors with AC a lot. I don't know if I'll need to dress the baby in warmer clothes when it's in the 90s and 100s outside.

[akind1]

MW: re: clothes - I would start with short sleeves.  A lot of babies are more hot-natured than people think (at least IME) and  I would hate to bundle a baby up excessively. you can always add a longsleeve layer on top if they baby seems chilly in the a/c. DS was a winter baby and I still didn't put nearly as many layers as some of my friends did (they would do a long sleeve onesie, sleep and play, and a swaddle blanket) I would do only a  sleep and play or gown, and then a swaddle blanket, or a onesie and sleep sac. especially if you cosleep or baby wear and will be sharing the body heat.

as for teas. I would either make the RRL a bit weaker, or add honey. I don't think they would put anything in a pregnancy tea that is contraindicted (also would depend on when in pregnancy it is meant to be taken, as somethings are ok early in pregnancy, but not near delivery, and vice versa).  I know nettle, for example, is a diuretic and should help with swelling. it would also make you pee (even) more! oatstraw I am sure is good for lactation. I think dandelion is a diuretic too - it is  now, the leaf of the dandelion is more for liver support and detoxing, which I don't know that that is bad in pregnancy. The root is far more of a diuretic and helps replace potassium. I think the root would maybe be more ok in pregnancy than the leaf, but neither seems harmful.

the mountainroseherb.com fecundi-tea has alfalfa in it, which I remember my midwife recommending very high during the last bit of pregnancy as it is good for the uterus (tone or something).  I don't think there can be any harm in anything in it. It also has ginger which I know to be a uterine stimulant, but usually is ok in small doses.

[MarineWife]

Thanks, Katrina. That was what I was thinking about the clothing. The few newborns I've seen lately have been so bundled up it was making me confused. The poor baby I see at TKD sometimes has a t-shirt and socks and then a sleeper or other clothing that covers her entire body and then and blanket. I asked why they put so many layers on her and was told it was because of the AC everywhere. It seemed excessive to me but I thought maybe I forgot how delicate newborns are. And, of course, now that I've found some shirts, a friend has just told me she's going to get me some. Why do people wait until the last minute to do stuff like that? Don't they know I have to have everything planned and taken care of way ahead of time?

The fecundi tea was one I was looking at. There was also another one. Can't remember the name of it. There weren't any directions on my RRL tea box on how to make a whole pot of it, only how to make one cup. I used 8 bags for 2 quarts. That's based on the directions for my regular iced tea. Maybe I should only use half. I thought I had some peppermint tea and honey I could add but don't have either so those are going on the grocery list. I just looked up dandelion in my Wise Woman Herbal and it recommends it during and just after pg so I guess it's safe. I have to be careful that I don't get anything that's high in vitamin K while I'm pg because of my miscarriages and possible blood clotting problem. I'm taking aspirin to thin the blood so then taking something that would thicken the blood on top of that would be counterproductive.

[Baby_Cakes]

My internet's been wonky all weekend so Im FINALLY able to really get online and respond!!

re: clothes -- most everything I have for this baby in nb or 0-3 is light, shortsleeved, or a onesie.  I do have a few 0-3 footed sleepers for AC nights, but during the day I forsee mostly one light layer.  I have little pants and what not, but TBH if this baby is late, it'll be just fine b/c he'll fit in the 3 month stuff closer to fall.  Who knows?  Who even knows how big he'll be!?  It's maddening trying to figure out what to buy in what size!

I did splurge and buy two crocheted hats off etsy.  I couldn't help myself!  They're too cute!  They're probably only going to be for a photo op or two but whatever.  I felt like it haha!!  DH scoffed at the price but I'm in a mood lately where, b/c nobody seems excited about this baby, I want to buy him his OWN things.  I even said it to DH.  I was like, "I want it for him!  He's his own person, I don't CARE if we have hats leftover from when DD was born!  He deserves his own hats!!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66333866/choose-2-animal-hats-made-to-order-0-3

I requested the bear and the giraffe.  So cute.  Perfect for baby Finn! <3   

I have no idea about the teas!!  I think around 34-36 weeks I started doing the epo orally, I never did it vaginally.  I think I drank RRL tea, but if I didn't I didn't make a huge deal out of it.  Hmm, maybe I'll try it this time -- can't hurt!  Anything for a shorter, faster labor!   

[akind1]

Carrie, I know, I was buying thing for this LO this weekend (got a couple more things at the Gymboree sale :) ) and while I KNOW people are going to buy clothes for her - I mean, who can resist all the cute girly stuff? - I wanted to get just a couple things; it helps me feel like we are actually doing something to prepare for the baby. I mean, pregnancy/birth wise, I don't think I could be more prepared, I have a doula, chiro, massage therapist . . . I would love to do hypnobabies, but only if I can find a good used copy really cheaply.

Also, for DS, everyone avoided buying newborn stuff because they said he wouldn't wear it for very long, but honestly he was so little, we REALLY needed some, so we were out shopping right after he was born to buy a few things for those few weeks. I don't want to be caught like that with this one. 

