February 2009 New Moms

[tholbrook]

Oooooh, I've never started one of these before - no time like the present, I guess.

Me: 34
DH: 37
DD: Maya, 5+ months (23.5 weeks)

Hi to all the new and veteran moms!

This has been a very trying week for us. Maya continues to be nap-challenged, frequently going most of the day without napping, except for 20-30 minutes here and there. She still goes to work with me several days a week, and just will not settle down to sleep in her swing (which previously hasn't been too much of a problem). It has to be teething. Doesn't it? :confused: She just won't sleep more than a very short stretch and she's wide awake again. Ugh.

On the bright side, she smiles and babbles all the time - even when she's obviously tired. As long as we're holding her or playing with her, she's pretty good. She has tons of energy, always jumping up and down, loves to be swung upside down. She gives "kisses" now - when I kiss her cheek, she'll immediately press her mouth against my cheek. Very sweet :D - even if I have to wipe all the drool back off!

Oh yes, and she is WONDERFUL in the car these days. Only rarely does she cry. I'm thrilled because she just hated being in that seat for the first 4 months or so. We have this toy in the car now, which has helped:
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/albee-baby_2038_155846936

So here are my questions:

(1) Starting solids. When did your baby start solids, and did you start with cereal? I've talked to a few moms lately who delayed solids until later (7-8 months?) and skipped the cereal and went straight to veggies and fruit. Your thoughts and experiences? Did you find your baby gained weight faster or was there a lag? I ask because I've heard that solids tend to decrease the number of feedings...

(2) Routines. Here's the problem: we have no daily routine. Sometimes we go to work, sometimes we stay home, once or twice a week, MIL watches Maya, I teach yoga 2 mornings and 2 evenings during the week. I know that supposedly babies thrive on routine, but unless I quit my job(s), how am I going to establish some daily continuity? On my evening yoga days, I don't even get home until almost 8 pm... and in theory, she should already be in bed. Again: Your thoughts and experiences?

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee70/turtlehouse/P1010132.jpg

[avariell]

delurking just to say that is an adorable picture :)

[2HUNGRY!]

DS: Ryan, 8 months
Me: 31
DH: 34

Hi!

Ryan now has 4 teeth and can do the commando crawl thing. Its fun to watch. We also started swimming lessons which has been a lot of fun, and always lead to a great, long nap after!

For solids we started at 4 1/2 months. We did rice ceral, but he spit most of it out. About a week later I started adding veggies -- sweet potatoes was the first. Can't help with the naps, sorry.

[Couperine]

Me: Nancy 35
DH: 37
DS1: Ethan 3y 10m
DS2: David 9m 3wk

You know tholbrook, I thought the routine thing was imperative with Ethan - absolutely nothing could interfere in our set routine (yes I see in hindsight I was a wee bit inflexible). I have been proven wrong with David; there are days when he gets a 2 hr morning nap and a midafternoon nap and sleeps at 7:30 - those are the norm. However we have plenty of days where he has no morning nap, sleeps at midday, crashes early around 6:30, and there are others where the afternoon nap is late and he stays up til around 10pm.

I think I've had to be more flexible because I have another child - you have to be flexible because of your schedule. As for napping, it totally depends on your child. David naps a lot in comparison to Ethan - he was done with morning naps by 6 mo or so, and he took a decent afternoon nap if at home, or a short nap if it were in the car. He does not go to sleep well if wakened to move him somewhere else - been that way since a baby. David is easy - I just move him where I want him and he rolls over and sleeps.

It sounds like you are juggling really well - as for foods, we're a bit more aggressive than most. David wanted our food really early, so he's been eating people food for about 4 months. You can discuss it at the 6mo ped visit - it's a common topic. The AAP Caring For Your Baby and Young Child book has guildelines in it for feeding and amounts as well.

As for us, we're doing great - DH and I disagree on what to call David's movements - to me it seems more like cruising, but DH says he's still just shy of it (technically DH is right of course :) ). He's all over the place though - if it's possible to pull up on something, he's doing it. My windows look lovely at the 2ft tall level.

I have one issue - we had to put David in the pack and play to sleep; we couldn't find something mesh to go in a full-sized crib that's tall enough to keep his arms and feet inside the slats. There's a bumper, but he puts his feet on the bumper and pushes it down, so no luck. If anyone has a solution, I'd love to hear it!

[bekki]

Bekki (me :D ), 28
Adam, DH 30
Will and Andy, ~3.5 months (5 weeks today!)

