February Chat « Back to Group Discussions

[cat13]

So, I've noticed that most of us have been using the Facebook group more than  the MDC group. While that's fine, I really miss some of the voices of our non-FB mamas. So, I'm going to try to use this group more often!

I thought it would be cool to look over what we were talking about last year at this time (here's the chat thread: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1290626/regular-chat-thread/200_100) Turns out, I was a total lurker at that point and hardly ever posted! But everyone was talking about buying maternity clothes and feeling their babies move for the first time. So cool!

What's going on with you ladies?

[Tear78]

hah! Cool, Cat! Turns out I was a total lurker then, too. Thanks for trying to include everybody here. I always try to keep my Mothering identity separate from my real-life identity because I'm a teacher and I have to be careful what I do online. But I've been feeling left out when I hear about the FB group. Is there a way for me to join and keep my anonymity?

What's going on with us is that DD slept for 5 hours in a row last night, and 6 the night before. I almost don't want to say anything because it's so beautiful and I don't want to mess it up. so "sssh!" I didn't say anything.

[cakemama579]

oh no, is that where everyone is? I just thought everyone was getting totally busy with real life..  at least, that's where I've been.  though I do try to check in a couple times a week, I haven't been able to post in forever.  

So funny to think what we were talking about just a year ago-- feels like FOREVER!  And on the subject of maternity clothes, I handed my maternity clothes over to an acquaintance of mine-- I can't believe how much I have.  I have more maternity clothes than I do a regular wardrobe.  And I'm having the hardest time deciding whether I want them back when she is finished with them or not!  Are we done with babies?  DH says yes, and I definitely could be done being pregnant (can't wait to lose this weight and be back to my old size, if that ever happens again).  But still... I just love newborns and caring for them.  

DD cut her first tooth a couple of days ago.  such a milestone!  and we've officially introduced solids-- I made some applesauce for her and she is pretty into the flavor, although I think the texture surprises her a bit.

So that's what's new from this non-FB mama.  How about everyone else?

[cat13]

Originally Posted by Tear78 

hah! Cool, Cat! Turns out I was a total lurker then, too. Thanks for trying to include everybody here. I always try to keep my Mothering identity separate from my real-life identity because I'm a teacher and I have to be careful what I do online. But I've been feeling left out when I hear about the FB group. Is there a way for me to join and keep my anonymity?
What's going on with us is that DD slept for 5 hours in a row last night, and 6 the night before. I almost don't want to say anything because it's so beautiful and I don't want to mess it up. so "sssh!" I didn't say anything.

I totally get that. I used to run a program at the YMCA for teenagers and it was always a big thing to stay off their radar online. The group is a "secret group" so none of your FB friends can see that you are a part of it, or see anything that is posted there. And you have to be added to the group by another group member, so there' no random people, it's just DDC peeps. If you want to stay anonymous from the group, I guess you could create a fake FB profile (although you couldn't use the same email address you use for your real FB) and join with that. 

re: sleep.... don't worry, I won't tell! 

Originally Posted by cakemama579 

oh no, is that where everyone is? I just thought everyone was getting totally busy with real life..  at least, that's where I've been.  though I do try to check in a couple times a week, I haven't been able to post in forever.  

So funny to think what we were talking about just a year ago-- feels like FOREVER!  And on the subject of maternity clothes, I handed my maternity clothes over to an acquaintance of mine-- I can't believe how much I have.  I have more maternity clothes than I do a regular wardrobe.  And I'm having the hardest time deciding whether I want them back when she is finished with them or not!  Are we done with babies?  DH says yes, and I definitely could be done being pregnant (can't wait to lose this weight and be back to my old size, if that ever happens again).  But still... I just love newborns and caring for them.  

DD cut her first tooth a couple of days ago.  such a milestone!  and we've officially introduced solids-- I made some applesauce for her and she is pretty into the flavor, although I think the texture surprises her a bit.

So that's what's new from this non-FB mama.  How about everyone else?

DS still doesn't have any teeth, despite showing "teething signs" since about 2 months. And he really, really wants to eat solids, but DH and I are holding out on him for a little while longer. 

