June 2007 Moms ~ April has arrived - Page 3

[momtokay]

yippee!! i found you guys! it's my turn to forget we have started a new month.

hooray for everyone who has gotten good news!

i can't believe we have so many walking babies!! lulu doesn't even seem close, but seeing how she's my last baby, i don't mind. plus, she gets into plenty of trouble just crawling/cruising around here.

i will say i'm jealous of all the sleeping babies, especially the ones who let you just pat them back down to sleep. whenever lulu wakes up she starting saying "milk, milk, milk" over and over until she gets to nurse. it's pretty funny though since she can't say "k" so it sounds more like a little kitten "meal, meow-l, meow". i think it's funny that i was so worried about her talking a few weeks ago. she's had a mini-language explosion and has about a half dozen words and at least than many signs now. fun! i love it when they can start to ask for what they want, even if it means she asks to nurse 20+ times a day.

at any rate, i have to keep this semi-short as we're headed out the door for a long weekend at the coast. i'll try to catch up better when we return next week.

[Robbins0614]

Add me to the jealous list. Joseph hasn't been sleeping well lately. I think he's picking up on some of the stress and excitement around here and added to the teething seems to equal poor sleep. I keep telling myself that this too shall pass.

I have yet to find a food that this kid doesn't like. He just seems to enjoy everything-granted he hasn't tried that many things yet, but he's so enthusiastic about all foods. It's like he can't get enough.

The weather was finally nice enough to go to the park today-it was really windy but warm and sunny. We were all enjoying soaking up a little warmth-finally!

[acp]

Originally Posted by wombatclay

so I wonder, mamas who do sleep train/night limit/etc at a young age... how does that affect your breastfeeding relationship?

I haven't checked in in a while, but thought I'd try and catch up a little bit...
To answer this one, Willa has been sleeping long stretches for a while now, and I don't think it's affected her breastfeeding at all. The last couple weeks she's been waking more (usually once at 2 or 2:30 and once at 6, in a 7 pm to 7 am period) due to teething, but before that she would regularly go 10-12 hours at a stretch. She's also enthusiastically embraced baby-led solids, but I still think she's getting 80 percent of her nutrition or more from breast milk. She just drinks a lot during the day, and drinks quite a bit at one nursing session.
I don't know that that would be the case for all babies, and I can certainly see how mamas with supply issues would be scared to give up much night nursing, but I don't think it HAS to affect nursing at all. I hope and expect we'll have a long breastfeeding relationship.

Yay for all the walking babies! And add Willa... She took her first steps a couple weeks ago, and now she's really and truly walking. She's SO proud of herself. She still falls often, of course, sometimes right off the bat. Other times she surprises herself (and me) with how far she'll go, covering 20 or 30 feet and catching herself whenever she seems about to lose her balance. She looks a bit like a drunken sailor. But I'm really in awe of much and how quickly they learn, and how it all seems to fall into place, seemingly overnight. I feel like she's growing up before my eyes.

She also got her first tooth a week ago - finally!

It's spring here, and I'm so glad. We spent all day today outside, at the playground, on walks, etc, and I feel like a new woman. And Willa loved being outside so much, and not having to be all bundled up. There were lots of other babies at the playground and she had a ball - she's incredibly social. It's suppposed to get cold again this week, but I think I can deal, knowing that finally, spring is around the corner...

[willoLevin]

I'm happy that the grass is greening up around here, and I love seeing the first crocus in the yard.

Teething has ramped up again here, although A. got his first two in December and has had SEVERAL seemingly "serious" teething bouts since then with no new teeth in sight. This time, the upper front two do feel close to the surface, though, so we'll see if they are finally coming. (I'm getting some fairly painful nips right now.

Does anyone have any experience of Disneyworld they'd like to share with me? I think there is a "magic age" (4-7 years, maybe?) when it is the most fun, and we're thinking of going next year after DH's new lab gets set up, but I wonder if a more "real" vacation (Europe? Alaska?) would be better or worse at this age...

