May 2K13 DDC September Chat Thread - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[Lynann]

I know this is still really early on, but is anyone else already thinking about diapering.

We do cloth, mostly prefolds and covers, but last time I made some newborn size fitteds. The only problem was that DS2 was 9lb7oz and barely fit in them for more than a couple of weeks. So I'm thinking of making some more fitteds a little bit bigger this time. Previously I found that the prefolds don't fit very well until the little one is about 6 weeks or so, and I don't want to spend a fortune on diapers for the newborn stage when I tend to have bigger babies anyway.

With DS1 we did use throw away daipers until the prefolds fitted, but we spent almost as much on the throw aways for 6 weeks as we did on the prefolds and covers that we are still using 27 months later.

[amyknits1076]

I definitely am! We couldn't use ANY cloth on DD until she was almost a month or 6 weeks old because she was soooo tiny (5lb. 5oz.). So I'm trying to plan ahead this time around. I'm not exactly sure what we'll do those first few weeks, it depends on how big/little baby is. But we'll definitely use cloth once he/she can fit into them. We have a bunch of pre-folds and I knit my own wool soakers, so that will probably be our staple. We also have some Bum Genius all in ones (very old, like the first kind that came out) that I bought used from a friend, and then used for the entirety of my DD's diapering. Those ones have velcro. Then I have some Fuzzi Bunz (med) for when they get older. I definitely want to explore some other options because there are SO many CD's out there. There's 2 CD stores in my area that I can register at, so I'll most likely do that and hope I get a few additional to add to my stash. I'm getting excited!!

[Lynann]

We have some Fuzzi Bunz onesize pockets that we used for overnight, but DS2 has already outgrown them. We got a few Kawaii Baby onesize pockets as they are slightly bigger, but even they are getting tight. DS2 is such a chunk though, as DS1 still fits either of them with no issue.

I also knit soakers for diapering. I only used them with DS2, and only when he was newborn as he outgrew them really quickly. I'm already working on some in bigger sizes so that I can use the soakers instead of covers most of the time with this next baby.

I have enough prefolds to diaper a whole maternity ward, so I will be sticking to the mostly prefolds for this baby too. DH would prefer I didn't spend more money on diapers when we already have so much here at home. I recycle old clothes for making the fitted diapers though, so I don't actually spend much making them.

[porcelina]

Yay, I'm glad the exercise posts have moved over to the exercise accountability posts so I don't feel guilty every time I read something! LOL!

I am planning on ECing with this baby. I started with DS2, completely by accident,and I can't imagine going back. We did use cloth diapers for pee, though, which seemed to be the perfect balance between meeting his needs, but not having to be there constantly to deal with the pee all the time. He potty trained at about 22 months (though still has pee misses from time to time). Honestly, part-time EC is the best! You don't have to deal with poop hardly at all because it goes straight into the sink and later the toilet. We only started because DS2 had a horrible diaper rash and we were doing naked time, cleaning his bum when it would leak out, and he started going in the sink as I was running the water for it to get warm for cleaning. We completely taught each other how to EC by accident!
 

[Lynann]

I do like the idea of EC, especially since potty learning is going very slowly with DS1. I plan to start earlier with DS2, and part time EC with DC3 might be just what I need. I'd certainly like to deal with less poop.

I've ignored the exercise thread too. With a 27 month old and a 12 month old in the South Florida heat and no car, there ain't much exercise going on right now. We'll go back to stroller walks when the weather cools down a little (about Thanksgiving.)

We also will have to get another vehicle once this baby comes along. Right now we have a Nissan Versa, which is perfect for 4 of us, but there is no way we can fit a 3rd car seat, we barely fit 2 in the back. So our plan is to finally get a 2nd vehicle in May or June (as I don't plan on leaving the house for the first month or so) and DH will continue using the Versa for work. Right now it looks like the Honda Oddessy is our favorite choice, but we won't look until closer to the time and then take what we can afford, as long as it is comfortable in the back. We've used a few mini vans as rentals and the back seat was not comfortable to sit in and a pain to fit a rear facing car seat, so we know what we don't want more than what we do. However several mom friends highly recommend the Oddessy.

