September 2007 mammas--December thread - Page 2

[EricaE]

HAIR: I'm losing a lot of hair, too. Didn't realize it was so normal?

PACI'S: Sean takes a "dootsie" (as my DH calls it) a lot. At first I didn't want him to have one, but it soothes him, especially in the car, so I give in.

POOP: Sean poops about once a week, and boy are they a MESS.

MOOD: I swear I'm not bragging - but Sean truly is the happiest baby I've ever met. He's so content all the time. He fusses when he gets tired or hungry, but he very rarely actually cries. His cues are incredibly easy to read.

[EricaE]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...milktotoss.jpg

Here's a picture of all the milk I have to toss out because I have a lipase enzyme issue and all my frozen milk is bad. Makes me want to cry - I worked hard for that milk, damnit.

[EricaE]

Here's Sean in his new toy. He's watching the football game in this picture. :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...atchingnfl.jpg

And this is his new favorite thing to do with his hands...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...wards/fist.jpg

And just a few more...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ards/bath1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ds/sean1-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../seandaddy.jpg

Can't believe he's 14 weeks old already (tomorrow).

[EricaE]

Could be the "no carb left behind" diet I've been on.

You and I must be on the same diet plan.

[HeatherB]

Originally Posted by Faliciagayle

In the Nov thread there was talk of placement of the baby bald spot - uh... we're cosleeping baby wearing parents of a breastfed baby with remarkable head control and she's got a bald spot on the back of her head...? Honestly, sometimes this whole AP thing is just too fraught with guilt. Pacifiers. Swings. You can bet the first mom to sling her baby did it out of a need to run from an approaching predator/ cook gruel for her family/ get something done.. you know, convenience. :

Well said! Judah's also losing his hair all around. Yes, we use a swing, but I also carry him virtually all the time we're out, cosleep, etc., etc. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with them laying down to rest/play/talk, either. Baldness just goes with the territory, it seems! I guess it's a good thing mine are just pretty much bald all over, so the spots don't show up as much.

Originally Posted by kmamma

could a hyperactive baby mean allergies? he has occasional rash on cheeks, chest, spit-up, slimy poops. i know chocolate for sure, even when he was in utero--he'd kick like crazy after an episode of indulgence.

High-needs and allergies go hand-in-hand, as does "hyperactivity." Absolutely. Keep a food diary in which you record everything you eat (note date and time), and record any of those sorts of symptoms - mood, crying, fussiness, gassiness, rashes, spitting up, unusual stools, etc. That can help correlate what exactly is causing the problem.

After having a higher needs baby (reflux, but no allergies that I could determine even with elimination diets), and two with lesser needs, I can assure you that if he's got allergies, YOU will feel MUCH better once they're addressed! You'll have a whole new baby! My refluxer cried and cried and cried - hours on end, every day. We were all miserable. He was also one who had to be bounced and walked and coddled to sleep. Once his reflux was treated, the screaming stopped! Much happier! I hope you find the source for your little one's troubles and have a happy baby (and mommy!) soon!

Originally Posted by jeaninevp922

thumb vs pacifier - i was a thumb sucker, so i'm partial to them. dd1 is a thumb sucker, and it looks like dd2 might turn into one too. dh (who is a dds) used to say thumb sucking didn't interfere with their teeth until the permanent ones started coming in. now he thinks dd1 needs to stop. drives me nuts. i was a thumbsucker, he was not. he had braces, i did not so to him! i keep telling him i'd rather pay for her orthodontia than for her therapy if we force her to stop before she's ready. and, fwiw, my bro used a paci, and he had braces too.

I was a finger sucker and am also partial to the idea! Judah has taken his fingers and thumb more than my others, combined! We do use the pacifier, too, though. Both of my older boys refused it when they started teething, so I've never worried about it affecting their orthodontic development. (Though my 5.5yo has a new tooth up behind his baby teeth! eek! I know it's fairly common, but still freaky! ) I did have braces, but oh well! I dare say I haven't been sucking my fingers since they've come off and my teeth have reverted a bit since I lost my retainers. (I got braces at 16 and off at 18, and still had my retainers in nightly use at some point after my 1st was born!)

