The getting to know each other thread.. - Page 4 « Back to Group Discussions

[adventuregirl]

Originally Posted by TwilightJoy 

What is your favorite meal to cook for your DP?

He always loves chicken cordon blue, so I love making it for him because he is so appreciative and complementary, its lovely.

kimble - I feel the same way abt bf-ing, there is absolutely no question for me. I went through lots of difficulties with bf-ing DD, from engorgement the babe couldn't handle (PAIN!), to a plugged duct to thrush and mastitis (all very ouch). But none of that ever gave me a doubt that I couldn't or wouldn't bf, we just got through the difficulties, and never even considered any other option. That said, I had a good bf-er, production and opportunity to SAH, so lots of positives on my side. Sorry to hijack, this is a close one for me.

If you could make any pregnancy "no-no" (that is actually a no-no for you) just magically disappear and be totally ok, what would it be?

[timesway]

Originally Posted by adventuregirl 

If you could make any pregnancy "no-no" (that is actually a no-no for you) just magically disappear and be totally ok, what would it be?

Im not quite sure exactly what you mean..but if i could make it so i could take my migraine meds right now, i'd be a  lot happier, after spending the morning when i was throwing up!!

on the subject of bf-ing i asked cus one of my friends always planned to bf, but shes just not producing enough milk and its reallly upsetting her, made me wonder about how i'd feel if things didnt turn out how i planned them.

If you could only take one member of your family (not your partner, or kids.) to a new planet, to live with you and your  partner/kids, who would it be, and why?

[Lynann]

Originally Posted by timesway 

on the subject of bf-ing i asked cus one of my friends always planned to bf, but shes just not producing enough milk and its reallly upsetting her, made me wonder about how i'd feel if things didnt turn out how i planned them.

If you could only take one member of your family (not your partner, or kids.) to a new planet, to live with you and your  partner/kids, who would it be, and why?

First to answer the question. I'd take my mum, because she is awesome, and right now we only get to see her through Skype as she lives in Scotland and we live in Florida.

I did want to answer about the breastfeeding too, as this is one close to my heart too. I never once thought I would ever feed formula, BUT with DS1 I had a very serious issue with over supply, so much that DS1 would feed for 45 min on one side and still not be full. He eventually developed a condition called Lactose Overload, that appears very similar to lactose intolerance, and by 12 weeks old we had to start supplementing with formula. He was basically only ever getting the watery milk that is normally at the beginning of a feed and never getting enough fatty milk. Without the fat the milk went too quickly through his stomach and ended up in his intestines not properly digested, so it would ferment while in his intestines. He was in constant pain, hungry all the time, constantly bloated and had terrible explosive poops. My plan was just to supplement until we could figure out a solution, but once he got some formula and experienced fullness he completely refused to go back on the breast. I tried expressing milk to give him, and I could easily manually pump 10oz of milk in about 10-15 min, and it would look just like colored water with no fat content. I felt like I had failed at being a good mother, but he is a lively and very happy 2 year old. I did get concerned that I'd have the same issue with DS2, and learned about some techniques to trick my body into making less milk if it did repeat, but DS2 nursed like a champ from birth and my milk was really thick and creamy for him. I still think breast is best, BUT I also feel passionately that we shouldn't be left feeling guilty if we have problems and no support and end up having to use formula. I'm really thankful that we live in an age where formula is a safe back up option if it is needed.

Do you plan on baby wearing? If so do you know what kind of carrier you'll use?

[timesway]

yes.. i do..this is my main plan with being in the wheelchair it will mean i can carry baby safely around the house in my electric chair, and not worry about it falling off my lap or anythig like that!! also it will make taking the baby out easier in my manual chair, altho i have heard there are such things as wheelchair prams.. i cant imagine them being very practical, and i'd prefer not to have to always go around with extra pairs of hands to push the pram..

when it comes to carrier im a bit overwhelmed to be honest, i'm not sure if slings or carriers are best really.. my friend uses carriers for her baby (well she uses long pieces of material wrapped around her, and carrys baby on her back, but thats not going to be viable for me, and im gonna need something quicker and easier then that because i'm hoping to use the method so much in the house..

oh and lyann im glad u mentioned that, because i agree.. i think people underestimate the difficulties that can happen sometimes which are totally beyond mums control.. my friend cant express anything out ..just drips and she gets terrible mastitis for nothing.. since babys started on formula, shes now not losing weight, is sleeping, and crying a lot less, generally a much happier baby.. her weight loss was getting very worrying.. so i think its important to be prepared of that being a possibility!

