November 2012 Rockstar Mamas! - Page 8

[akind1]

I haven't ever hit Norah, so that's something, and hope never to (or Gabe again).

Yelling. I do it, but generally feel in some circumstances (actual danger) it's warranted. I try to do it rarely, but when your kid(s) is/are daredevils it's hard to avoid this. Gabe has been doing really good today - very sweet with Norah, and her fussing is her own fault (getting herself stuck in situations she can't get out of) I need him to be like this all the time! life is much more pleasant.

Went through drivethrough to get change and caffeine and the people didn't give me a straw! grrrr. not in my hand or in the bag. oh well. Bought 2 used covers for the squish - Thirsties! - for $10, and she threw in some prefolds and fitteds for free. some are girly, and most are stained, but I don't have an major issues with either. (and the stains, etc are on the free stuff, not the covers) I care about function. I want some cute things too, but especially as many diapers as newborns go through, function comes first.

[EuroMama]

I have never spanked Eddie and never will either. But, he is 10 months old. I read about a woman who spanked her baby and it made me cry so bad. UGH!!

On to a different subject.

I need some thirsties for Eddie. His poop is still very explosive.

I sold some baby gear that we don't use anymore today. Going to take the oldest to see Breaking Dawn 2 (don't hate LOLOL) and have a Mother and Son date on Sunday. :-)

My sister's fiance and my Dad are flying us to The Netherlands in Sept 2013!!! I am just so moved and this sweet gesture of my awesome family!!! My sister is getting married and I am her brides maid, she wants me there. There was jut no way we could afford $5.000 to fly us four out there and then have money for extra's etc. So, this is our christmas gift from my Dad and my soon to be BIL and I am so EXCITED!!! I want to go now!!!!!

[onetwoten]

Yeah, I understand how people can in the heat of the moment be stupid and let out a swat. (That doesn't mean I'm ok with it, or think it's a good thing, but I understand mistakes) I don't get how it becomes the first thing you do and are ok with. That's just sad. 

Glad family all over seems to be calming down a bit! We're really fairly lucky here. We have "drama" but it's more roll your eyes type stuff, than worth stressing out about. 

YAY for new fluff!! I'm starting to get a diaper buying urge again. Like maybe trying some other fun printed diapers. But I really don't need any. And I looked at a bunch at our meeting on the weekend, and I haven't seen any that I like the quality/fit of as much as the AMPs. Maybe BG, but that's it. But I want more exciting prints than that. I might buy some off etsy once I'm back at work and making more money again. 

Babywearing meeting tomorrow. I'm borrowing a shorty for a bit. I'm excited to try it out. I've never used a woven, just my moby and the boba wrap, but that was months and months ago, and ten was so fussy that she never let me try anything out really. She's a lot more patient with getting into the carrier now though. It looks like the wrap is long enough for a ruck, so I want to try that. 

I am -so- bummed about the party, but don't know how to convince DH that it'll be worth it. It's not even the money-- he just thinks people will be too crowded. And I mean it will be-- but... I think people will understand. We'll have the main floor, which is probably 500sq ft of space people can occupy (not counting our room and the bathroom, you know... lol) and then about another 400sq feet in the basement. No there's not a lot to do, but I figured we'd set up a Wii and have a mariocart tourny or something. I dunno. I haven't given up yet, I'm gonna keep working on him. 

Made 4 dozen cookies. I think I shall eat two dozen today. lol. They're pretty good so far, but I didn't put much brewers yeast in them. The actual lactation cookie recipe i used before, I could barely stomach them. So I figure I'll just slowly up the amount of brewers yeast and then a bit of flax too. 

Switched the pump parts this morning, though there's one piece I'd like to switch out that I don't have an extra. boo erms. Anyways, I pumped while nursing her and actually got a good letdown. Got about 1.5oz, maybe 10 minutes? Feeling hopeful. I'm going to continue downing water and eating cookies, and will pump a bit more tonight after she goes to bed. If I can get 3oz, that's enough to freeze for one day. 

[MarineWife]

That sounds like an amazing gift, EM!