[Italiamom]

So sad you're all on FB now. But you'll never make me go back!!!

DD is cutting teeth here too. Tooth #1 broke through today, and #2 is short behind. It's 12:30am here and DD won't go to sleep. She just wants to chomp on my poor nipples. She's in pain

On the up and up, I got a new sewing machine today!! I have been sewing since childhood, but this is my first NEW machine. I'm so very, very excited (it's a Bernina!!!) to have such a capable machine. DH was all for it, as sewing has really given me a great outlet for "me" time.

[Lynann]

I try to post on both places and often can't keep up on FB as I have to use the laptop. I can only come online when both boys sleep at the same time.

Seth will be 5 months on Tuesday. He's sitting up with almost no support, a whole month earlier than Aiden did.

We have loads of drool but no sign of teeth. We had the same thing with Aiden, lots of drool at 4-6 months and he didn't cut his first teeth until 13 months. At 20 months he has just his second set of molars to go.

We weighed the boys last week and...

Aiden at 20 months is 26lb

Seth at 4m & 3w is 20lb

Mama's baby is a big'un.

Mostly I'm busy with the boys and trying to stay on top of chores, cooking, bread making and when I get time crafts & writing.

I'm also getting really clucky for another baby. I want to be pregnant again so badly right now, but I know it'll happen when/if it happens and I just have to focus on enjoying every single minute of the blessings I already have.

Also my baby sister (back in Scotland) is 35 weeks pregnant and has just been officially diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. They are giving her the steroid shots for the baby's lungs and hoping to get her to 37 weeks. Its all happened so quickly though that we're not sure if she'll make it that long. Its so difficult being this far away and unable to help or be much of a comfort.

[elove]

Originally Posted by Italiamom 

So sad you're all on FB now. But you'll never make me go back!!!

 but most of us are still here too - we miss you  too much to leave :)

i totally understand dropping FB off...I kept my whole pregnancy un announced there and wont even look back if there is a reason to part with it.

[cakemama579]

Do you guys think FB will turn out to be like Myspace after a while-- people just get tired of it?  Or is it here to stay?  My DH is going to cancel his acct.  I have one, but really only use it to post photos of the kids so the grandparents stay off my back...I feel like the more I'm connected, the more accounts I have and email/internet outlets I have, (for example I used to get internet on my phone. then cancelled it), the more I am a slave to them.  I'm sure it is just me, and other people have more self control, but when I could check my email on my phone I was like one of those mice in the sociology experiment.. constantly checking, checking, checking to see if there was any mail for me.  ugh, it was exhausting!  Now I check this site, my email, and a couple of blogs about two times a day.  That seems to be a good fit for me--any more than that and my brain starts to go on overload.

How much are you all connected, and how?

[Baby_Cakes]

I'm constantly checking my feed and the posts here.  Constantly.  It's a bit excessive so I've limited my computer time.  Still, I mostly use FB as a big photo album, and secondly for parenting blogs/advice/information.  I like to share.  And I like reading about others.  I don't know what I'd do w/o my friends advice and support.  But, that said, I don't really care for and stay away from drama, so it's not stressful for me.  

Anyway, we fought and are fighting an awful stomach bug in our house.  Ladies this thing is worse than death.  I cannot even put into words the misery.  Finn woke up puking this morning at 4 am and I got up with him.  Poor baby slept in my arms, but so far has only puked twice.  He's keeping milk down for the most part.  I feel like I've been hit by a truck, but so far DH has had it the worst.  Poor guy is still miserable 24 hours later.  I feel ok now, just tired and weak.  I'm really trying to up my fluid intake so I don't dehydrate any more.

Too funny to see what we were posting about a year ago!  Man that feels like forever ago!!  

Finn is 5.5 months.  No solids here yet, and no teeth either.  Just sitting unassisted and some spazzy attempts to scoot.  Finn is at least 21 lbs, I haven't weighed him in awhile.  I'm not taking him to the drs anytime soon, maybe next month.  Not til we're all well and not contagious anymore!