MW: that is why I think some women prepare their own teas, so they can pick and choose the herbs that are right for them, and the amounts. I mean, if you have no need of ginger or peppermint for the taste/digestive properties, why add them? If you don't have issues with swelling, likely you can avoid the dandelion and nettle too. Also both will have you peeing more. the RRL adn alfafa seem the most important of those. you could always add some honey or rosehips, or both, for flavor. RRL tea by itself shouldn't be bad tasting. unless made too strong I guess. I made my own pregnancy tea last time and never drank it. just not a big tea drinker. I wish they had RRL capsules but they don't.

Not much here . . . told you I am all set on covers and waiting to hear back from a mama on some prefolds. then I will be all set on diapers!

DS thankfully slept all night in his crib last night, very grateful for that.

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by akind1 

DS thankfully slept all night in his crib last night, very grateful for that.

I cannot even BEGIN to put into words how incredibly humbled and thankful I am that somehow, organically, over the last month DD has started seriously, solidly STTN all on her own for 11-12 hour stretches.  I was terrified that once this LO was born, I'd be up tending to both.  It may still happen occasionally and I'm ok with that, but still.  There is something about putting your child to bed and actually having that feeling like they're going to stay there all night that just makes you rest a little easier!!  Also, once DH and I go to bed, I can put on my headphones with hypnobabies w/o worrying she's going to cry out for me.

Anyone else doing any hypno tracks yet?  I'm finding the Fear Release and the Painless Childbirth tracks helpful.  I'm not intending to "use" hypnobabies during the labor -- it might sound silly that I"m even taking the time to listen -- but they give me such a calm and peace about the birth NOW that it's helping me from feeling anxiety.

I have all the tracks on my computer in iTunes...I'm wondering if there's any easy way to email someone who wants them the files.  Anyone computer savvy?

Maybe TMI but we finally dtd for the first time in probably a month last night -- much better than our last attempt!!  LOL!  3rd tri sex is just so awkward!  But, gotta somehow keep the spark alive, right?  DH is working in NYC this week so I he won't be right in front of my face all week.  Having both of us at home all the time is a bit ... how do I say it w/o sounding like a bitch?  Hmm.  I can get hairy, lets put it that way.  There's literally nothing to talk about, and we end up just passing each other all day, sometimes being snarky.  I personally love when he has trips or works in the city b/c it gives us a little room in our relationship to be ourselves.  I feel like I even keep the house better when he's not here.  Weird, huh?

[MovingMomma]

My homemade pregnancy tea has RRL, nettle, oatstraw, alfalfa, rosehips, and dandelion root.  I do about a quart of that plus another quart of just nettle over 1.5-2 days.  MW, alfalfa is for vit K, so probably not good w/clotting issues.

[MarineWife]

I've got alfalfa tea from when I miscarried but I won't use it until after this baby is born. RRL tea tastes fine to me by itself so I don't really need anything to help with the taste. I like peppermint tea anyway, though, and I could use some help with digestion if it will help with the heartburn at all so I figure I'll try it. I have a friend in CA who found RRL, oatstraw, nettle, peppermint and dandelion (I think) all in bulk so she's going to send it all to me. I had no idea how much I would need. I was thinking a quart a day of tea but have no idea how that translates into the bulk herbs to last at least 2 months. I have a dilemma, though. I drank some more of the tea yesterday and, while I didn't feel sick to my stomach, I did get another headache. What do you suppose that means?

Oh, and I did something kind of mean/funny but I couldn't help it. Either Ryan or one of his friends drank some of my RRL tea so I had to tease them about drinking my pg tea. You should have seen their eyes bulge!

Katrina ~ I think some of the whole foods prenatals have RRL in them. I also think my iron supplement has it. So, you may be able to find it in a form other than tea but probably not by itself.

Carrie ~ I finally listened to my hypnobirthing CD yesterday. I was surprised at how quickly I relaxed. I wasn't even going to try it at first. I was just going to listen to it once the first time. But about halfway through I decided I needed to shut my eyes and breathe and the next thing I knew I was almost completely relaxed. Just listening to the talk about breathing and relaxing must have affected me.

I was wondering about using it during it labor. Do people actually play the CDs while they are in labor? I've read all the pertinent parts of the book and there's one part that confuses me. The author mentions either transition or birthing breathing that will be used at the end of labor but doesn't describe it at all. She says it's something you'll go over in class. Well, I'm not taking a class so I have no idea what it is. Do you have anything like that in your stuff?

On another note, I seem to have started gaining about 2 lbs. a week. Ack! I thought it was supposed to be only 1 lb. a week a this point. At this rate, I will be 10 lbs. heavier at the end then I was with ds2 and ds3. I guess that makes sense since I started out 10 lbs. heavier but I really don't want to gain that much.

I think baby must have shifted positions. The sciatic pain I was having is pretty much gone. I haven't had much pain while walking or rolling over and getting out of bed like I was before. I also haven't had to get up as often at night to pee. That may be because I put blackout curtains in my bedroom. They've been helping sleep a little later, at least.