I finished my pies. I wish I could be certain they are cooked. I just don't know. I've never made either one before. Maybe I should have had a practice run with them.

[onetwoten]

LOL That sums up my cooking! I'm sure they'll be delicious though!

[AnnieA]

JJ, honestly, as long as they have floor space to sit on or a couch or chair, I'd go for it. No need for entertainment. Ava's first birthday was scheduled to last 2 hrs. People arrived, talked for few minutes. Served food, everyone ate. Played the 12 min video that we created of pics of her first year. Did 1st birthday cake stuff. Served cake. Let Ava open her presents while everyone oohed and aahed. 2 hrs done. Everyone left. Easy peasy.

Myrtle Beach trip: I think if we stick to a time after Easter but before the middle of May when schools start letting out for the summer, I think we can still get good rates. If I recall correctly, akind1 was ok traveling to MB that soon after the new baby. I'm ok waiting until Sept/Oct again but I don't want to go that long w/out seeing everyone again! For the count for my family, don't count the big kids and honestly, it will most likely be just me and Ava. I've had to accept that if it's not work or big kid related, DH is just not going to make the time. It sucks but I don't want to plan stuff and be disappointed anymore. He bailed on the Williamsburg trip (big kid issues notwithstanding...he could have come down Sun night after taking them to their mom) and then a month later, he bailed on a weekend trip to my sister's. So whatevs. I'm not going to not take Ava on trips because he won't make the time for whatever reason. I have no problem traveling alone with Ava.

Ava had such a good afternoon at her new sitter! I'm so happy! We saw them at the library this morning so that was really helpful. She had time to just play and interact with the mom and the little boy w/out the thought of me leaving looming over her. So when we went over this afternoon, we talked on the way over about how she was just going to wave "bye-bye" to Mama and no tears. She went in, started playing and eating her snack and when I said goodbye, she just waved bye! No tears!

[onetwoten]

See that's what I think, but he's still worried people will feel cramped. I'm trying to figure out the logistics of maybe making it staggered times-- like start at say 1pm and finish around dinner.... But encourage some people to come closer to 1 and some people to come closer to around 3 or so. That way there's a good chance only 3/4 of the people would e there for the middle of it anyways. I dunno, still
Figuring out the logistics, but that gets s closer to the separate parties that dh wants, while still getting me my big celebration.


For food, were probably doing nachos-- and that's super easy for us to just have them kind of constantly out-- so that way there is a big push for ppl to be there at the right time for food.


Anyways I'm typin on my phone and none of this was Ben the point--- Btwn the pumpin earlier, and pumping tonight- I got almost 4.5 oz, in not even that long of a time. And I even got a really good letdown tonight! I'm wondering if part of the seal on the pump was iffy, since its too early for the oatmeal to be Doung anything. Ether way, ill take it!!

[akind1]

JJ: Hooray on the more milk! and have the party, you can word it as a "drop in" sort of thing if you want - that's common here in the South.

MB: It's not a very long road trip, so I think we'll be fine traveling pretty soon after the baby. I would *like* the water to be warm enough to get in. Need to keep an eye out for groupon/living social/google offers for deals in that area. It will be all of us, and the sooner I know the time the better we can plan. That said - I really like the idea of September better (water will definitely be warm enough) and baby will be older and more fun. But we are cool either way.

Gabe is 3! Can't believe it. He's becoming such a little man. Now, if I can just get him potty trained . . .

No big plans for today, We still have leftover cake from his party saturday, so there really is no need for more. He was such a tiny, wiry baby! Now he's a big wiry toddler/preschooler. 3 is a weird borderline age.

[Baby_Cakes]

Is it too cold there now to do it outdoors?  I would have been screwed if we couldn't have had our parties outside.    

That said, if ppl are cramped, at least they'll be there for a bit and then leave.  Standing room only is fun!  Cocktails and mocktails, and nachos and beer?  Perfect 1 year old party IMO!  

Hooray on the pumping!!  Keep it up!

Changing the membranes on my pump ALWAYS made it work much better!!

Its been like almost a month now of sleeping thru the night and I'm still in disbelief.  I can't believe this is it.  I can't believe the sleepless nights (i mean, barring teething, barring illness, etc) are done.  I think we are done having/planning kids so ...that's it?  Anticlimactic a bit.  