We suffered through our first colds last week. It wasn't horrible, and I know it will be much worse in the future, but my goodness, being a baby must suck! Can you imagine not being able to blow your nose? We did everything possible--got the humidfier out, raised the end of the crib, but the poor little guys were having such a hard time sleeping. And you know what that means :p So did I! They both seem to be on the mend, a little stuffy with an occasional cough, but certainly better.

They are doing some really cute things too. I can't tell if it's intentional or not, but there's a lot more hitting of the toys hanging down on the play mat. We do a lot of tummy tim on the big yoga ball, because they seem to tolerate that better. I always have them roll off of it and cheer to encourage them to roll by themselves. Now, when they are done with tummy time, they totally start to lean on one side, sort of saying "Hey mom, I'm done, and I know how to get off this thing!" Super cute.

tholbrook RE: solids. Obviously we haven't started yet, but it was a topic of discussion at my MoMs group. I think the biggest suggestion the BTDT moms had was to always give the bottle first, then follow with solids, as they're supposed to get most of their calories from the formula/milk still. That way they're not filling up on bulky but low calorie foods. In terms of cereal vs. real food--well I'm sort of torn myself. A lot of moms say the cereal is a real pain because it's starchy and can cause digestive issues, and is totally not necessary or healthy, but my pediatrician thinks that it's a good way to teach babies to swallow thicker stuff and it's a taste they're familier with. Like it's kind of a lot to throw new texture and new taste at the same time, their little minds get overwhelmed.

So I don't know :o However, I'm dying to know where that toy came from, it is so very cute.

Nancy: I haven't seen these in person, but them seem taller and tighter than most regular bumpers http://www.breathablebaby.com/

[Pony]

Me: 33
DH: 32
Evelyn: 4w1d!!!

So, last night was rough!! She seemed to be up every 1 1/2 hours, I would feed her, she would spit up, she would go to sleep for a very short time (she usually sleeps 3 hours at a time during the night) and repeat. The amount she spits up alarms me at times, but she is growing and pooping and peeing. We haven't introduced a pacifier to her yet. But, maybe that is what I should have done last night. I assume she is hungry, so I feed her, but maybe she just needs to suck????? Very confusing to me. During the day at times, she has been doing this thing where she cries at the breast, pulls off, tries to get back on but is so worked up, arms all over the place (I'm trying to swaddle more to prevent the arms from getting in the way). I just get a little worked up, b/c I feel like I am not reading her right.

A friend let us borrow a swing and I'm hoping this allows us to have both arms free at times. We absolutely ADORE holding her non-stop, but obviously we can't always do this.

She is at a stage where she does not fit her newborn diapers and the next size up is to big! Her cloth diapers are also a tad to big, but we are hoping to start using those soon.

We signed up for neighborhood playgroup, so that should be fun. I think I might attend a BF support group this week. I need to feel confident feeding her in public. It isn't about modesty, it is about having her arms get in the way and me having a hard time latching her on. I feel like I look like I'm manhandling her when I try to get her to the boob. And then there is the spit up.

She is still screaming whenever she has a diaper change or a change of clothes. I think this is normal, but I am just wondering if all newborns do this and how long does it last?

Tami, I'm sorry for the inconsistency in schedules, but it sounds like Nancy has some food for thought. I wish I could offer you some advice. Maya is adorable. I am looking forward to the smiles and the babbling.

2HUNGRY, have fun w/ the swimming lessons!!!

bekki, glad you survived the first colds!

Nancy, you are always a wealth of info!

[tholbrook]

Thanks for the advice so far on routines and feeding! A lot to think about!

Bekki - it is a "Tiny Love Frog Kick Mirror" - from Amazon or you can Google it for a million other places to buy it. My only complaint: the water freezes when it is super-cold outside, so the toys don't move.

