August '05 mammas, our babies are finally here! end of Aug.-Sept. '05 - Page 7

[Aeriane]

Hi everyone, just popping in, seeing what's going on and how everyone's doing. Baby Nathanael finally gained some weight, he gained 4 oz in the last week so that brings him up to 5 lbs 12 oz. He still looks like some starving refugee but I know he's putting the weight on and he will fill out eventually. My husband saw the baby naked yesterday (he had always held him clothed) and he started to cry. He said "oh my gosh kitty, he looks like a starving 3rd world child, I didn't realize it! Are you sure he's ok?" I assured him all was as good as it could be for him but it was a poignant moment.

I look forward to the cooing and smiling stage..right now it's eat/poop/sleep :LOL Take care, Kitty

[Korwynne]

Just put up some pictures of my babies and wanted to share

Josh and Leila on Sept 1st...
http://www.mindspring.com/~lc-pilche...Leila&Josh.JPG

Lindsey and Leila on Sept 7th...
http://www.mindspring.com/~lc-pilche...05/Sept7th.jpg

Leila this morning!
http://www.mindspring.com/~lc-pilcher/Sept2005/Leila'sDolly.JPG

[heldt123]

Kitty-hooray! I'm glad he's gaining weight now. Go little guy, go! I'm with you, I can't wait till the first coos and smiles. Right now any sound would be better than a waah or a scream!

Ah! I was wondering when someone would start sharing pics! Jodie, you have such beautiful children!

Here's my little 7 week old monkey during a precious, peaceful moment:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/i_cor_...&.dnm=dc56.jpg

Here's Daddy and mini Daddy :LOL :
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/i_cor_...ca.jpg&.src=ph

[Korwynne]

ooh.. he's so cute I love Daddy pictures too!

[~Megan~]

Jamie, what kind of sling do you have? We use a non padded ring sling and ds likes to be upright as well. I tuck his legs in and just hold him upright in the little pocket, seems to work pretty well for him

[mags]

Originally Posted by heldt123

:LOL me too! I never drink milk, but find it hard to turn down cheese and ice cream.

Our bedtime routine has gotten less traumatic lately, but on those rough days we try to work around it. Reading books while Johnathan is eating and sometimes I let nathan stay up later if I think the baby will be sleeping soon. Hubby helps on his days off, but he works nights most of the time, there isn't anyone else around to help.

Man, anyone else with a second+ child feel like they are starting parenthood out from scratch all over agan? I can't imagine two babies being any more opposite. With my first, if he was comfortable, held, and had a boob in his mouth he was totally content. And to this day he runs in terror from a vaccume or anything loud. This one falls instantly asleep at the sound of a blender or vaccume and wants bothing to do with a swing or stroller. Everything is different! I guess its his way of saying "I'm me, mom."

Jaime- I could have written that 2nd paragraph! I am feeling the same way. Honestly, adjusting to one child was not all that bad, but omg adjusting to two, esp when the oldest is only 19 mo old has been a roller coaster ride. In fact DH and I got into an argument last night, b/c he doesn't understand why I am having such a hard time adjusting to two kids... as if! Men! I don't think they get it! My two boys are also completely opposite. For some reason I thought jonah would look like joshua when he was born. Boy, was I surprised, after he was born and they laid him on my chest, I took one look at him and said, "he doesn't look ANYTHING like joshua!" Not only do they look completely different (joshua looks like my side of the family, jonah looks like my DH's side), but their personalities are completely different too. Joshua fussed a little, but for the most part was a pretty happy, easy going baby, with the exception of not being a very enthusiastic nurser (and now he is still picky with solids) and he always managed to charm everyone he came in contact with (still does). Jonah LOVES to nurse, in fact DH and I are betting by 9mo-12mo, this kid will probably weigh as much, if not more than his older brother! Jonah is also more high needs than joshua ever was, and makes the most horrible (but I think they are funny too) expressions. Joshua loved the bouncy, the swing, playmat, spending time with daddy, although admittedly he was never much of a mama's boy. Jonah, hates the swing, hates the bouncy, wants to be held all the time, pretty much by me and if he's awake and not nursing, he's usually fussing or crying. I was a little bit afraid baby #2 would be like this, since baby #1 feel under the, "easy" category. I figured I wouldn't be THAT lucky to get two easy going babies. It will be interesting to see if jonah's personality changes as he gets older, right now he's such a fuss bucket.

Kitty- So good to hear that Nathanael is gaining wt! When you have a small baby, you always worry so much about their wt gain. My first son was small (although not as small as yours) and his wt was ALWAYS an issue and even now he is a peanut compared to other toddlers his age, but more than makes up for it with her personality. I too am eager for baby to do more than E/S/P. I am looking forward to jonah being old enough that he and his brother will be able to play together, b/c right now I feel so bad for my toddler. We don't get out as much as before, b/c of jonah and he doesn't get as much attn from me as before either, I just feel guilty about this all of the time. At least when jonah is older, I hope they enjoy being playmates together since they are only about 19 mo apart.