Why is it once the baby starts sleeping and the weight comes off all of a sudden another seems like a good idea?  Chris and I are constantly bickering, I can barely handle my 4 year old, my house is forever a mess, we can't seem to ever get on the same page (chris and I) regarding discipline -- so why do I still want another!?  LOL!

Taking N to school, hitting Target, and then heading down to visit my friend M and her newborn (the mama i was concerned about during Sandy).  I can't wait to squish the new squish!

[akind1]

Carrie: I can't say why - other than hormones and insanity. I KNOW we are done with 3. DH talks about maybe adopting when the kids are older . . . IDK. I am content I think with what we have biologically. (I am not anti-adoption. Just don't know if I want to do it)

I think I am finally past my bitterness at Gabe's c-section. I don't get sad or mournful looking at the birth photos. just nostalgic for the squish that was. If anything, I am just bummed that my homebirth/waterbirth is off the table as a result. Oh well. 

My doula is pregnant (they were TTA LOL) with her 3rd :) due end of July. big surprise, but she seems to be coming to terms with it ok. She'll be just over 1/2 way done at my birth, so not so far along I need to find another. I'm really happy for her.

[MarineWife]

JJ ~ How many people are you talking about? I think your dh is being a bit ridiculous. I think you should invite anyone that you and Tenley are close to.

So, we are down to 5 for me, 2 for Annie, 4 for Carrie and possibly 5 for Kat and 3 for JJ? I'll look into the timeshares and see what I can find. If we get two places that sleep up to 10 we should have enough room. That probably means 3 bedrooms and a fold out sofa in each unit.

I was really hoping to get a shower before going to this dinner tonight but I'm losing hope. Dylan still hasn't napped and we need to be ready to leave at 5.

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

Why is it once the baby starts sleeping and the weight comes off all of a sudden another seems like a good idea?

Honestly, I think that means you may not be done. I knew immediately after I had both Ethan and Kellen that I wanted another. Immediately after having Dylan I knew I was done. That feeling has not changed. I do get a little sad when I think that I will never be pregnant again because I truly love it and that my dh will never get to experience a home birth (with me, at least). But, none of that makes me want to have another baby.

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by MarineWife 

JJ ~ How many people are you talking about? I think your dh is being a bit ridiculous. I think you should invite anyone that you and Tenley are close to.
So, we are down to 5 for me, 2 for Annie, 4 for Carrie and possibly 5 for Kat and 3 for JJ? I'll look into the timeshares and see what I can find. If we get two places that sleep up to 10 we should have enough room. That probably means 3 bedrooms and a fold out sofa in each unit.
I was really hoping to get a shower before going to this dinner tonight but I'm losing hope. Dylan still hasn't napped and we need to be ready to leave at 5.

yayyy vacation!  
I can go either time of year.  Spring or fall!  

Originally Posted by MarineWife 


Honestly, I think that means you may not be done. I knew immediately after I had both Ethan and Kellen that I wanted another. Immediately after having Dylan I knew I was done. That feeling has not changed. I do get a little sad when I think that I will never be pregnant again because I truly love it and that my dh will never get to experience a home birth (with me, at least). But, none of that makes me want to have another baby.

I wonder tho if just b/c I don't feel done, if I choose not to have another, if I'll regret that choice.  Idk.  I think about where I am now and wonder how can I not have another?  How can I not experience this again?

OTOH, I think about being done, and enjoying these kids and really getting out there and starting to travel and give them experiences.  It's tempting!!

I'm young.  I have time.  No need to make any decisions just yet.

Chris and I need to get out more together.  We argued a bit (againnnn) last night and realized we both only see each other stressed out at the end of our respective long days.  

I feel like my friends know me better than he does.  All he sees is me complaining, being grumpy about cleaning, kinda depressed about day to day stuff.  My friends think I'm the biggest ray of sunshine and so happy in my life.  I think I'm happy.  I don't feel depressed.  I also feel like you tend to lean on your spouse and maybe show your negativity more b/c you know they'll love you/support you.  But, when he accused me of being "unhappy" I was like wtf?  I have the best time with these kids!  I'm so thrilled with them, I love our life.  I love how things are, I'm HAPPY.