[Tear78]

I don't really like FB for many of the reasons listed above, but mainly it just feels overwhelming to me and I don't want to figure it out because I feel like I don't even have enough time for Mothering as is. It also bugs me the kinds of things people put on there sometimes, and it feels a bit middle school: I find myself being the shy kid in the corner watching the popular kids. I dunno. Sometimes I think I want to close my account and open one under a fake name and only invite the people I'm really close with. I'm also heatedly opposed to spending $60 a month for a smartphone just because everybody else has one. We don't even have a texting plan. That being said, I was feeling sad that the group seemed to be moving over there because I'd miss you ladies, so I'm glad to hear that most people are still checking here!

DD can sit unsupported for a few seconds at a time and then she drifts to one side or the other and falls. She's 6 1/2 months old now. It seems like she's improved this skill even in the last week. That being said, other people's babies seem to be doing this for a while. Is this one of those things that vary greatly?

No teeth here yet, though she's another one that's been drooling like nuts since 2 months. lol...they'll come sometime.

Carrie, that bug sounds miserable! I hope it moves on quickly!

[Peony]

I'm on FB and because that site is easier to navigate on my phone then MDC I tend to check it more then here these days. I limit my time on my laptop to nursing or while stuck under a sleeping baby at night. i do work some. I check my phone more because I am constantly stuck some where boring with the kids. So like yesterday when DD1 had a special Saturday dance rehearsal before competition season officially starts I was pacing around the studio walking the baby to sleep in the beco checking my phone! 

Definitely not wanting another one here, I am 100% in the never ever again camp! There are zero wistful feelings left. I guess 4 kids will do that to you...We all have colds here which bites. DS1 has never fully recovered from a stomach bug 2 weeks ago, every time I think he is good, he isn't. As evidenced by a major diarrhea incidence yesterday in a public place, it was not good! Poor guy has the cold on top of it. We are switching DD1 to a different resort for snowboard team, the switch isn't happening until next season but we have to plan way ahead because of the level she is at and her age. Anyway, it has just been a PIA and then the dance is getting ready to push me over the edge. She is doing a trial day today with the new team and of course she has the same cold but she still wanted to go. 

[cat13]

I hear you all about the FB woes. I un-friend anyone who creates drama, so it's pretty drama-free for now. But I do find myself checking it all the time. I've thought about putting it on hold, but my desk job can be so boring sometimes that I don't know what I'd do without FB . 

I'm sorry for everyone with sickies in the house. I've had a bad cough/head cold since Thursday and I keep hoping that DS doesn't get it, or at least not so bad as me. DH has the strongest immune system ever and has only been sick 3 or 4 times in the almost 10 years we've been together... I hope DS takes after his dad! 

Peony, reading your post just exhausted me. I think I have to go lie down now!        

[Beckily]

I've never had FB drama, I don't think. Yay! I could, I do post political things sometimes but I try to mostly put those through a filter. Takes a lot of effort, though :P

I think sometimes of plugging in less because I do check things too often. Like right now where I'm typing and looking concerned at the fussy baby but having to finish the sentence!

He can sit forever, I think. Still doesn't roll from belly to back yet, tough!

He's currently sitting and spilling his feet (he's forever circling his ankles), pleading with the cat to come closer so he can pinch her, pull her hair and chew on her face. She's not moving ;)

And I'm with you, Lyn! I've wanted to be pregnant again since the day he was born! But I'm not going to try until he's more than 2. Bodies really need that long to fully recover from a pregnancy and I'm asking mine to recover from pregnancy plus major surgery so. Sigh. And then I shall copy you and get my VBAC! Hopefully even a HBAC, but we'll see!

[Tear78]

I'm wanting to get preg again really soon too, partly to avoid having to TTC again...ever...and partly because I've been dreaming about being preg again. WHAT?! I was SO freaking miserable. lol...However, since we are going to visit in-laws in Germany in August and taking a week trip with fam from there to Mallorca...we both want me to be able to travel. mmmmm, hot sandy beeeeeeeaches.......

[SouthernStormy]

I'm trying to be more here than FB now. When I was in the FB group, I found myself never checking here. I ended up deleting myself from the FB group- since being "home" I have been having such a tough time with depression and my family has just been CRAPPY all the way around since we got back to GA. Makes me remember why I left in the first place. I've been having a hard time with my birthing experience lately and the posting of birth pics was making it worse. They are so beautiful and on one hand I love seeing them, but on the other it makes me mourn my experience even more.

