*****Sept. 04 Moms of ONE YEAR OLDS!!!***** - Page 8

[Mama Bear]

Savannah and Becca -




You are in my thoughts and prayers!

[Yo Becca]

Thank you thankyou thank you for all the support - it really means a lot! Today was my birthday, and DH got me a wireless card for my laptop and bullied me into agreeing to go out to eat with the whole family. Robin actually enjoyed socializing with her cousin (who dumped a handful of dirt on her head, making bathtime fun). She looks awful - one side of her face is swollen, blackeye, droopy mouth and drooling, covered in stiches and cuts and bruises, but the other side is normal. But she seems to be feeling better than I expected. She can't eat much, so is nursing like crazy. As one friend said, thank god for breastfeeding. I really don't know what I'd do if she wasn'table to nurse - she's not taking a bottle well (tried it) or her sipper. She is pitiful at times and of course needs her mama, but she has spent a good bit of time trying to play and explore and has even laughed a few times. She's nother usual sunshiny self by any means, but she is not miserable all the time either.

Ah, the resiliency of youth. If her swelling isn't noticably better by tomorrow, I'm taking her to the ped. - I would hate for something to be wrong and I didn't get it looked at. And she goes in for the stitches to maybe be removed friday. Several people have expressed concern about scars, but that's really at the bottom of my list. I am worried about her facial nerve most of all, then infection. And of course about her being in pain.

well, I'm having a glass of wine and tryuing to relax, as I lounge onthe couch with my laptop. Clint is holding her while she sleeps, and we'll see what we have to do to get through the night tonight.

Jen - yeah, I'm expecting DFACS to contact us - as the health dept. already has. I'm not expecting too much grief, but mmaybe that's naive. The way it works is the dog is under quarantine for 10 days, at which point the owners can either have him "Destroyed" or pick him up. I think we could campaign to have him put down if the owners didn't want to, then it would go to a hearing or somthing. However, this is not a vicious dog. Obviously, he doesn't need to be around children, but there are many people w/o children who could provide him a safe and loving home. I can't live with being responsible for chosing to put a dog down, and I don't want Robin someday to hear this story, havingno memory or long-term effect of the bite, and to feel responsible for Ace's life. So we've asked our In-laws to take him back. I would be okay with him being separated from the babies (really, RObin was likely trying to hug him or pat him,etc. He did not approach her and bite her. If they weren't in a close space otgether, I am not afraid that he would randomly attack anyone). But MIL says she can't have him back in her house, and he's an older dog who wouldn't do well outside. So I think they will find him a new home - I am hoping my BIL, who just moved on his own to alabama, will take him. He really loves this dog. ANyway, I know a lot of people would want the dog killed or out of sight forever. But I just don't feel that way. I'll never let him near my baby, and I'll NEVER let a dog get that close to her again - even my dog.

Savannah - let us know how things go. you're in our thoughts.

Happy birthday Payton!!!

[veganbaby]

Happy Bday Becca! Hugs to Robin. Poor baby.

[FeministFatale]

Happy birthday Becca : I'm happy to hear that Robin is feeling a bit better, and was able to have some fun. I've been thinking about her all day. I was telling Chloë about what happened and she really wants to send Robin a little something. Could you email or pm me your address? My email addy is [e-mail].

[HeatherB]

OH MY - I was posting this LAST night and got caught up looking at growth charts instead of hitting "submit!" Oops!

Anna, love your outlook! :LOL Have you told your DH yet? Thanks for keeping us updated. Some of us must live vicariously! :LOL

HeatherJ, did they tell you what percentile David is in? Iain was only 19lbs 11oz, and I think they said that was 10th%! Hard to believe, though. I need to go find that Kellymom breastfed baby growth chart and check it out.

That's so awesome that some of you mamas have such supportive pedis! The nurse practicioner we've ended up seeing several times now is not nearly so thrilled about our delaying vaxes. Our doc is okay with it, but still encourages them. Now at least I have the excuse of having had a couple done in CA, so I can't do anything else until we know what those were. (I did know - but it's not something I dwell on! ) I think for now we'll be waiting until after 2, and the varicella I doubt we'll ever do. When she offered varicella and MMR to me as ones not affected by previous shots (wouldn't have had them), I was like "hmm.. the one I think is absurd and the one that scares me the most... I think NOT!" Anyhow... I like our pedis office alot, in general. Enough that I'm not all that interested in finding anyone else in our very mainstream community!

[hjohnson]

Heather B, David falls into the 3rd percentile for weight. He is in the 5th for height. I need to check out Kellymom to see where he is on the breastfed charts. I think he is just active and short.