Where is your baby going to sleep?
 

[CoBabyMaker]

Thank you for sharing your story Lynann.  I think it's good to be reminded that as much as breastfeeding is awesome that we need to be sensitive to each persons unique situation.  That's great that you were able to find some solutions in the long run.  What a great resource you can be for other moms in that situation!  I just read a blog post by a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy at 19.  She really struggled with not being able to breastfeed and feeling like people might judge her.  I think it's so important, especially as advocates for breastfeeding, that we remember that we don't always know the whole story.  We really need to be loving and supportive and extend grace to others, something I am still learning.

There really is a lack of resources and it can be hard to reach out to strangers to help with something SO personal.  With my first I had such a bad experience with the LC in the hospital I didn't want to ask people for more help for fear of the same experience/info.  Through a lot of loooooong days/ nights and tears I figured things out myself with trial and error and online info.  I am glad we worked it out but it sure wasn't ideal.  I am so thankful my second latched on easily and nursing was easy peasy. 

Do you plan on baby wearing? If so do you know what kind of carrier you'll use?

I baby wear though not constantly.  I am ok with putting the baby down sometimes since I do better if I have a little "no touch" time.  My first needed to be worn a lot, my second seemed to want it less.  We will see what this baby seems to like though I imagine I will wear him/her a fair amount since I will be trying to keep up with a almost 3 and 5 year old.  I have a few Mei Tai carriers I made and those are my favorite.  I tried a gauze wrap but could never quite get comfortable with it even though DD2 loved it.  I have considered trying a stretchy wrap like a Moby but I might just wait and see if this baby is happy in the Mei Tai.  I thought about borrowing one from a friend but I seem to have reflux babies and their spit up ruins things.

Oops!  I posted at the same time!

Where is your baby going to sleep?

I don't do well with co-sleeping so babies usually sleep right next to our bed in a pack-n-play bassinet for the first several months.  Though if this baby doesn't have reflux I might see how it would go.  (Nursing lying down doesn't go well with reflux and waking up in a puddle of puke is less than pleasant.). Then they go to their own room and I just go to them when they fuss. 

How many children would you like to have total?

[moriahmoonstar]

I know the double posting is accidental but I like getting answers from multiple people, it's very sweet.

So I'll comment on the last few:

I plan on baby wearing and love using the Moby with my best friends son I also want a maya wrap, a Mei Tai. Probally an ergo for later. I have been offered all these already from friends and clients so I will just experiment and find what works best.

Hubby and I just decided to upgrade to a king for easier co-sleeping and someone just gave us a co-sleeper if we decide we need it.

As for breastfeeding I'm also very attached but if for whatever reason after trying everything things aren't working out I would supplement with a homemade formula from Western A Price.

When I was 7 I wanted to be a pediatrician and have 19 children. Now I want to be a midwife and have 2 or 3. Parts of me wants a bigger family 3+ but it sounds overwhelming to think about right now. I'm, really excited to start with this one!

Will you do elimination communication, cloth diapers, or disposables?

[MarieWalter]

Originally Posted by CoBabyMaker 

How many children would you like to have total?

Wow, I love these forums. The breastfeeding stories, encouragement, support - and no Judgy McJudgersons. Way to go all! <3

I joke that I want 2.5 - definitely two and then we'll see. This is #1, so I guess the wiser thing to say is definitely this one and then we'll see!

What are you looking forward to or excited about later in pregnancy?

[timesway]

hehe another double.. and sorry ive qupted these upside down ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarieWalter 

What are you looking forward to or excited about later in pregnancy?