I made DH go sofa shopping with the boys and me yesterday. S. actually loves it--he does "test sits" and likes to give his opinion on which are best. We aren't even ready to buy furniture (well into our 30's, we still have hand-me-down furniture that functions, but looks like heck), but having a cruising baby gets me worked up about hard edges again. Our "couch" is an old queen futon with wooden arms (upon which S. bashed his head many times as a tot), and our loveseat is an aged twin-sized sleeper in mustard/tan naugahide (sp? -- fake leather) that is now tearing in a few places (the baby likes to try to bite off pieces!!!) and has a broken sofa-bed-spring-part that sometimes pops out from between the cushions and is quite sharp!

Will I really buy a new couch? Hmm... I'm pretty cheap, and usually elect to put the money first into a tangible home improvement that will increase the house's value (pulling new wiring upstairs and adding wainscoting to the hallway and replastering the top half of the hallway walls is our next project), or else I'm investing every extra penny for retirement or the boys' college funds (pretty meager ), and I'm also freaking out about S.'s Waldorf kindergarten next year costing three times as much as his current preschool (and as much each month as our two car payments combined!)

But if the baby gets hurt, you can expect I will be ordering a new couch that very day and worrying about the cost afterwards! So that's why I made DH go test some out with me. As it turns out, we have diametrically opposed bottoms, apparently, because I like a firm, shallow seat with minimalist cushions (I prefer one back cushion and one seat cushion on a loveseat), and he loves high-backed, smooshy reclining couches or overstuffed ones with loose pillow backs. Of course, the only single couch we both liked was enormously, preposterously expensive Scandinavian stuff -- like, a loveseat would cost as much as one could spend furnishing a whole apartment at Bob's Discount Furniture. :

DH is now embarking on a mission to analyze his use of our family room furniture to decide how he actually uses it. Basically, he's trying to figure out which furniture he really sits upon so he can decide if he cares what I get, because lately he always seems to be sitting on the floor with the boys. I think it is very possible that I should buy a big, smooshy couch for DH to lie down upon and a tidy, upright loveseat where I could sit up. I could get two new pieces (easily--nice pieces) for what that one loveseat we both liked would cost us...

Anyway, it was actually a pretty fun morning for me. It's really hard to get DH out shopping with us. He works too hard!

Baby is bellowing. He's REALLY gotten into solid foods this week. I think he's gone from a few bites a day to wanting several ounces per day!

--willo

[PatchChild]

poor Owen managed to get sick again. Fever and some stomach issues, judging from his diaper. He actually woke up with a dirty diaper and was miserable. Up for an hour then right back to bed. I think the poop woke him when he wasn't ready. Now another loose icky poop so we spent half an hour taking a bath in the sink. Hey, he was happy. Unfortunately he'd chosen the drain plug as a toy so I was blocking it with a towel that leaked do had to keep refilling it. Now he's happily playing while wearing only a towel. Silky boy but at least he's happy.

[Jilian]

I hope Owen is feeling better soon!

Willo: We've been to Disney a few times since moving to FL. I brought DS1 when he was 2, 3, and 4. The important thing is to have a hotel close by. We learned the best bet was to go to the hotel for lunch and rest for a while mid-day to avoid meltdowns. Staying on Disney property is nice and my fave semi-low cost Disney hotel on Disney property is the Carribean Beach resort. The Disney Allstar resorts are decent too, and about the least expensive you can find and still be on Disney property. The biggest advantage to being on Dis property is the free shuttle busses

Bring snacks and drinks with you, we always do. We even bring peanut butter and jelly sandwitches. Food get real expensive real fast at the parks. I think any age is the right age for a Disney trip. Well, any age over a year old. The parks are very kid-friendly and they have attractions for all ages. LMK if you have any other questions, we've been there a lot and sort of learned the ins and outs of the parks by trial and error.

[PatchChild]

Disney!! I'm actually already dreaming of Owen's first trip. Odd, my two favorite vacations are Disney and hiking as far away from civilization as possible. A little bit of everything makes for a healthy balance I guess.

Disney is really great for any age, just know that when you take a little kid, it's your memories that you're making. People keep telling me that if I go when Owen is young, he won't remember anything. That's ok, I will! I agree with the suggestion of staying on property. No cars to deal with, easy transportation, close enough by to go home and take that essential afternoon nap. Believe me, that nap is required for everyone, kids and adults. As long as you don't mind the decor, the All Star resorts are the least expensive and just fine for a family. We always bring things to have breakfast in our rooms, and plan on bringing snacks with us. Have lots and lots of fun!