I moved the picture I posted of Maya, so I'M re-posting it now (and to all you other new moms, I'd love to see some picture of your little ones, hint hint! :))

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee70/turtlehouse/Maya%20Yvonne%20Holbrook/090130Maya.jpghttp://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee70/turtlehouse/Maya%20Yvonne%20Holbrook/P1010132.jpg

[Pony]

I moved the picture I posted of Maya, so I'M re-posting it now (and to all you other new moms, I'd love to see some picture of your little ones, hint hint! :))

Of course :D!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9df04b3127ccec667d15dbd8700000040O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9df11b3127ccec669e51d8f3100000040O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9df11b3127ccec66918524ea800000040O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Luv to Cook]

Me: Anita 33
DH: 35
DD1: Asha 5
DD2: Sahana 3
DS: Ayaan, 14 weeks

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to pop in and say hi. We are hanging in there. It has been tiring to say the least. Pony, don't feel bad about your night feeding every 2 hours...we STILL have some of those nights. I know he is not hungry and we have the huge amount of spit ups as well. My guy just needs to learn how to sleep longer stretches a little better...I keep putting off some sleep training, but I am sure we will have to do something soon. It is getting tougher with him. But, with Evelyn, sounds like you are doing all the right things. At that age, I really do feel that sometimes it is just better to feed them...she could be just trying to boost your milk supply. When Ayaan was around that age, he would sleep with my nipple in his mouth! All of my kids did that actually...it will get better and you will learn to read her more as she gets older. Sometimes I think that they don't even know what they want. So you try different things. All parents make mistakes (even those of us who had 2 kids before :o).

Don't feel bad about the swing...it gives the baby a change of pace as well. Ayaan loved to be in the sling for the first 2-3 months, but suddenly he wants nothing to do with it...too busy looking out at the world. I cannot find our Bjorn anywhere, but I think he would like that better.

Bekki, wow colds with two kids! Kudos to you for surviving! It does stink to not be able to blow your nose...can you imagine? I hate doing the aspirator thing as well...a necessary evil, I presume.

As far as routines, I am with Nancy. Some kids just love to know what is coming next. Both of my older kids do like to have their days all planned out, but my younger one really NEEDS it more. She cannot miss her nap, whereas Asha used to miss them all the time. Routines did help me though...was also easier to read baby when they were younger.

tholbrook, that car things looks neat. I probably should get something. Ayaan hates sitting in the car, so we have not been getting out too much lately. But we will be driving up to DC in the next few weeks, so it would be nice to have something to entertain him. Love the pics of your little "peanut." She is so cute and smiley :)!

OK, my turn to ask a question. Anyone elses 3+ month old not cooing yet? He did it awhile ago and then just stopped. I am really trying not to compare him with my other kids, but of course, I do :o. I then opened that stupid "What to expect the first year" book and it said to ask you ped if your kid isn't doing it in the second month. I am sure I am worrying over nothing, but alas, isn't that my job :D.

We introduced a bottle a few weeks ago so DH could do some bedtimes. I am going out with friends tonite and I am so excited (haven't been out in awhile, let alone had a glass of wine!). No one was ever able to put my other two down to bed since nursing was always part of our bedtime routine. For the first year or more, I was not able to leave them for bedtime. I am excited that he takes the bottle much better than they ever did!

I guess that is it for now.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend :).
Anita

[lindrusso]

So, last night was rough!! She seemed to be up every 1 1/2 hours, I would feed her, she would spit up, she would go to sleep for a very short time (she usually sleeps 3 hours at a time during the night) and repeat. The amount she spits up alarms me at times, but she is growing and pooping and peeing. We haven't introduced a pacifier to her yet. But, maybe that is what I should have done last night. I assume she is hungry, so I feed her, but maybe she just needs to suck????? Very confusing to me. During the day at times, she has been doing this thing where she cries at the breast, pulls off, tries to get back on but is so worked up, arms all over the place (I'm trying to swaddle more to prevent the arms from getting in the way). I just get a little worked up, b/c I feel like I am not reading her right.

I hardly ever lurk over here, but just happened to pop in today. The spitting up and flailing when feeding - could it be that your milk is coming too fast for her? Seems like I remember a friend of mine having that problem. I can't remember what they did to help, but it might be worth asking your doctor.

I feel your frustration in trying to figure out if they are hungry or just need to suck/comfort. I was told at one point that my first born was using me as a pacifier, so that's definitely possible but Evelyn is still young and may still need to feed that often. Hang in there, the two of you will figure it out. :)

[Beth G.]

Me: 39
DH: 40
DS: Michael, 1 month and 1 day

OK Pony, our babies are close in age and I seem to have the same problem during the day. I know my supply and fast letdown is part of the problem, but I am having trouble with daytime hunger cues - I think he's hungry, he'll go at the breast, maybe take a suck or not, then freak out crying, feet flailing, punching me in the face. I do better at night - he may sleep 3-5 hours, and when he wakes up I know he's hungry and he's usually calm. I just don't have the hang of his daytime hunger cues, especially if he's not been napping. Like Evelyn, he's gaining weight, peeing and pooping, so I'm not too worried, but I hate making him miserable by shoving boob in his face when he's not interested, especially when the milk starts getting all over him and the Brest Friend. I've been constantly advised to do skin to skin and not swaddle him when feeding but maybe that is worth a try in the evening "witching hour" where I've had no luck with anything else.