We are delaying the MMR and Varicella. My actual hope is to not do the Varicella at all. Thankfully if we move that should help and I hope I find a ped that is supportive of delaying and refusing vaxes.

[msrog]

What is varicella supposed to be for, again?

I liked the ped we saw yesterday. He had been recommended by some other AP moms, and even was guest speaker at last month's API of N. Phx. meeting (which I didn't attend). So I went to him, and he was fine with delaying vaxes and didn't bat an I that I am still breastfeeding and that my boys are intact. He said the babies are healthy and beautiful, of course.

William is just over 17 pounds (12%) and they said 69 cm (not sure how many inches that is)-- less than 1 percentile. But he's pretty squirmy and I'm not sure if the nurse got a proper measurement or not... There are no short men in our family anywhere, so I don't believe he will stay short.

McKenna is about 16 1/2 pounds (10%) and 70 cm tall (7%). Weird how much difference one centimeter and half a pound make! I too am going to see what the breastfed chart says.

Nicolas is 4'2" tall and weighs 51 pounds. Getting big! Still lanky and lean.

Happy birthday to Payton and YBecca!! What a nice present. And the orange icing between the toes made me laugh. How aggravating to have left the camera at home; thank goodness others had theirs with them! I can't wait to see pictures. Mine are almost ready to share.

Dh tried to call that cps guy yesterday but never got him. We thought he might just show up last evening, but he didn't. I guess we'll see what happens today. I've cut off contact with the suspected goofball who made those claims.

[hjohnson]

Originally Posted by msrog

What is varicella supposed to be for, again?

That's the chicken pox vax. I don't see a reason for it.

William is just over 17 pounds (12%) and they said 69 cm (not sure how many inches that is)-- less than 1 percentile. But he's pretty squirmy and I'm not sure if the nurse got a proper measurement or not... There are no short men in our family anywhere, so I don't believe he will stay short.

Now how it is William can be in the 12% at just over 17 lbs and David is in the 3% at 17 lbs 13oz? Scratching head..... I think I would rather see your ped Savannah.

[veganbaby]

Desi falls below the 3rd percentile for weight...she is still under 13 lbs
For height I'm unsure where she is at. I think 5 to 15.

[veganbaby]

Oh hugs Savannah! I jsut read your posts! I hope that CPS leaves you alone!

[allibabble]

Originally Posted by veganbaby

Desi falls below the 3rd percentile for weight...she is still under 13 lbs
For height I'm unsure where she is at. I think 5 to 15.

Wow, I think you're the first person I've seen who has a baby smaller than mine! Last I checked (at about 11 months), Maya was 15 pounds even. She's been running between 10-25% for height...just really, really slender.

YoBecca, how scary about Robin's bite. I'm glad to hear that she's bouncing back (even if mama's taking longer to adjust), and hope you find a home for Ace...what a tough call. I have two dogs here, and your experience reminds me how much more vigilant I need to be than I am, yikes. Our only negative pet experience to date was just this week at my friend's home -- her cat smacked Maya, leaving pinpoint clawmarks on her scalp. Thank God it wasn't her face or eyes.

Savannah, I can't even comment too much about your situation without wanting to yell...I'm so angry on your behalf.

Our trip to Seattle went well, and Maya proved to be a fabulous traveler. That wasn't really a surprise to me; she loves new experiences and meeting people, so in the plane, she became the built-in entertainment. It was amusing to watch two babies the same age play near/with each other -- at one point, Maya pushed Gabriel on his cart/toy. She *loves* to push things around these days. We had a great time, but I'm glad to be home...even though M has been waking at least once per hour since bedtime tonight.

[Marimami]

edited.. I feel weird having this posted. I'm not so good at sharing such personal things on a public board.

Holli

[Yo Becca]

Oh Holli - hugs, and your family is in my thoughts! My father had a major heart attack a few years ago - one week before my wedding - and had to have a quadruple bypass. It is so scary and unerving when a parent gets sick like this. ANd it;s so hard to figure out how to be there when you have to prioritize your baby also. FWIW, my father's personality changed a little bit after his heart attack (he had a second one a year later also) - but it was mostly b/c he started reprioritizing and chaginghis perspective when he realized he really could die any time. Good luck, and good luck with your upcoming surgery also. I hope you can get them in a living situation that is safe and comfortable.

Robin is getting a little wee bit better every day, I think. Still very swollen and goopy, and actually her eye has now swollen shut. We go see her ped tomorrow for her 1 year and stitches removal - if he thinks it's okay to remove them. She fell yesterday and had a lot of blood in her mouth,but I couldn't see if she bit her cheek (it's very thick) or if one of her wounds was bleeding in her mouth. But she nursed and the bleeding stop, so I'm going to assume it's nothing big. But it gave me another meltdown. we went to her school yesterday so she could see her friend and play for a few minutes - and after a few minutes she did get down and start playing. Her teacher started crying when she saw her

Wow, desi is very petite!