[AdInAZ]

We went to Disneyland in CA a year ago when dd was 4 and I was pregnant. We had a great time! We stayed at a hotel that was across the street so we could just walk in and out, no problems. And any rides that were too "scary" for her, I was too pregnant for so it worked out fine. We definately plan to go again, but not until Sean is out of diapers. We left mid afternoon for a nap and had dinner in the hotel room. Then went back a little in the evening. Saved us money as food in the park is spendy.

Sean is rolling rolling rolling. We put our mattress on the floor just in case. He has also taken an interest in food suddenly. He may be slow, but he eats anything I put in front of him!

ooops...little napper is waking up...

[Jilian]

I feel silly even saying this, but the urge for another baby is coming back. I swore it was gone for a while, but it looks like it is making its way back. Ev is not even sleeping through the night yet, WTH am I thinking?! Luckily AF is not back yet. I wonder if it is a hormonal thing and maybe I am just getting ready to ovulate soon. Anyone else dealing with these feelings? : I refuse to even entertain the idea of another baby until Evan is at least 18 mos.

[Robbins0614]

Every once in awhile I get the baby urge again. But we would really rather wait until DH has finished with his degree. The rational side of me thinks we ought to wait, timing would be better if we waited, and Joseph would be older and it would be easier than having two little ones this close in age. But the hormones are saying, "Doesn't another baby sound wonderful?". I hope the rational side of me wins (at least until Joseph is 2).

[acp]

Originally Posted by Jilian

I feel silly even saying this, but the urge for another baby is coming back. I swore it was gone for a while, but it looks like it is making its way back. Ev is not even sleeping through the night yet, WTH am I thinking?! Luckily AF is not back yet. I wonder if it is a hormonal thing and maybe I am just getting ready to ovulate soon. Anyone else dealing with these feelings? : I refuse to even entertain the idea of another baby until Evan is at least 18 mos.

So funny - I was just getting that urge today. I've had it a couple times in the last few months, but today DH also mentioned he was starting to think about it - he's always said he'd like to have 3-4 years between kids. It's a moot point for me right now, since no AF here either. Probably a good thing, since rationally, I think it's a little soon. But honestly - I could see starting to try again by this fall.

[herbmama3-7]

Originally Posted by Jilian

I feel silly even saying this, but the urge for another baby is coming back. I swore it was gone for a while, but it looks like it is making its way back. Ev is not even sleeping through the night yet, WTH am I thinking?! Luckily AF is not back yet. I wonder if it is a hormonal thing and maybe I am just getting ready to ovulate soon. Anyone else dealing with these feelings? : I refuse to even entertain the idea of another baby until Evan is at least 18 mos.

No urge here, just fear of it happening, actually just chiming to say: Anyone heard from Steph? Steph, how are you, how is everything? Keep us posted!

[Jilian]

Originally Posted by acp

But honestly - I could see starting to try again by this fall.

Me too I'm thinking October/November. OMG - what am I saying?!

[willoLevin]

Jilian, et. al.-- I love you guys, but I think you are !
:

If I saw the stork coming, it would be like that tv commercial.



More seriously, I still want a daughter. Kind of desperately, actually. I think I have some real grief to deal with on that topic, but I don't think it has interfered with my love for A., thank God. But this second birth... I feel like it completely kicked the baby urge out of my body! Somehow, in spite of getting the "perfect" birth I thought I wanted (midwife at birth center, fast with no complications), my first (in hospital with doctor and S. getting hung up in his cord requiring vacuum assist!) was so much better.

Of course, I also have the Mirena IUD with some hormones, so maybe I'm just not back to normal. By this point with S., in spite of AWFUL sleep problems and miserable fatigue, I had the urge again. I'm 100% convinced that my baby lust is a hormonal thing, so it could just be that.

God knows if we will be able to afford it, or if it is wise, but I do still hope to adopt a daughter. (Secretly, I'd like to adopt two girls, because my lifelong dream has been to have two daughters and two sons, but don't tell DH!)