We looked at each other and realized...we don't get out much, do we?  

So I think we will try our first non-family babysitter this weekend.  Gulp!  Wish us luck!

Got newborn squishes today!  Baby J is so freaking cute.  I love Asian babies.  If I do ever adopt (b/c I would still love to) I think I would look into adopting from an Asian country. <3  

(At the same time, no urge to have another.  Before having Finn I would really ache for another.  Holding these newborns lately it is SO NICE to just give them back over to mama and go play with my big kids.)

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

I wonder tho if just b/c I don't feel done, if I choose not to have another, if I'll regret that choice.  Idk.  I think about where I am now and wonder how can I not have another?  How can I not experience this again?
OTOH, I think about being done, and enjoying these kids and really getting out there and starting to travel and give them experiences.  It's tempting!!
I'm young.  I have time.  No need to make any decisions just yet.

That's something only you can answer for yourself. I would think that if you make the decision not to have any more kids for your own valid reasons and not because you are trying to appease someone else, you shouldn't regret it. Your decision on your terms = no regrets. And, yeah, you guys are both young so you could decide no more kids now but 5+ years from decide to do it all over again. I've heard of some people who consciously decide to have two sets of kids several years apart.

[akind1]

Carrie - be careful - is all I am saying - I was in that place of contentment before becoming pregnant with #3. (I wanted a 3rd, really, just not in that moment - but a couple years down the road . . . and well, yeah.. It happens)

And YES! get out more together, just the two of you. Even if it's just lunch and shopping. He needs to see your happy side.

MW: you can't shower with Dylan awake? I can't shower with Norah asleep; it wakes her up and she wants in n the fun.

[Baby_Cakes]

Oh yes we are being very careful.  The last cycle we just weren't sure if the condom, ahem, failed, which is why I was like waiting on pins and needles.  I'm actually able to temp this cycle so hopefully this is the start of a very long FAM TTA season!  LOL!

Anyways, I have a lot to do today!  Baking a pie, brownies, etc.  Hoping I don't need to run to the store last minute.  I think I have everything I need already...

I'm looking for a smallish tv for my room and scouring the black friday ads that came yesterday.  Chris says for Christmas he'll put it in and set up the roku and everything!  I've wanted a TV in the bedroom forEVERRR.

Annoyed b/c I seem to have regained the same 4-5 lbs I lost.  I keep fluctuating!  It seems even if I am meticulous with counting points, I hover b/w 136 and 140.  When Nora was around this age I was like 135 solid, and so freaking in shape!  Ugh this time around its much harder.

[EuroMama]

Are all of you planning a trip to meet up with each other? That is so cool. :-)

 

Carrie - I have a small tv in the house I would give to you, but you're kind of far away hahaha!!

Getting out more often will certainly help. We have no outside of family babysitter yet. We do have twice a week where we sit down, watch a movie, or our favorite show and reconnect.
 

I only have one dish to make since we're having thanksgiving at my BIL's house. I am kind of not looking forward to it because him and his wife are so uptight, but i'll make the best out of it with my men. :-)

 

Katrina - Your avatar is so cute. :-)

 

JJ- Glad you're getting more milk!!!!!!!! Here's to much much much more!!

 

I have to pump for Sunday. The oldest son and I are having a mother and son date. Going to see a movie with him. :-)

 

Ok ladies, tv was mentioned in here and I have a question.

Do you allow your child/ren to have a tv in their bedroom? I made the mistake (I feel like) of the oldest having one in his room and I don't like it.

We set it to one hour a day, but now, he leaves it on when he leaves his room. I told him to turn it off when he leaves his bedroom to go to other stuff, but still leaves it on.

Do you think its a natural consequence to tell him, look, if you do not turn it off when you go do something else in other parts of the house, tv is out?

 

I really want it out anyways. But, I feel by taking it away abruptly its kind of mean of me since I allowed it in his room. Neighbors gave it to us.