Any insights into daytime/awake hunger cues much appreciated! Michael does not eat when he's not in the mood. I don't see much rooting or lip smacking in general, and I hate to wait for crying or we run the risk of the flailing and punching.

Unfortunately, some of the inconsistency of his feeds seems to have led me to develop mastitis. I've had a fever and chills since yesterday so DH is picking up the antibiotics my doctor prescribed, and he's rejecting one side. Hopefully that will resolve soon.

Michael's not yet a fan of the swing we got as a gift at all but boy does he love the bouncy chair - it's the Baby Bjorn Babysitter. He's so happy in it and it is the simplest thing ever - no batteries, just fabric, and some bears to spin. His movements make it bounce and he is always bicycling his legs. I think it also feels like he's being cradled in it. It's expensive (we got it as a gift) but I'd have paid for it gladly seeing how much he likes it. There is also no extensive harnessing in like a swing - just slide in or out. Here is a picture about a week ago, of course, in his chair.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2181/19/32/1555103945/n1555103945_30157427_1371.jpg746

[Pony]

Anita, thanks for the input. I really don't mind being her pacifier right now. This is all so amazing to me and I know these days are going to fly by...I mean, she is already 4 weeks old!!!! :) I definitely need a boost in milk supply, so we have a good stash for when I go back to work. :) How did introducing the bottle go? We haven't done it yet. What week did you start?

Alysha-I actually have been thinking about the letdown issue. The only thing is that she doesn't always respond that way. It almost never happens when she is swaddled. But, I do think it could be a possibility. Especially seeing how my milk came out when I pumped for the first time. It seemed quite fast!

I guess Evelyn is catching on the sleep she missed last night...she has been asleep for almost 3 hours. I sure wish I would have napped, but I've been getting lots done. Made cookies :D

[bekki]

Pony I wonder if she might have a touch of reflux? The latching and delatching while seeming kind of frantic sounds like reflux. Also, swaddling helps a lot with reflux, so that might be another clue.

Also, pictures. Always happy to oblige.

Will-------------------------------------------------Andy
http://www.adamlyon.com/gallery/d/6147-2/wIMG_1302.jpg http://www.adamlyon.com/gallery/d/6152-2/wIMG_1312.jpg

Both together
http://www.adamlyon.com/gallery/d/6162-2/wIMG_1330.jpg

[Pony]

Beth, we must have posted at the same time yesterday. Sounds like we are going through some of the same things. Are you using a pacifier? We aren't, but I think we will introduce it today if needed. Did you try swaddling? I love skin to skin feedings, but definitely can be difficult at times if I get her on to late. She seems to wake up crying so I never get her on in a calm state! I try to check for the rooting as well, but still a bit difficult. I never know if she is wanting to cluster feed, in a growth spurt, or just wants to suck. We did a bit better last night, but luckily I crashed EARLY which has helped a lot today! Sorry about the mastitis. I hope you recover soon. Michael is adorable.

bekki, yes, we have thought about the reflux. I am keeping her head elevated after feedings. She is never fussy when she spits up. Your boys are adorable!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone is well.

Michelle

[Beth G.]

Michelle, we tried the pacifier two weeks ago and it's never been in his mouth more than a minute or so. If you have any better luck let me know how you do it! I still haven't introduced a bottle yet either and I know I probably should given the pacifier rejection but every time he has trouble latching on I get cold feet. My goal is to make a bridal shower on March 8. I'm feeling better today and he started eating much more last night after I pumped out the breast I think was the infected one, so there wasn't any need to try swaddling but I know that won't last. By the way, I love how different Evelyn looks sleeping versus awake - it's one of my favorite things about babies and kids. She's a beauty!

I sense a long night tonight - Michael's been sleeping all day (partly our fault since we went out in the car for a couple of hours). Tried to keep him awake for some playtime but no luck.

DH's best friend and his wife had a boy today, so it will be nice that he'll have a built in playmate and will be fun for the moms too.