Anybody else get periodically REALLY bummed that it's already December and time is going by so fast? For some reason just seeing "September" in the thread name reminded me that we're so far from it already, and that's so sad! Babe is growing too fast!! I always want to be able to capture each moment and memory and hang on to it - and yet still enjoy each new one. But for some reason, even when I'm devoting my entire attention (as much as possible!) to just being with and enjoying the little one, it still slips by too fast.

Of course I also keep thinking he's 10wks already (not till Thursday) and sometimes have the feeling I should be getting taxes ready, but it's not actually January yet. So I may just be loosing my mind! :

[HeatherB]

Originally Posted by EricaE

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...milktotoss.jpg

Here's a picture of all the milk I have to toss out because I have a lipase enzyme issue and all my frozen milk is bad. Makes me want to cry - I worked hard for that milk, damnit.

Aw, mama! That's totally worth crying over! I've had my milk spoil way too fast, too. Though I don't think I'd have the courage to throw it all out until I'd actually defrosted it all and checked it! Did you read the KellyMom article on it? It seemed to indicate it's not actually spoiled, just doesn't taste as good. Maybe it's not all doomed? Wish I could help!

[Plaid Leopard]

Hi all
my mom is visiting from the US and we are having lots fun. It's nice having help, especially since DH is out of town all week.

I don't think I am losing my hair yet, but it is pretty short so it's not so noticeable when it does fall out. I'm really hating my hair these days but I'm not sure what to do with it - let it grow out or ut it all off again.

We've got lots of pooping going on in this house. Yann poops at least once a day, but usually 2 or 3 times. Ack! I was bad and had a lot of milk this weekend and now he is gassy and fussy and extra poopy. Sorry, baby.

He is definitely a thumbsucker. None of my other 3 did thumbs or pacis so this is something new. It's funny how he can calm himself, even get himself to sleep by sucking his thumb.

Time is going by too fast. it's great wathcing Yann grow and learn new things but I wish he could stll little just a bit longer;..

We aren't using any birth control over here because we don't have any reason too I'm always so tired and he's been sick, and really stressed out preparing for his job interview. Maybe when he comes back.

Well, better go wash the diapers.

[Faliciagayle]

Originally Posted by EricaE

His cues are incredibly easy to read.

Hoping and praying for that day!!

Sorry about all that milk! I just squeaked out 3 oz, almost 100 mL and that was work. Do you have a special bra you wear when you pump so your hands are free? When do you pump? If baby isn't on my boobs I'll admit, pumping is not the fist thing I think of doing - but I should. Especially since I'll be out of the house with much more regularity next semester.

[Sabo]

Originally Posted by HeatherB

Aw, mama! That's totally worth crying over! I've had my milk spoil way too fast, too. Though I don't think I'd have the courage to throw it all out until I'd actually defrosted it all and checked it! Did you read the KellyMom article on it? It seemed to indicate it's not actually spoiled, just doesn't taste as good. Maybe it's not all doomed? Wish I could help!

That's what I was thinking. I think that I may have the same issue with my milk. It kind of smells after its been frozen and Aili doesn't like it, but will drink it reluctantly. She doesn't mind milk that has been refrigerated though.

jeaninevp922: I'm still wearing mat pants from time to time. My pre-pg pants aren't big enough (I have 1 pair that kind of fits) and my mat pants fall down, so I can't win.

EricaE: Dh just walked by as I was looking at Sean's pics and said what a cute baby he is. I concur. Aili likes to shove both fists in her mouth at the same time too.

[*jeanine*]

Originally Posted by bhawkins

I feel like sometimes she gets bored. It's like she wants to do more than she can.

i think jamison gets bored too. there's big kids running around all the time and i really think she wants to join them. i keep telling her if she wants to crawl she's going to have to do her tummy time exercises (like her bro and sis, she doesn't really like tummy time) she also really really wants to grab toys, but her hands aren't quite under control yet.

bhawkins - thanks for sharing your iud experience, it makes me feel better.