[EuroMama]

AnnieA:

Ava had such a good afternoon at her new sitter! I'm so happy! We saw them at the library this morning so that was really helpful. She had time to just play and interact with the mom and the little boy w/out the thought of me leaving looming over her. So when we went over this afternoon, we talked on the way over about how she was just going to wave "bye-bye" to Mama and no tears. She went in, started playing and eating her snack and when I said goodbye, she just waved bye! No tears!

Awwww!! It always makes it so much easier when they feel comfortable enough to say bye to Mama without any tears.

My heart breaks when I see kids cry when their Mama leaves to go to work etc.

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by AnnieA 

Ava had such a good afternoon at her new sitter! I'm so happy! We saw them at the library this morning so that was really helpful. She had time to just play and interact with the mom and the little boy w/out the thought of me leaving looming over her. So when we went over this afternoon, we talked on the way over about how she was just going to wave "bye-bye" to Mama and no tears. She went in, started playing and eating her snack and when I said goodbye, she just waved bye! No tears!

That's HUGE!!  Yayyy!  

EM - forgot to quote but yes!  I think we're all going to try to meet up again.  We recently met up (3 of us and our kids) in Williamsburg for a long weekend.  It was so fun!  We've all been chatting together online for so long, it was about time we met up!!

Originally Posted by EuroMama 

Awwww!! It always makes it so much easier when they feel comfortable enough to say bye to Mama without any tears.

My heart breaks when I see kids cry when their Mama leaves to go to work etc.

Nora goes back and forth with clingy-ness with school drop off.   Some days she skips in and doesn't miss a beat.  Other times there are tears.  Transitions are so hard - I just try my best to make her feel attached and secure, and let her know I miss her when she is gone too.  Knowing she loves school, her teacher, her friends, helps.  B/c I know it isn't school she isn't happy with, it's leaving me.  Right now she's in a super clingy I Need Mommy stage and while it's hard for me, I think she just needs extra cuddles and love from me right now.  

Aside - she's in an I Don't Love Daddy stage.  Please tell me this ends.  Please.  I'm kind of getting worn thin lately b/c she doesn't want him to help with anything. Bedtime even, and things were going so well with that for awhile...

Re: TV in the kids rooms - I think once it is in their room it is their "property".  But, I suppose... I suppose you can always suggest it gets turned off, and enforce that rule by reminding him....  But if limits and whatnot aren't working, maybe talk with him and come up with an agreement on what the rules are for the TV.  Maybe 3 more times and it gets unplugged for a bit, or moved to another part of the house.  He's 9?  I think that's old enough to understand 3 more times and it's gone.

[MarineWife]

EM ~ That isn't a natural consequence. A natural consequence might be something like him leaving the TV all the time until it burns out and doesn't work anymore. It might be considered a logical consequence but logical to whom? Your logic may not make sense to him and then he may not get the point. What's your reasoning behind wanting him to turn it off when he leaves the room? Is it because that's what you were told to do as a child and you are just following suit? Or is it because your concerned about conserving energy and/or saving money on your electric bill? Is the noise disturbing others?

I should probably qualify my answer by disclosing that we are radical unschoolers, in case you know anything about that. Our kids have almost completely free access to TV as with everything else in our lives. So, I wouldn't have limited the TV watching to any amount of time to begin with. I would continue to remind my child, in a nice and helpful way, to turn off the TV when he leaves a room.

My husband does the same thing, by the way. It drives me crazy because he puts the TV on ESPN and then leaves the house and leaves it on with me in the room nursing my baby and the remote on the other side of the room so I'm stuck listening to it. I absolutely hate watching or listening to any sports!

Kat ~ Dylan hates the shower so I can't take a shower with him and he cries if I try to take one without him. I can take a shower in the hall bathroom while he's sleeping in my room.

JJ ~ for more milk.

Annie ~ I'm so glad you've found a good babysitter for Ava and she seems happy with her.

My dad is here. My house is a mess. I told him I thought about cleaning for him. He told me I might as well just wait until he leaves now and then I can clean up after him. He's so funny. He's also decided that I have earned the distinction of having an even messier house than him. Hehe

Kellen is asking for my computer so he can play some games.