[Beth H]

Me: 38
DH: 39
DS: One month and one day

We have similar issues with daytime feeding here - and I'm solely on formula now. Some days he's fussy and seemingly wants to eat all the time. I wish he would make it 5 hours at night though! Even on formula (4 oz.) he only makes it 3 hours max.

Last night we went out to dinner with another couple - Will did great and slept through it all - but then he essentially slept from 7 pm - 7 am, only waking up to eat. Today he's been awake most of the day! We have a Fisher Price rocker chair - he likes the things hanging from it, but it doesn't always sooth. I've tried to resist the swing (my sister gave us hers) because it's so darn big, and we have a small, older house. We'll see if we can live without it - probably a day like today it would have helped.

Will also has outgrown the N size diapers - the size 1 are slightly big, but won't be for long. He was leaking through the N's and we haven't had that problem with the 1's.

It's a learning process every day, that's for sure. :)

[helios7]

Me: 30
DH: 31
Quinn - 10 weeks yesterday

Ugh. I can't believe it takes a stomach flu for me to have a moment to catch up with this thread. I always have so much I want to say, but only one hand and don't have the energy to type it all out painstakingly.

So, all is not well in our house. My husband came down with what we thought was food poisoning in the wee hours of Saturday morning. But I woke with it at 1:45 this morning so apparently it is contagious food poisoning or a stomach bug. Either way it stinks. He's not really better, still weak and suffering some GI issues. But I'm just beginning and came downstairs for easier access to the bathroom and so as to not disturb Quinn as I'm not sleeping. And this is the worst week ever, as his boss who lives in England is in the NY office this week. Getting him to admit he couldn't go to work today having kept down only two cups of soup and a few crackers was hard enough. I know he can't miss any more... hopefully I can move past the barfing stage quicker then he did.

Quinn is doing really well. He was a hair under 14 lbs at his 2 month appointment. :eek: A big boy! His fussiness has calmed - at our mom's group he joined the sleeping baby ranks last Friday. I was so thrilled. He's almost sleeping through a "short" night - 11-5/6. Sometimes he wakes for a 2 am feeding, but more often then not goes straight through. So overall, things on the Quinn front are really good.

Michelle - I definitely have overflow issues, and also find he pulls off/gets frustrated. Something I read online likens it to trying to drink from a fire hydrant. When he does that, I just take spit cloth and catch some of the overflow until its more manageable and then put him back on. I also feed him on the same side within a 2 hour window, although lately I've bent that rule since I've been overfull a lot lately. I've cut out pumping except when necessary for my own comfort, but my supply just hasn't reduced much. Apologies to those with supply issues - having too much has its own issues too. :(

beth G and Michelle - Quinn's food cues during the day are also a bit confusing, particularly as I think we may have started teething as he has begun gnawing on his hand quite often. He kind of skips the lip smacking and goes straight to crying. I've learned to try the pacifier first (in case he just wants to suck because he is such a big boy and I dont want to feed him unnecessarily) and then try feeding him. 9 times out of ten, he's then happy. Occasionally it was a diaper issue or he's over tired but he's usually good at that point. Quinn has also done the spit up, repeat feed cycle although its gotten better lately. Thank goodness!

Regarding pacifiers - we started the first week. We had to , he was SUCH a hungry baby before my milk came in that he was tearing me up in my attempts to satiate him. Lately he's been refusing the paci - but if I aim for the roof of his mouth (over his tongue) and hold it he will accept it and then sucks happily. I hate having to work so hard but sometimes he's just wanting to suck and not hungry. he still does not feed reliably from a bottle, and he used to. This worries me, but I'm not sure what to do about it. I try to give him one fairly often, but when I'm so full its hard to want to struggle with a bottle when I know he'll nurse happily.

Ah, so much to learn.

Hang in there everyone... I'm going to lie down now. Stomach bugs stink. :(

[Pony]

Beth G., how was your night? I thought the same thing about a long night ahead, but it wasn't bad. She slept for 2 1/2 hours, woke up, then for 3! yay! I went to bed early though while my husband held her so I could get sleep. We did try the pacifier today and she wouldn't take it. But, we will still try.

Beth H., we took Evelyn out to eat with us on Sat. and she peacefully slept in the car seat. It was nice to get out! We have a small house as well and did not plan on having a swing. My mom ended up bringing a swing that was my nieces. Well, Evelyn loved it. Then it wasn't working right and another friend gave us one to borrow. It is annoyingly big, but so far it has been the one thing that we can put her down in while she is awake! Evelyn is going through the same thing w/ the diapers. I had her in a size one diaper and she peed on me! We haven't switched over to cloth yet, but will soon.