Im excited about having a proper bump, being recognisably pregnant and feeling proper movement and being able to share it with others :) (also looking foreward to 1st trimester symptoms easing off-i hope ;) )

Originally Posted by moriahmoonstar 

Will you do elimination communication, cloth diapers, or disposables?

oo had to look up the first one, my friend told me about that method the other day.. its interesting but in my circumstance i think it would be hard, altho i think i want to potty train young, i was potty trained pretty young :) however mainly cloth is the way i want to go.. ive found a local resource which loans out starter kits so u can trial  them.. which is quite exciting (the city by me is all reuse, recycle, eco urban land :P which is useful) i will probably have a backup of disposables but again more for my situation then what i would like.. tbh i think disposables are just rediculous and expensive.. so im hoping to avoid if possible!!

got carried away and forgot a question ;)

Whats been your favourate and worse reaction people have had to you being pregnant so far?

[TwilightJoy]

Originally Posted by timesway 

Whats been your favourate and worse reaction people have had to you being pregnant so far?

All reactions have been great, so no "worst" reaction! It was really sweet to see my FIL tear up when he realized we were making him a Grandpa!



What are some of your favorite TV shows to watch lately?

[PrincePJ]

Originally Posted by TwilightJoy 


All reactions have been great, so no "worst" reaction! It was really sweet to see my FIL tear up when he realized we were making him a Grandpa!
What are some of your favorite TV shows to watch lately?

Revenge, Modern Family, Criminal Minds.. documentaries, re-runs... Exciting stuff, right? I'm also waiting for 666 Park Avenue to start over here, it looks good.

Have you thought about names yet?

[MarieWalter]

Originally Posted by PrincePJ 

Have you thought about names yet?

We have each been going through a baby name book marking ones we like - then will make a list with everything we both marked. We weren't getting anywhere just brainstorming, so might as well be thorough from the start! Fortunately it seems like we overlap on a fair number, although my tastes are a little wilder than his.

Will you announce your pregnancy in some way on Facebook or other social media or just let word spread after telling closer friends?

[Quinalla]

Originally Posted by timesway 

when it comes to carrier im a bit overwhelmed to be honest, i'm not sure if slings or carriers are best really.. my friend uses carriers for her baby (well she uses long pieces of material wrapped around her, and carrys baby on her back, but thats not going to be viable for me, and im gonna need something quicker and easier then that because i'm hoping to use the method so much in the house..

I found slings to be the easiest for quick in and out, once you get it adjusted close, you just pop it on, pop in the baby, snug it a bit if needed and go. I think if you get good with a wrap you can be just or nearly as fast, but I wasn't good with them. Structured carriers are also pretty fast once you have them adjusted, but not as fast as a sling IME. If you can, try to buy a gently used sling and whatever else you want to try from someone, here or elsewhere, that is what I did and it worked out great as the stuff I didn't use a lot (wrap) I didn't feel too bad since I didn't shell out much cash.

Will you announce your pregnancy in some way on Facebook or other social media or just let word spread after telling closer friends?

I'm letting the word spread now, I'll at least announce the birth on facebook, but probably will announce the pregnancy at some point, just for all the folks who I never see. My mom does do a pretty good job of spreading the news!

What good book did you read recently and why did you like it?

[timesway]

Ah Thankyou I was looking at slings and thought they looked quick, a friends using an elastic wrap and that looks good for security but looks a bit complicated unfortunately I'm from uk!! But there is a forum-net mums from the uk where there's a wanted/for sale/free stuff section, I've already got a few things free from there which I jus need to pick up so that's quite handy what make sling do u use?

What book have I read recently-I'm not a big reader, I'm very dyspraxic and despite a Mensa iq my visual processing is a bit rubbish (also hense my horrific Grammer)
I have however started reading I shall wear midnight.. I really enjoyed the other Tiffany books by terry pratchett, I love his sense of humour and writing style.. I need to get hold of some more audio books really.. I love "reading" just not actually reading words off of a page!

When is your next ob/midwife/scan/baby related appointment? Does time feel like its moving speedily along now or does aleverhthing seem like its taking an age?

(ps.sorry for spelling writing on a dimmed down phone which has autocorrect with a broken head and a smashed screen )

[Lynann]

I just wanted to comment on the sling issue first. Please make sure if you do get one it hasn't had a recall on it. Some slings have been recalled because they can cause the baby to have their head over tilted and therefore cause breathing difficulties. They are much easier to learn to use that other carriers, but also usually only work for the newborn/early months stage. I do agree with trying several options before you buy if you can though.