[heldt123]

Originally Posted by mamao'two

Jamie, what kind of sling do you have? We use a non padded ring sling and ds likes to be upright as well. I tuck his legs in and just hold him upright in the little pocket, seems to work pretty well for him

I'm new to the sling thing, so it could just be that I have no idea what I'm doing. I have an OTSBH that he absolutely hates and I just made a maya like ring sling that he hasn't liked yet. I'm thinking he might get used to it now that he is having an easier time being in a more slanted/horizontal position. I don't have to prop him as much at night and sometimes he will actually sleep almost flat now, so I'm thinking his system is maturing a little bit.

Just bought a Moby wrap on Ebay, so hopefully that will work out.

Mags - yup, I was hoping that I'd be lucky and get an easy #2 as well. It is just such a shock that two babies could have so many differences. I hope they get along when they are older. My first was also super easy going and just a ham. Everyone loves him and he is totally jolly and happy most the time. He is also super sensitive and acts more like what people would think of as girlish. I just hope this fussyness is just a phase that Johnathan will grow out of. Another thing that is really weird is my first never cared if his diaper was wet or not. It was a full time job constantly checking his diaper and he struggled with daiper rash a lot (having his diaper changed was about the only thing he fussed about--he'd a rather sat in it). With #2 as soon as he goes, he wants that diaper off NOW! I can't believe how much he screams with a wet diaper--and boy is his bottom side nice. I think it is great that he does this, though as I think it will help us with EC'ing.

[Korwynne]

Leila's upright in any of my carriers... I have a maya, a couple pouches, a mai tai, an Ergo....

[carrietorgc]

re the dairy - clues for me were his congestion, the rash on his butt, the gassiness, and I was able to see that he was soo much worse after alot of cheese/cows milk. He has gotten so much better! dd had some milk sensitivity too, and dh was allergic as a child. dd outgrew hers, so I am sure ds will too. a true milk allergy is so hard to eliminate b/c milk products (casein, whey) are in so many products.

We love our hotsling and ergo - i am waiting anxiously on a mei tai. the moby makes me too hot.

[nabigus]

Carrie (and other hotsling lovers)--I have a hotsling, but my ds doesn't seem to like the cradle position. He REALLY wants to be upright and looking around. What position would you suggest? When he's in tummy-to-tummy in my other slings, his face is pointing straight up in an effort to look out.

[anudi01]

Out of lurkdom...

Hi Mamas. I have been keeping up with the thread, but I haven't since posted yet (didn't even post the birth story ). Glad to hear all of you are doing well. Seems that there is a lot of gassiness going on. I have one here too. My dd almost 5 weeks now, and is never content unless she is at the breast. Even then, she sometimes is still fussy. I get the bobbing off the breast all the time. I also get the shallow re-latch suggesting that she just wants to suck and not drink. My diet is totally restricted right now b/c of ds's allergies, so it can't be anything in I'm eating. Guess its just reflux that will work itself out, I pray. Or it's colic, which I hope doesn't last as long as my ds's. I thought it was against the rules to get two high needs kids in a row. Thank God for the birthing ball!

She is rarely happy in anyone elses arms, but mine - doesn't like any of my slings. This is making it extremely difficult for my DS who is adjusting but is not a happy camper. I feel so guilty about him. Plus, we are tandeming and boy is it wearing me out. DS wants "na-na" more than my DD!!! He went from nursing only bedtime and morning and maybe once during the day, to all out obsession. NO KIDDING, he askes like every 5 minutes. It hasn't been easy. At first, I was setting some limits on the nursing, when I just needed a break, but that was not going over well. Today, I decided to oblige him everytime he asked, and when DD was sleeping I'd even ask him to nurse, until he got tired of nursing, and was more interested in playing. I think I'm going to continue with this strategy, so that he knows his precious Na Na are not going anywhere. The novelty has too wear out sooner or later, right?

Boy, do I sound like the last rose of summer! It is all good though. I TOTALLY AM IN LOVE WITH MY KIDS! My girl is getting more beautiful everyday! She's up about 2 lbs. from her lowest weight. She's long and lean like dh! And her blue eyes are just gorgeous!!!

Did i mention she haaaaaates the carseat??!! UGH

Off to rest, take care!

[heldt123]

s Sorry you have a fussy little one too. What's up anyway? Seems like so many August babies have tummy troubles...is it really that common?

[~Megan~]

How often does your baby nurse? ds is nursing every half hour to an hour when he's awake.

[ktmama]

Update from Kate.....I'm a hotslinger too. Annabelle really only likes to be fully in it when she's sleepy. At other times, I have her laying in it with her head out (the padding on her neck) with her head supported. Another position she likes is the bottom half of her body in the sling facing me and either looking at me with her head supported or laying her head against my chest resting. She's getting good at nursing in the sling too when need be. I was so proud of us the other day - grocery shopping, pushing a cart, nursing in the sling at Wal Mart!

I can't believe how many changes are happening at this six week point! She is more alert and having great interactions. She is smiling and even smirking, laughing a bit and reacting with facial expressions. She is putting on weight and is now over 10 pounds. That's .5 pounds each week! I am so excited to see her fat chins and cheeks and thighs. Just love them.