[porcelina]

We actually just got a new (used) Honda Pilot. Our CRV was starting to have constant problems, and after $2,000 in repairs, we decided to cut the cord. I've heard only great things about the Odyssey, though! I just couldn't convince myself to get a van!! Now that I have the Pilot, I can appreciate the things you get with the van that you don't with the Pilot -- the Pilot is really high up, which is harder for young children to get in and out of by themselves. It is also cool for them to have the sliding doors (not bashing into the car next to you, or needing extra space to get out). Even for me, the Pilot feels high to get into! I don't regret our choice, and the only thing that irks me about it is the gas mileage, but it's virtually the same between the Odyssey and the Pilot, so it's just a matter of getting used to spending that extra cash. While you would get more MPG on the Highlander Hybrid, they are ridiculously more expensive, and do not end up paying for themselves in savings, from what I've heard. Someone I know was thinking of the Acura equivalent (can't think of the model right now) and the Pilot (but costs more than Honda).

I hear you about the FL heat! I have family there and we went for a vacation to Tampa in the summer one year and I practically died from the combination of heat and humidity! :) LOL! Yes, I have a 4 yr old and a 2 year old, plus work, so exercise is last among priorities, sadly!
 

[Lynann]

We are spoiled with our little fuel efficient car, but we know that with the 3rd one on the way we will have to get something bigger. It won't be going far, church, library and grocery store and weekend trips to the beach (15 minutes away) so I don't mind getting a slightly older model either.

We did talk about just going straight to a van (Ford E350) since we would like a few more children after this one, but since I'm the one that will be driving it most of the time I don't want to go from a tiny car to a huge van. The mini van is a good stepping stone for me. Really a car is the only thing we have to buy for this baby coming, but it isn't exactly a cheap item, not to mention the extra expenses of insurance etc. But it will be nice to have the ability to go out somewhere during the week if we are getting stir crazy.

[AmandaLynnH]

Hi, I'm new here having just gotten a BPF yesterday.  I'm totally freaked, although a little less so after reading the peaceful pregnancy thread and this one.  This will be our first and I have no idea how far along I am as we managed to make it happen the first month being off bc.  The woman I spoke to at my OB's office is confused (as luck would have it I already saw a midwife for my normal woman visits) because my LMP was July 27th.  FF says I O'd on Aug 31st but as we didn't have well timed bding at that point and the rest of my signs don't match I'm pretty sure that's off.  It had to either be around August 11th or 27th which means I could be anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 weeks along and due anywhere from early May to late.  She's consulting with one of the midwives and calling me back to figure out when to have me come in and how best to date this.

1 day in and I'm already confused, have been terrified, now just shocked and freaked.  I mean, we were trying but we didn't think it would happen this fast.

I'm 30 as is DH.  We just bought a house in the spring and have an older pup.  My mom is crazy (as in, there's a name for it!) so she will play as small a role as possible in all of this.  My Bro just had his first and she's been hell on wheels with him to the point where he's done with her.

I've been feeling nauseated on and off for the past couple of weeks but I figured it was due to my recently discovered mold allergy.  I'm also crampy, somewhat headachy (thought I was getting  my normal hormonal migraine yesterday before I tested), and extremely smell sensitive (more so than I usually am).  I've also been experiencing food aversions.  I kinda hope I'm further along than FF thinks as that means that that's likely morning sickness, in which case, it hasn't been too bad (I'm a bit scared of it as I had some stomach issues a few years back and never fully recovered).  My lower back also seems hell bent on destroying me.  Not sure if that helps figure out how far along I am or not...

So yea, that's me.  A bit of a mess right now as this was so unexpected.

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by porcelina 

I am planning on ECing with this baby. I started with DS2, completely by accident,and I can't imagine going back. We did use cloth diapers for pee, though, which seemed to be the perfect balance between meeting his needs, but not having to be there constantly to deal with the pee all the time. He potty trained at about 22 months (though still has pee misses from time to time). Honestly, part-time EC is the best! You don't have to deal with poop hardly at all because it goes straight into the sink and later the toilet. We only started because DS2 had a horrible diaper rash and we were doing naked time, cleaning his bum when it would leak out, and he started going in the sink as I was running the water for it to get warm for cleaning. We completely taught each other how to EC by accident!
 

We did EC with DS as well, and also started doing it "by mistake".  I had hear dof EC and then was kind of bored one week, and decided to give it a shot since it was so obvious to me when DS needed to poop!  I can't imagine NOT ECing.  It just seems so natural to me now.  DS was in trainers (which were really easy to make) by 7 months, and was a grad at just shy of 19 months.  I can count on one hand the number of poopy diapers I changed after about 7 months or so.  EC is sweet!

Before starting EC (and while ECing until we started using the trainers) we used prefolds.  They worked really well for our purpose.  I ordered a bunch of newborn size ones (I can't remember which site I ordered them from though) and used those as soon as the meconium was done.  However, we were sort of lazy and used disposables at night once DS was sleeping for longer stretches.  I'll probably do something similar again, unless night time EC works this time around (which it did not with DS).