Next appointment: don't have one since I'm doing an unassisted pregnancy as well as birth. I am checking my own vitals etc on a weekly basis.

What is your favorite pregnancy indulgence so far?

[nstewart]

Wow, my internet was down for the weekend, and I am very behind on posts!  It's fun to have all these active threads to read and lots to catch up on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by timesway 

oo had to look up the first one, my friend told me about that method the other day.. its interesting but in my circumstance i think it would be hard, altho i think i want to potty train young, i was potty trained pretty young :) however mainly cloth is the way i want to go.. ive found a local resource which loans out starter kits so u can trial  them.. which is quite exciting (the city by me is all reuse, recycle, eco urban land :P which is useful) i will probably have a backup of disposables but again more for my situation then what i would like.. tbh i think disposables are just rediculous and expensive.. so im hoping to avoid if possible!!

Timesaway, just wanted to say that if you are really interested in EC, you can do it with a bowl on your lap.  You can just put the bowl between your legs and hold baby over it.  Or, with a really young babe you can cue them into an open flat diaper.  I used to use a bowl on my lap with DS when he was very small as he'd always pee part way through nursing.  He'd pause, and I'd just move him over the bowl.  It was easier than jumping up to run to the bathroom!  I'm sure that it wouldn't be as easy as if you didn't have any mobility issues, but then you can probably say that about most things that you handle no problem on a daily basis!  

What is your favorite pregnancy indulgence so far?

Hmmmm...going to bed when I want to, napping on the weekends without guilt.  Eating toast for supper if that is what sounds appitizing (I just had cereal with banana and toast with PB as that was all that appealed).

Looking ahead to next week...What does a typical day in your life look like?  What are your favorite and least favorite parts? 

[TwilightJoy]

Originally Posted by nstewart 

Looking ahead to next week...What does a typical day in your life look like?  What are your favorite and least favorite parts? 

Wake up, get ready, leave for work by 7:30am for my job in the Financial Services industry. Work till 4:30 or 5pm, drive home. It's a 1/2 hour commute, so usually home by 5:30. Start prepping supper. When DH gets home, we go on a short walk around our neighborhood. Then back home where I cook supper, eat supper with DH, clean up supper. Evenings are spent reading a book or using my laptop. We don't have a TV hooked up right now, but I'll watch shows on Hulu. If needed, I'll do some laundry or some light cleaning, but most nights it's not, I try to do most cleaning on weekends. Then off to bed!

As you see, life is going to change drastically once this LO gets here!

Can I say my favorite part is falling asleep and my least favorite part is waking up?

Seriously though, my favorite part is probably my evening walk with DH. We talk about our days at work and catch up with each other.
Least favorite would be the commute to and from work. Work isn't bad, I just hate the drive and the traffic!

I adore this question and am so interested in someone else's day. So, I'll ask it again!

What does a typical day in your life look like? What are your favorite and least favorite parts?

[Quinalla]

Originally Posted by timesway 

Ah Thankyou I was looking at slings and thought they looked quick, a friends using an elastic wrap and that looks good for security but looks a bit complicated unfortunately I'm from uk!! But there is a forum-net mums from the uk where there's a wanted/for sale/free stuff section, I've already got a few things free from there which I jus need to pick up so that's quite handy what make sling do u use?

Mine was a used Zolowear silk brocade, so like this one but a different pattern: http://zolowear.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ColorID=580 They are pricey new ($125), but I got my used on for $40 and it was in excellent condition. But yes, you do want to check for recalls and look up how to use them properly for sure!

What does a typical day in your life look like? What are your favorite and least favorite parts?