For Mags- she was miles ahead of the curve at first, now she's just sort of plateaued (and I'm okay with that). She's working on sitting up. Talks a BUNCH and the sounds are becoming more word like and less babble.

We are moving to VA in 2 weeks and I can't wait.. Originally we were staying in Georgia to let the family get to know Magnolia and save money as well, but the family (on both sides) has shown they have no interest in being a part of either one of our lives and certain people have just been really ugly and rude since we've been back- ie- calling me lazy because I choose to be a stay a home mom and saying I should get a job b/c I have an education. So now we are moving to VA to live on the base with DH. DH will only be able to visit us a few hours at night and he'll be able to live with us on the weekends. And we'll just worry about getting the rest of my student loans paid off later.

[Carlyle]

Originally Posted by Tear78 

Is this one of those things that vary greatly?

Yes!  Everything is.  (don't worry)  I love you :)  Meant to call you this weekend, but a crappy cohousing meeting put me really out of sorts and feeling depressed.  So I guess I really SHOULD have called you!  I always remember after the kids are in bed...

[noorjahan]

Originally Posted by cakemama579 

How much are you all connected, and how?

I'm using my laptop mostly to go online. But I also check FB on my phone. However, there are times when I go through not posting, sharing anything on FB for days and weeks just because. And then there will be time when I post lots! I'm also part of the DDC group on FB and am glad it's also there!

I suffered from bad case of FB drama with in-laws! yuck. So, just recently, I deleted all of the members of my in-laws and BLOCKED them and before I did that I just told my SIL that I would disable my acct, so will contact via email. I think, they all think I disabled my act, and not that I actually blocked all.........and FB is so peaceful place for me now! LOL

Right now, we all baby, hubby and myself going through bad case of cold! :( Seems like it's a world wide thing right now...and hoping it goes away soon!

[cakemama579]

Well, I'm glad to see that so many of us are still checking in on MDC-- I do go through times where I don't post for a long time, but I'm still regularly checking in, and would be sad to see this group fizzle away...

Sorry to all of you who are sick right now and have sick babies.  February is the hardest month for that for sure. hang in there!

And I can't believe some of you are already thinking about more babies! lol (actually I can believe it, because the thought has crossed my mind as well, even though DH and I consider our family to now be complete.)  I'm so distraught that DS will be going to school full days next year (next step in Montessori); I will miss him dearly all day.  I can only imagine getting major baby fever next fall when he is gone all day-- but hopefully having DD home still and just barely a year old, in combo with getting my massage license will keep me preoccupied, because I do NOT want to be pregnant again!  Oh I'm so torn!

DD is on hands and knees rocking now, and can sit unassisted for about 30 seconds or so.  She'll sit longer if I am right behind her as a kind of security.  So fun to watch her develop, and Tear, this is the time when babies start to do different things at different times, and it definitely doesn't mean anything at all.  I know an 8 month old baby that is already walking!  (that is totally unusual, by the way).

[earth-mama]

I use FB to keep connected with old friends, distant friends and relatives.  I find it useful as my sister lives in England it is often hard for us to connect due to time differences and child schedules.  I don't actually post much, but do read other peoples posts and follow some post of a variety of companies I like.

Babies, I have definitely been thinking about it.  I might be crazy 

[Baby_Cakes]

Sigh.  Babies.  

I'm still not convinced about having more kids.  I guess I'm open to thinking about it in the future, but I personally feel ok and done with just my two.  I don't feel like anyone is missing and I really do feel done.  I'm happy to close this chapter and move on to raising the ones I have, rather than adding more.  But, I mean, there's always room to change my mind.  I just suppose we aren't going thru with anything permanent right now.  

DH isn't able to say never anymore, and DS is growing so quickly it almost doesn't seem fair.  But, OTOH, Im ready to move on and dedicate myself to these kids, instead of spreading myself even thinner.  So, idk.  

Plus the genetic disorder issue leaves me torn.

Sigh, again.

O/T, Anyone have soft soled shoe recs that aren't leather?