bald spots/babywearing/bouncy chairs/swings - i seldom wear jamison at home (i wear her when we're out). i had to wear dd1 all the time or she'd fuss, but this one will oftentimes be happy in her bouncy chair or on the floor (and sometimes she seems to actually prefer it. that's been a big adjustment after dd1.) if she were always by herself in the bouncy or on the floor i'd feel bad about it. but she's by herself only if i need to do something else, and half the time one or both of the big kids are by her and talking to her. i don't like it when a baby is in a bucket/chair/swing and is being ignored *all the time*. but i think it's totally ok to have them in there so you can feed other children (or yourself)/go pee/take a shower for the first time in three days,etc. traditionally we would be around other women who could hold them while we go pee, but now it's just us and babies, all. day. long. sometimes we have to put them down.

webbis/toys - jamison is almost three months, and she doesn't really play. she's just getting to the point where she wants to grab toys, but she can't yet. she watches them very intently, and it looks like she's trying to move her hands to them (and this is fairly recently -she wasn't doing it at just-turned-two months). if i put one in her hands she doesn't really "get" that it's in there and she drops it. i think at this age the best "playing" is to look at the babe and talk to them, and have a "conversation" if they "talk" too. jmo.

ericae/bad milk - when ds was a babe, my frozen milk started to taste like soap (don't know if that's the problem with yours). it was something to do with the freezer's defrost cycle. i called LLL and they said it wasn't "bad" - a baby may reject it because of the taste, but if they'll take it it's fine. i haven't read the kellymom link, but i agree that maybe you don't have to throw it all out. you could call LLL and see what they say.

babe's awake, gotta go!

[lactivist]

Welcome Kmamma!

I just started losing my hair. I always lose it right around 3 mo pp. I get really bald around my face. Dahlia will be 3 months on thurs. WAAAA!!! My little girl is growing up. She is getting so big and strong. She loves to stand and fly like a super hero. She bats at her toys and tries to grab them. She is my first finger/thumb sucker. Kaija never did or took a paci, both boys took a paci on a limited basis but never sucked a finger. She sucks her hand, thumb, fingers, whatever she can get in there. It actually calms her down and keeps her happy for much longer. I love it. She hates all pacis so this is nice.

Dahlia still poops about 2-3 times a day. She is a pretty happy baby. She loves to watch her brothers play. She is held most of the day and she is getting a bald spot in back and the sides. No matter where she is (even reclining in my lap) she looks and looks and looks around just scrubbing off all the hair all around her head. She is so alert and active. She absolutely adores me and smiles and smiles when I come near. It is so sweet. Her cues are really easy to read too which is such a treat after Eavan. With his dairy allergies he just cried and fussed and I never knew what was wrong. Poor guy! Too bad I wasn't on MDC then.

We had sex for the second time and had a condom mishap. I am swearing off anymore sex until he gets a vasectomy. We did a ton of decluttering this weekend trying to get ready for the influx of stuff at the holidays. I am getting so excited about Yule. I love the magic surrounding the holiday and just love giving gifts. Eavan is at a great age for getting excited about it all so I am thoroughly enjoying all the prep. Not having any plans or anyone coming to visit probably helps a LOT.

The mother's helper came once and has been away or sick since. I really hope she is back in action soon as I could use a break from Eavan. Apparently my littles didn't get the memo that mommy likes to sleep in. Both my older kids were late sleepers but not these two. This morning I was up before 7am and to me that just isn't right.

Sorry some of your are struggling with motherhood. I definitely have my moments and found it the hardest with my first. There is a great book called the Hidden Feelings of Motherhood which can be helpful. My big struggle continues to be with Eavan and his high demand energy level. He is a delight and so funny but I just can't keep up.

Going to drink my coffee while it is still hot and I have a chance.
Love you all!!!
Wendi

[*jeanine*]

sabo - at least your maternity pants fall down . i'm nowhere near pre-pg size. and even my larger post-partum pants from last time don't fit . i;m going to throw myself a pity party

[leanbh]

:

i'm just having such a bad day.

[lactivist]

Originally Posted by leanbh

:

i'm just having such a bad day.

I am so sorry. I don't know what's going on but I am here to listen. Sending lots of love your way.
Wendi

[HeatherB]

Originally Posted by leanbh

:

i'm just having such a bad day.

[Amber_G]

Motherhood - I think in the journal of her son's first year, Anne Lammott says that that being a mother to a baby is tedious tedious work. Or something like that. I have to agree. It's the same thing over and over. The sling has pretty much saved my sanity tho. When she gets cranky in the afternoon hours, I can just put her in there and do something besides just sitting in the rocking chair trying to get her to sleep.