Here's : to everyone to get exactly the little blessings--or lack thereof!--that your family should have!

Dreadful sleep last night. Let those darn teeth just pop through, darn it!

If anyone hears from Steph, I'd like to know how she's doing, too.

--willo

[galincognito]

while i understand the thought of having another kiddo right now seems insane, we are TTC#2. i have to go back to work at the end of june; it would be ideal for me to be 1-2 months pregnant.
i have to return to work for 6 months (mat leave conditions) so it would be great to do the minimum that i'm obligated and then go on mat leave again!
i'm not looking forward to going back to work especially since they've "rotated" me to another service area. i've done that position before and i hated it so i'm really dreading going back:. oh well, that's life i suppose.
gotta run; the car's acting up. must get it checked!

[wombatclay]

We're thinking of trying around Oct-Nov too. Of course, we still haven't been able to consumate the act necessary for the whole "baby thing" to happen, but we've got time! I'm putting a pregnancy on my treasure map so we'll see...

Disney- We're visiting west coast family in January 09 and will go to the CA disney then. DD1 will be 3.5, Ro will be what? About 1.5yo then. I think it will be nice, and the CA park is more "low key" (relatively speaking!) than the FL one. I remember living in San Diego and going every couple of months since my parents had military discounts. We left CA when I was 5 but I do have memories of the park.

Life- My dad was committed to a mental health ward at the hospital on Friday. DH had to call the police to help get him there (he wasn't violent, just non-compliant and he did check in voluntarily). It was a really tough weekend and I'm pretty busted up about it. DD1 doesn't know what happened and keeping her bday party Saturday fun and festive was tough. We pulled it off but ugh. I'm ready for the weekend already! (not to mention I now have a toddler who thinks cupcakes and presents are "everyday" things )

Breastfeeding/night stuff- good to hear! Ro sleeps pretty well but she does a lot of dream nursing. So she nurses around 8-9, then DH gets her to sleep while I get dd1 to bed, then I nurse dd2 when she wakes around 11-midnight. She'll wake to nurse again around 4-5, then around 7. But she often rolls over (in her sleep) and takes a sip... if the breast isn't there she wakes all the way up and screams bloody murder. But when the breast is available she literally gives it a sip/kiss without waking and settles back on her own. But during the day she doesn't nurse so much... too busy cruising and grabbing Laia's new toys. So I just wondered how night weaning pre-12mo might affect the nursing dynamic/amount of milk. But it sounds like it doesn't do much in terms of supply/amount the babe eats.

Random- Spring is here! It's sunny and in the 50's. Though the mornings are pretty cold/grim yet it's 100% moving towards warmer weather. I'm bouncing! The property needs lots of work though! And yard work while carrying Ro is a bit challenging. Still, I feel like we're breaking free from our winter cocoon.

[puddle]

wombatclay - Sorry you had to go through that with your dad

I got a 5-hour stretch of sleep last night! I think that's maybe the 3rd time L has slept that long in her life. Before anyone gets too jealous, the only reason she slept that hard is because she wouldn't go to bed until 3AM That fourth tooth is taking forever.

[Robbins0614]

Wombat. What a tough weekend.

We're enjoying the warmer weather too. Unfortunately, the best weather seems to show up on days when we're super busy and can't take as much time to enjoy it. But we open the windows and enjoy it as much as we can.

Joseph's fourth tooth finally popped through yesterday.

[Jilian]

Wombat: I'm sorry about your dad. Ev is the same way at night, I just hang a boob out in his general direction and let him pop on an off when he needs too. If he wakes up and its not there things get ugly.

DH is away all week. So far it is going well. Tomorrow Aiden gets ear tubes. I'm really nervous so my mom is coming. We have to be there at 6:15 am and it takes 45 mins to get there Ev is gonna hang out with my mom so I can go in with Aiden. Please send us some peaceful vibes. Its going to be stressful. I REALLY didn't want him getting tubes but we've tried everything over the past few years.

[wombatclay]

Hugs Jilian... I'll be thinking of you. I hope everything goes smoothly and the tubes do everything they should.