Typically, wake up when DD does (sometime between 6am and 7am usually) and go get her and then get myself dressed while she plays. Take her downstairs and get her ready and then off to daycare. Drop her of and then head to Panera (sometime I go to Tim Hortons) and get breakfast then on to work. Have my cup of RRL (red raspberry leaf) tea while I eat breakfast and check e-mail after I arrive between 7:30 and 8. Work then have a snack around 9:30 or 10. Work until I can't take it and get lunch, sometime between 11:15-11:45am, eat somewhere and read my current book and go run any quick errands (bank, library, grocery store, etc.) that I need to do and head back to work. Have a snack between 2-3pm. Head out between 4:30-5pm to pick up Sydney from daycare. If we are in cooking mode, just go straight home, if not I will pick up food on the way home either before or after I get Sydney. DH cooks (he'll often start before we get back) and we eat dinner when it is ready. DH & I both play on and off with DD and also let her do her thing supervised while we do some light housework stuff (clean up dinner, dishes, etc.), I give DD a bath around 7pm if she needs one and DH puts her to bed between 7:30-8 (I used to do nearly all the bedtime, but he's taken over it most night which is awesome). We chill out playing PC games, watching TV/movie, etc. I go to bed when I need to (sometimes soon after DD is in bed, sometimes I'll stay up until 11pm!)

Weekends are very different as we are all home and frankly we aren't too structured. Usually I try to get out of the house with DD at least once or twice, going to the park or stroller walk if the weather is nice. I get laundry done on the weekends and we'll get bigger household projects and most of the grocery shopping and whatnot done then.

Favorite parts are lunch, morning time with DD (usually), nighttime with DH and nighttime stuff that I do by myself. Least favorite are getting DD in and out of the carseat, driving home especially if I have to pick up dinner as there is usually a lot more traffic and DD and I have both had long days and are fussy

What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? (If you don't like any "traditional" sports, feel free to substitute any hobby here!)

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by Quinalla 


What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? (If you don't like any "traditional" sports, feel free to substitute any hobby here!)

Katie, your days sound a lot like mine.  Although we're fortunate to have a nanny currently so don't have to do the pick-up/drop-off which is a huge help.  That will be changing come December as our beloved Nanny is moving home to Kenya to get married and DS will be going to a dayhome instead. 

Hmmm, favorite sport to watch is probably hockey, so I'm hoping that there is actually an NHL season this year.  Neither DH nor I are fanatics, but I do like to catch at least part of a game on Saturday nights, and watch one here or there if mine or DH's team are playing.  DH and I have been watching a bit more NFL to compensate.  Favorite sport to play...this is tough, since I don't play any anymore!  I lift weights and do cardio, but those don't really count as sports.  I used to LOVE playing volleyball and still would if I had a chance to play, and I do LOVE to downhill ski in winter (I am lucky to live 1.5hrs from Banff and all the great skiing in the Canadian Rockies) but have only been once in the last 3 years, and won't make it this year either (my winters in succession went: pregnant, small nursing infant, got out once with my dad, now pregnant again!)

Spin-off question - If you could learn and master one new sport, what would it be and why? Oh and pretend that it'll just come to you.  You'll be a total natural and love doing it.   

(For me, I think it would be snowboarding.  I tried it a few times but got frustrated at sucking so bad, and on wasting a day on the slopes and always just wanted to put my skiis back on.  But it looks so fun!!) 

[adventuregirl]

Originally Posted by Quinalla 

What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? (If you don't like any "traditional" sports, feel free to substitute any hobby here!)

I don't really like watching sports too much, but I can get into baseball, esp if we go to a game. I was raised on baseball, my dad and 4 brothers all played and love it to death, so I had a lot of exposure. This time of year, DH likes to watch football, so I have been trying to pay attention lately so I can understand it (I usually just glaze over if its on), I figure if I can understand it, maybe I could possibly start to enjoy it...? I end up in front of it so I can spend time w/DH, but I usually have a craft or something else to do which keeps me a bit more interested.

When it comes to playing a sport, I am a mountain biker, I LOVE it! I haven't done much lately, being pregnant doesn't make me want to go, and DH would probably freak if I tried anyhow... and not sure if I'll go much next year, but do hope to be able to get back on it once things settle down with the little one. I am working on getting DD some skills to ride trails with me.

What question on this thread so far have you wanted to answer and missed? Go ahead and answer it now!

[adventuregirl]

Sorry for the cross-post. N, I snowboard and it is awesome, but yes, difficult to learn (super OW!). Maybe the next person can answer both, or bump.