Kavya is still endlessly fascinated with the world. A light fixture can totally distract her from going to sleep. So playing is pretty much just making silly faces at her or moving my hands and she thinks that's cool. She's starting to notice toys like the stuffed mouse in her crib, but it's not nearly as interesting as Mommy's face. She's starting to get good at getting her fingers into her mouth - but when she's tired she has more trouble and she starts to scream in frustration.

[~Katie~]

I'm sorry, what's wrong?

Originally Posted by leanbh

:

i'm just having such a bad day.

I did some reading on high needs babies last night, a lot of the stuff really fits Liam to a T. The universal cue for anything is to scream bloody murder, and he does seem very tense a lot of the time. He stays content when not being held for about 5 minutes at a time, any other time we're playing "pass the baby". I'm going to start following the dr sears tips on dealing with a high needs babe, going to try napping with him and see if that helps. Today he took two 40 minute naps when I laid down with him, which is great compared to other days. He's still cranky from not getting enough sleep though. I've already eliminated dairy and chocolate, so I know its not those two causing his temperament to be the way it is.

Toys - Liam swats and grabs at his toys now. He has this giraffe that jingles that he loves to swat at, also likes to grab his minkee blanket and examine it.

[leanbh]

Originally Posted by KatieJJ334

I'm sorry, what's wrong?

i'm just having one of those days i guess. ro was up every hour last night, and i have no idea why. but that just didn't make this morning look very good to me.

i feel really lonely here. i'm the only sahm that i know, and i just can't seem to find anyone who even wants to go to lunch with me. ro's a really easy going baby, and she's easy to tote around.

dh is helpful, but he doesn't get it. he doesn't understand that the fact that he didn't get breakfast cereal for me when he went shopping even though it was on the list made my breakfast non-existent (as cereal is the only thing i have time to eat in the morning with her). so i went to get an apple... nope none of those either. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

today is just not going right. the kitchen is horrible. i just burned some cookies. and my child won't sleep and won't nurse. not to mention, i'm so lonely i could sob at any moment.

this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...

[*jeanine*]

have you tried LLL meetings? you might be able to meet someone there. and if not, at least it gets you out of the house.


on a related note:
last month i went to a "mom's dinner", and the kids and dads all came to my house. I want to make it a monthly thing. well, yesterday we were all at a b-day party for one of the kids, and one of the dads said that next time it should be "dad's night" and the kids should all stay with the moms. ummm.... NO!! The other moms were fine with that (they work p/t). I'm the one who's with 3 kids 24/7. Once a month I'd like some grown-up time (with just the babe). Do the men want to go to their job every night after dinner, and every weekend? I don't think so. You know what? I'd like a little break from my "job" every once in a while too. Is that too much to ask? If they want to do a "dad's night" *also*, that would be fine. But I don't want it to be *instead* of mom's night. i'm going to call one of the other moms in a little bit and talk to her and let her know where i'm coming from. maybe she can enlighten the men (is that possible...?

[leanbh]

Originally Posted by jeaninevp922

have you tried LLL meetings? you might be able to meet someone there. and if not, at least it gets you out of the house.


on a related note:
last month i went to a "mom's dinner", and the kids and dads all came to my house. I want to make it a monthly thing. well, yesterday we were all at a b-day party for one of the kids, and one of the dads said that next time it should be "dad's night" and the kids should all stay with the moms. ummm.... NO!! The other moms were fine with that (they work p/t). I'm the one who's with 3 kids 24/7. Once a month I'd like some grown-up time (with just the babe). Do the men want to go to their job every night after dinner, and every weekend? I don't think so. You know what? I'd like a little break from my "job" every once in a while too. Is that too much to ask? If they want to do a "dad's night" *also*, that would be fine. But I don't want it to be *instead* of mom's night. i'm going to call one of the other moms in a little bit and talk to her and let her know where i'm coming from. maybe she can enlighten the men (is that possible...?

i do go to meetings, but the one i go to... i'm the only one with a new babe. they are all 9 mos and up pretty much. you know it's sad when i'm excited to get my IUD tomorrow... it means out of the house and talking to people!