Allbabble - glad you had a good trip!

[JenInMpls]

To all of the Sept mamas who are mad, sad, sick, exhausted, heartbroken or a combination or all of the above, from your friend and mine, Bing Crosby:

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

(not to be a Pollyanna, but it does make me feel better...)



j

[banana girl]

I can hardly even find the words to respond to the heartache I feel for you becca.... I had to get up, walk away from the computer and go hug my mom and my daughter. Your family will be in my heart and prayers, may she heal quickly and well. I can't imagine how much this must hurt.... I'm so proud of you for staying strong for Robin's sake. Being a mother tests us in so many ways.... I know Mielle will be injured at some point and I will have to be strong for her, I just hope it never happens!
My niece has been staying with us this week and she fell down out in the barn, playing with Jerome and he brought her in to me all bloody and crying... She cut the corner of her mouth pretty deeply. She is fine now, but it looked bad and she still has a scabby spot. I had to call my sister and talk to her about it. It was hard feeling like we had let her down somehow, in letting Quin get injured...

Savannah, my prayers will be with you as well, and I'm not really the praying type! I'm so sorry that this stress is in your life. We all know you to be a strong, loving, intelligent, giving and educated mama. I'm certain you will be validated. Stay strong and know we are all behind you!

I've had a good week, I still suspect I am pregnant, but have no proof. I've been noticing all sorts of little weird things and have felt very aware of my body. I was reading "The Virgin Blue" by Tracy Chevalier and thought this quote about pregnant women was very apt....

"It was apparent in the deliberate way they carried themselves, their bodies like bubble-wrap around something they didn't even know they held. I had seen it earlier in Susanne, for instance: a certain distracted look in her eyes, as if she were listening to a conversation deep inside, in a foreign language"

Jerome and I have talked about my suspicions and we are both excited and nervous. He is being more reserved about it, saying that untill we "know" he can't be invested emotionally... I understand what he means but I don't have the ability to remain distant from it. It's funny though, even though he said he wasn't gonna believe it till we have proof, he's been kissing my tummy and getting me food and doing lots of sweet things to take care of me!

I'm not totally convinced that I am pregnant, but all the "symptoms" I'm noticing feel so very familiar..... for instance, I have been napping with Mielle every chance I get, for up to 3 hours at a time, not wanting to get up when Mielle awakens, just laying there watching her crawl around on the bed and over my body. I have been eating more often and with a certain ferocity. I've gained almost 5 pounds in about 3 weeks... smells are still bothering me, especially alcohol... we had company the other day and the smell of beer on their breath was revolting to me!

We are planning as many fun activities for the next 2-3 weeks as possible, because I will be too sick to travel, or eat out, or go to movies, or do lots of things... So, now's the time! Any suggestions?

well I better get going!

Blessing to all, be safe and be at peace.

[jilly]

Where is everybody? Hello?

So, it is my first day without a sling on my shoulder all day! It is so nice to have my arm partially back!

Andrew has been CRAZY the last couple of days. He has discovered how fun it is to get a reaction from mom, especially for touching electrical sockets, cd covers, by pinching, hair pulling, etc. So he pinches me and I say "ow" andhe laughs hysterically. Andhe woke up at 6 am and didn't go down for a nap until just now (2 pm) and he's just been running around waving his arms and laughing hysterically. I have no idea what has gotten into him. but all this is only if I am within sight and paying quasi attention to him. If I get up to, say, cook or wash dishes or do something productive he has a melt down. And I can't pop him in the sling yet, because my shoulder is not strong enough, so I'm not getting a heck of a lot done. Yesterday we had to sit on the bed for 1 1/2 hrs, because it was the only way he would not fuss, and he spent most of the time pinching , prodding, nursing and pulling off, pulling hair, rolling around, bouncing . . . . Well, I guess this too shall pass. Soon I'll be able to put him inthe sling and walk him around until he mellows out instead of just sitting there.

He got his vaxes yesterday (I know, I know) -- I wonder if this is some sort of weird reaction. I also gave him cow's milk yesterday. Who knows. I just hope he mellows out a bit soon.

Speaking of which, he is 30 1/2 in. long (approximately -- he's super squirmy) and 24 lbs, putting him in the 75th ish percentile for height and weight. He's so funny because he's pretty well muscle with a layer of fat overtop everywhere except his belly, where he has this perfect little round tummy. It's very cute. Also, in SAsk. the health nurses, who do the vaccines, do a developmental screening chart, and he's at and beyond everything that 75% of 12 mo olds can do -- in gross motor skills he is way ahead -- not quite a precocious as little Robin, but still pretty busy.