Hi AmandaLynn, welcome and congrats!  Were you tracking or charting before this cycle?  When do you usually O?  My LMP was July 26, and my EDD is May 2 but I have a pretty regular cycle.  So, you really could be anywhere from the beginning to the end of May if it's possible that you didn't O until day 35 of your cycle, but a 49 or so day cycle is not really "typical" but not impossible.  It's also hard to use your symptoms to say how far along you are.  Some people get symptoms by week 3 or 4, and for others there are no symptoms until week 6 or so, or even later!  I'm sure your MW will help you figure it all out.

[AmandaLynnH]

Thanks NStewart!  I have no idea when I normally O as this was my first cycle that wasn't regulated by bc.  I wasn't charting until almost cycle day 30ish this time around either again, since it was our first month not on the pill.  So yea, no idea...

[bubbagirl]

Hi all! Joining you as I just tested this afternoon :)

Was just about to start bike riding again and using a rebounder. I think I will start slowly and keep up the yoga.

My dd will be 1 on the 24th and ds will be 2 1/2 on friday. I will be 40 when this little bean arrives :) So excited! So nervous about adding another to the 2 littles right now. Also a bit nervous about the distacia I have going on right now and making sure it doesn't get worse.

Am hoping to cloth diaper this one from birth. Did with my son but not my daughter. My laundry situation just wouldn't allow it, but I am hoping that will be changing shortly. I just hate the trip to buy organic cotton diapers, and know they aren't ideal. I am itching to knit some soakers!

Congrats everyone!

[kikaaaso]

Good Morning, everyone :) I will come back on here later, but I just wanted to wish everyone a great day:)

[Lynann]

Welcome AmandaLynn & Bubbagirl.

I do like the idea of making some trainers, as right now DS1 is still figuring out the about to pee and actual peeing connection. We had several accidents yesterday afternoon, but it is progress for us. Before yesterday he was holding it in until we put a diaper on him for nap or bed time. I'm trying to not make it into a big deal for him as he will just get harder to teach if I do, but cleaning it up is no fun when the nausea kicks in after lunch. NStewart do you have instructions for the trainers or a weblink where I could get some ideas. I know it won't take him long once he finally figures it out, but making some trainers for using until then would be great. As soon as DS2 is walking confidently I'll be teaching him to use the potty too. It would be great to have them both at least daytime dry before this new blessing comes along.

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by Lynann 

Welcome AmandaLynn & Bubbagirl.

I do like the idea of making some trainers, as right now DS1 is still figuring out the about to pee and actual peeing connection. We had several accidents yesterday afternoon, but it is progress for us. Before yesterday he was holding it in until we put a diaper on him for nap or bed time. I'm trying to not make it into a big deal for him as he will just get harder to teach if I do, but cleaning it up is no fun when the nausea kicks in after lunch. NStewart do you have instructions for the trainers or a weblink where I could get some ideas. I know it won't take him long once he finally figures it out, but making some trainers for using until then would be great. As soon as DS2 is walking confidently I'll be teaching him to use the potty too. It would be great to have them both at least daytime dry before this new blessing comes along.

Yes, absolutely!  The link for the tinkle time trainers pattern is here.  You can make them with or without snaps (I made mine without since we didn't really have poop misses) and the outside layer can either be waterproof like PUL or just cotton if you want to be able to tell when they've wet.  I love how quick and easy these are to make. You probably already have a source for diaper making supplies.  There isn't anywhere local that I can buy mine, so I ordered online from kids in the garden. 

So, with this pregnancy fatigue, I hate to say it but I'm really starting to resent co-sleeping and night nursing.  I think I need to make a change.  DS already starts the night in his own bed, but last night climbed in with me at 10:45, then DH moved him to his own bed around 2, but he was back in ours by 3, I moved him again around 4:45 and he was back in our bed before 6.  He's been really wanting mommy milk all the time lately and I hate to say "no" but I am just so tired!  I love cosleeping the nights that he actually "sleeps" but lately that hasn't been the case very often.  Anyone else?  Any suggestions?  Part of me just wants to go sleep in the spareroom for a week and make DH deal with it.

[porcelina]

Originally Posted by nstewart 

So, with this pregnancy fatigue, I hate to say it but I'm really starting to resent co-sleeping and night nursing.  I think I need to make a change.  DS already starts the night in his own bed, but last night climbed in with me at 10:45, then DH moved him to his own bed around 2, but he was back in ours by 3, I moved him again around 4:45 and he was back in our bed before 6.  He's been really wanting mommy milk all the time lately and I hate to say "no" but I am just so tired!  I love cosleeping the nights that he actually "sleeps" but lately that hasn't been the case very often.  Anyone else?  Any suggestions?  Part of me just wants to go sleep in the spareroom for a week and make DH deal with it.