My dd1 had the chicken pox last week and had to spend the week with her dad which was hard for us all. She is doing simply amazing with Annabelle. Tonight I asked her to watch A on the changing table while I went to the bathroom and when I came out like 1 minute later, Lily had changed A's diaper all by herself. I'm really proud of how she's adapted to a new sibling and is so loving toward her.

Annabelle contines to sleep well and is up to seven hours at night (knock wood). Mommy is happy about that.

[QueenMommy]

Ugh! I'm just now getting to get back into the groove of things. Just so much going on right now! I did not get a chance to read the whole thread (7 pages! I hope October gets here quick! lol!), but thought I would give you all a quick update.

Henry had his 1 month appt today and he is 10 lbs 13 oz and 22 inches long (8.6 and 19.5 inches at birth.) He nurses like a champ, but is very sporadic about it! The rest of the kids just love him!

Well, he just woke up so I'm off to change him and feed him! I might get some laundry done so the family has clean clothes to wear! lo! I'll be back!

[Mama Coltrane]

Things are great here too. I have also taken some dairy out of the diet- had to do it with DS1 also. Little Emmmett is just throwing up too much and I notice it after a big dairy day.
I am doing well emotionally, which is great. there are times when I am overwhlemed with having a toddler and an infant, but most days go pretty smoothly. I feel so busy. there is a local girl in my town who is going to start coming twice a week ( about 8 hours total per week) as a Mother's helper. I am hesitant about it, but I think it will be nice too. I will clean on one day, do bills, etc and the other day I will grocery shop, etc. I will take the baby with me, but let her play with DS1 and stuff. I can't imagine taking both of them to the grocery store. Anyone successful with this?
I am finally doing well with the iron levels. I go to the doc to be checked next week, but I feel less dizzy, lightheaded, etc. I am taking iron supplements, Floradix and multivitamins! I am a powerhouse.

Emmett was 4 weeks yesterday and he is so awre of everything and it is so cool. I love watching them grow!!
- Kerri

[henhao]

Thanks to Kristin for pointing out that this thread is still alive. I'm not ready to say goodbye to you guys yet!

Kitty --

Sorry to hear things are so hard right now. MamaoTwo is right, though, that no one should give you a hard time about using formula. If I had to use it to get DD to gain, I would do so. I think the wisest people are the ones willing to see beyond limitations (such as "never use formular") to do what's best.

Nabigus --

I think about you often and hope you are healing well.

Carrie--

Glad to hear things are going better with engorgement.

I had some engorgement and caught it early and it was gone in about a day. I don't seem to overproduce milk but somehow one boob had a mine of its own. Boy, did it hurt.

After doing some research on tearing, I got depressed last night. Some women said it took them 5 months to heal and 13 months to be able to have pain-free sex. (sigh) I am NOT doing a good job of being positive. I was SO sunny and positive all throughout my pg that I think I used up all my positivity. :LOL

The MW said I could exercise. I walked one block and was winded. I had to stop and rest 3 times and then was in pain the whole next day and the one after. So...no more walking for me. I might lift some VERY light weights with my arms and continue kegels and the gentle ab exercises (pelvic tilts).

Every now and then, I have stabbing pains so I gather there must be nerve damage?

I plan to go to a -- gasp -- OBGYN to have my stitches checked out. It strikes me that MWs are good for birthing but they might not be the best to ask about healing 3rd degree tears.

Sorry if I sound too depressing! I'm not feeling as bad as I prob sound here.

[rainbowmoon]

found you mamas!

I wondered why no one had replied to the thread in the EDD thread :LOL hadn't realized everyone had moved over here!

Dakota is the sweetest baby and providing me with much comfort.I will try to post some pics soon. I have been really bad at taking them though. she is getting so big though I need to keep that camera handy. I have no idea how much she weighs as we haven't been back to the dr. I'm guessing about 9 lbs though I could be way off. next time I go to the PO I will get them to weigh her. :LOL she is nursing like a champ though and hasn't had a drop of formula since being discharged from the hospital

we are doing pretty well (all things considered obviously) though I am finding it very difficult as a newly single parent with a newborn & toddler though! yes we do all go to the grocery store henhao. it is just my ds is sick right now with a fever (I suspect teething as he's got a mouthful coming in)

[heldt123]

April - I"m glad your back! Hope all is going well with you. s

henhao - It is just the first time that is scary, but once you realize you can survive, it gets easier. I take both my boys everywhere-stores, chiropractor, restaurants, park, etc...I think our first outing together was when he was about 4-5 days old. Have boobs, will travel!

[carrietorgc]

yep, i take the baby and dd everywhere! we braved the grocery store alone last week, and did it again this week. i think by week two we had braved target, costco, walmart, etc I just plan for when I am sure the baby won't want to eat (although i'll whip it out anywhere, it is easier if he is sleeping and for when julia is in a good mood. errands late afternoon are deadly - so I avoid stuff then.