Well, hope you are all well and that the derth of posts is because everyone is out doing happy things. Jill

[banana girl]

Originally Posted by jilly

Where is everybody? Hello?

Yeah? WHERE is everyone???? I was expecting another flurry of posts to read apon arriving back in Iowa where I have computer access, and instead I find... THIS. What's up!

I'm taking another pregnancy test in the morning... keep your fingers crossed for me!

peace, out!

[chrissy]

Anna, I am totally on pins and needles for you!!

[Yo Becca]

Hey jilly - maybe everyone else has a busy frday night social life! Not me - DH is watching stupid Sci Fi Friday and I'm online. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Maybe Andrew is trying to be funny. Robin had started being a little comedienne - she would slo-mo fling herself to the ground, then look at me and smile like "did you see that?" And when she'd climb stuff (like on the coffee talbe or kitchen table), she'd make sure she had our attention. SOmetimes it was just to be funny, sometimes a ploy to get something else. She's been super clingy and fussy this week, naturally - I can't wait until she gets her wackiness back.

Her 1 year check-up was today. The stats: 18 lb. 15 oz. (12th percentile, her all-time lowest, but she's also lost a few ounces with 3 weeks now on antibiotics and diareah), 29 inches (38th percentile, a drop from 68th), but her head is holding strong at 91st perccentile (since birth, a fact I remember too well ). Her iron is also deemed low - 10.something, so they want to do a full blood workup next week. I was going to be intentional about giving her iron rich foods, especally since she isn't on meat, formula, or fortified cereal, but I haven't. She got 2 vacs, although I delayed the stupid variacella. As I htought about it later, I got mad at myself for letting them give her those 2 today. I asked the dr. seeral questions about delaying them, but I was so distracted by all else that was going on I didn't push the issue, and ultimately I should have said no to all until her face is more healed. Now she is wasting valuable energy processing vaxes. Very mad at myself on that.

The other big thing, which was so distracting, was that they took out her stitches today. It was awful - they strapped her into a "papoose" - a backboard with velcroed wraps. It was for the best, b'c it would have been worse and unsafe for a person to try to hold hre still. And I got to touch and talk to her the whole time, but it was still painful and stressful for her. She nursed and calmed down quickly, and we went ot the playground afterwards. One of her wounds - the one by her mouth that went through her cheek - started bleeding last night, and kept bleeding slowly all day, which worried me. There was blood on my nipple after nursing, so I couldn't tell if it came from inside too 0- like maybe she bit it. It seems like it has stopped now, but there's a big hematoma under the skin. The doc doesn't want to see her again for 3 months, so he's assuming all will heal well. But if I am concerned in any way, he'll be seeing us again sooner . I'm concerned b/c he couldn't rule out nerve damage - the corner of her mouth is still droopy and the top lip isn't really moving on that side, but her cheek is still severely swollen. I'm hoping for the best - that no surgery will be required!

Anna - oh, I'm sending you sticky vibes! I have had so many incidents in the past 3 months of feeling so very pregnant, but I haven't gotten my period back so I shouldn't have been surprised that I wasn't. But I was still very disappointed every time. I have lost all ability to read my body. With Robin, I knew without a doubt before I got a positive test. Have fun doing all your fun stuff - eat lots of spicy food that morning sickness will make sound awful!

[AugustineM]

Hi All! I've been quiet for a while because of work craziness... but reading still. YBecca and Savannah, I'm so sorry for both of you. I'm hoping for speedy recoveries and speedy resolutions.

School is going well for both Thor and I. He is adjusting quickly, and I am actually enjoying being back to teaching a little, but my yearbook class is too busy... too much to figure out...

I haven't made Thor's year appointment yet, even though his birthday was the 14th. I can't decide which vaxes to get him, and I hate the thought of doing it when he's just getting used to daycare. But, the fact that he is in daycare makes me more want to get him vaxed.... it's confusing. I may take the day off on Friday and do it then. I know MMR is one they want to give. What do you all think about that?

Jilly -- I am sooooo slow on the doll, but sometime I'll be done...

Thor is obsessed with clapping, and has really learned the right time to do it. He crawls up on the coffee table, smiles, and says "YAAAAY" and claps for himself. Then tonight we were just watching Priscilla Queen of the Desert and they did one of their performances and he stood in front of the TV and clapped while squealing. Oh my gosh. SOOOO cute.

Anna -- I'm dying to know if you're preggy!!! DH and I have stopped being ultra careful because all of a sudden we both feel like we wouldn't mind, (read: sort of like) to be pregnant again. Well, maybe that's more me than him.....