Oh, I know what you mean! We just night-weaned DS2. DH ended up spending the whole night with him (DS in crib, DH in bed). The first few nights were hard, but not awful. He managed to get him back to sleep. After just a week or two, he responded really well to DH and went back to sleep with just hearing him say "Shh." Now, we are about 6 weeks out, and DS2 just started sleeping through the entire night without waking up. 

It was heartbreaking for me to hear him crying for me in the beginning, and I honestly missed sleeping with him! So, I tried one night to re-introduce myself and cosleeping at his first wake-up (but not my boob), and it went horribly! He couldn't sleep with me next to him! So, I gave up by about midnight! Went back to him sleeping in crib with DH nearby, and things have really gone well since.

So, if DH is willing, I totally vote for having DH deal with it. If you start now or soon, your DS will probably be sleeping through the night by the time DC2 comes along! It will probably take some time, but it can have great rewards!

And, let me add that we did NOT change cosleeping with DS1 when I was pregnant with DS2. We tried, believe me, but he was a very persistent personality, and just would not have it. He would be up every hour, for 2 hours at a time, at each wake up. He wouldn't settle with DH. I think we tried 3 nights in a row, a couple of different occasions, and then gave up. Once DS2 came along, things were really hard, because DS1 was still waking at 5 am (and other times) and wanting to nurse (he was 2.75 years at the time). We had some really hellish mornings there when DS1 was screaming to nurse, newborn DS2 really needed to nurse, and that made DS1 more jealous, and scream more. It. was. hard.! I really, really wished we had done more to get DS1 nightweaned before DS2 was born! Not that we didn't try, but I guess I wished we had just persisted, because it would have made life a whole lot better in those early months. Eventually, things settled down, but it was really, really rough!

So, recognize that all LOs are different and nightweaning may not be easy, but there are definitely huge benefits to doing it, not just now during pregnancy but once baby arrives!

[TwilightJoy]

DH and I got "What to Expect" from Redbox tonight. It was just okay, but definitely funny. Has anyone else seen it?

I'd say it's definitely worth a $1 rental.

[jacquelinej]

DH was actually asking to watch it (highly unusual because he is a New Zealander and his humor is not usually American style).  Maybe we will check it out, I said no when it came out since I didn't want him to get to jittery about being a dad (first-time).  But he seems to be ready to handle this now...I don't like some of those movies because reality and imagination can be too easily confused.  The last thing I need is for his anxiety to go through the roof!

[CoBabyMaker]

I am looking to see if "What to Expect"  is on instant Netflix...

Sort of a rotten day with both DDs being tired and lots of screaming.  Took DHs Aunt who has some disabilities grocery shopping which is always a bit a stressful for me but it went ok.  She is very slow (which is hard with two kids)  and has been buying more and more junk food.  Ugh, it's not worth the fight though.

I did get to go for a walk and this evening which was lovely.  We got the kids tucked in early and I worked on some sewing.  I altered the legs on some maternity pants so they are more flattering now and made a belly band since my waistbands are already getting tight!  It feels good to get some little projects done.

We are heading up to Lake Tahoe tomorrow afternoon to spend some time with DHs family.  I am hoping it's nice and not too windy.  I really want to tell everyone tomorrow but I am still waiting for things to come in the mail to tell them with.  Boo!  I hoping the mail will magically come SUPER early.  haha

[jacquelinej]

I did get to go for a walk and this evening which was lovely.  We got the kids tucked in early and I worked on some sewing.  I altered the legs on some maternity pants so they are more flattering now and made a belly band since my waistbands are already getting tight!  It feels good to get some little projects done.

I love to sew.  Have you done clothes for your girls?  I had made some when mine was younger but I've been too busy since!  Is the belly band just a knit tube or did you attach it to the pants?

Originally Posted by CoBabyMaker 

I am looking to see if "What to Expect"  is on instant Netflix...

It would be so convenient if it was....!

[CoBabyMaker]

 Have you done clothes for your girls?

Only twice,  I would love to sew more for them but we get SO many hand-me-downs from my nieces that I have a hard time justifying any more clothes.  I literally go through everything, get rid of probably half and still feel like they have a too many clothes.  I made these dresses for their birthday pictures though.  It was so fun to do!

 Is the belly band just a knit tube or did you attach it to the pants?

It's just a tube.  I love them!  I made it from this tutorial:  http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/10/maternity-band.html