(((Heather))), I hope you all are feeling better!!! Congrats on a good day out w/ the mom's group and a non-fussy Quinn! And what a great sleep time he has right now! You mentioned his spitting up is better did you happen to cut anything out of your diet or did it just get better over time?

Feeding cues...I was really trying to pay attention to this today and it seems like she has no cues, ha! Well, she did chew on her hands once, but there is no lip smacking. She seems to go straight to crying.

Ok, Evelyn is crying....gotta run. Hope everyone is doing well.

[tholbrook]

Just a quick note, since I'm on my way out the door...

For those of you using cloth diapers (pre-folds), I just wanted to say that we recently switched to a one-size diaper cover ... Wonder Wraps - and we love love LOVE them! We had been using Thirsties and Swaddlebees until now, but Maya outgrew them and we were getting leaks all the time. I also found a really cool site - www.smallsproutstore.com - which has custom diaper covers in a variety of styles (covers, all-in-ones, pocket, etc.) in about a million different prints. I ordered a couple, so I can't yet comment on the quality.

Okay, off to teach my class now...

ETA - helios, I hope you're feeling better ... that bug sounds awful.

[Beth H]

Michelle, we may have to try the swing. That little chair entertains him for about 30 minutes, max - and he never seems to fall asleep in it. Today, randomly, he's taking a good nap which has been wonderful.

We got into the really good university day care here (I work at the university) - they do music and Spanish classes, even with infants. I'm so pleased as I thought I was going to be on the wait list for another year. (Wait lists for day care here are really long - as long as 3 years in some cases! Women get on lists before they are even pregnant, which we didn't.)

I start back to work from home next week. Hmm. . we'll see how that really works. It sounded so easy when I proposed it to my boss. Of course that was before he was really here. Some days, like today, I could do it, while other days it will be a challenge to say the least.

Helios, hope the bug is on its way out.

[Beth G.]

Hi Moms!

There's four ounces of freshly pumped milk cooling in the fridge, so Michael may meet his first bottle tonight or tomorrow, if I don't get cold feet. Or it might head to the freezer :o

Beth H. - Michael is similar to Will in his naps being completely unpredictable. Yesterday he didn't nap more than a total of 1 hour the entire day. Every time I thought he was sound enough asleep that I could do something, he popped up. Today he's on his second and I couldn't keep him awake for tummy time. But 7-7 with only waking to eat sounds great. We get more like 12-9. DH goes to work late so that's not a problem now, but when I head back I leave at 6:30 am so we need to be on a different time schedule.

On the subject of sleep - Michael is 5 weeks old today and wow, is he alert (unless we have people here to visit him and then he sleeps :( ) I was told he shouldn't be able to stay awake more than 45 minutes at a time, but he is often up 6 straight hours in the evening. He's not super fussy, although if he wants to suck during that time since he doesn't like the pacifier or comfort nursing, that means DH or I always need a clean finger ready. My hands are so chapped.

Heather and Michelle - he's napping and lipsmacking now and last fed 2 hours ago, so I'll just assume he's hungry when he wakes up and feed him. So much easier to decide when he naps. This week we noticed a mysterious red mark on his arm. We now realize he basically gave himself a hickey sucking on it after breaking it out of the swaddle (his favorite morning exercise) one hungry morning. If only he was so blatant while we were awake! I try not to wait for crying since he has trouble latching on when he's frantic, but then I end up making him cry when I'm shoving boob in his face when he's not interested.

Hope you are feeling better, Heather!

Michelle - he ends up pretty good at night once he gets to sleep, is often very late. Usually he gets up every 3 hours. The five hour stretch only has happened twice, and once when he was only 2 1/2 weeks old and I was still supposed to be feeding him more often and in a complete panic since he just would not wake up to eat. Of course then we found out he was 10 ounces over his birthweight and could ease up a little. Only one night recently did he get up every two hours and more than twice.

We've been in the size 1s for awhile now and last time we went to the pediatrician I found a couple of Ns in the diaper bag and they looked so tiny. How quickly they grow!

Hope everyone is well!

[helios7]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. Luckily I had a 24 hour bug, and felt much better yesterday. DH is better too (after I MADE him to go the local ER because he was so dehydrated and needed IV fluids). So all is better in our house, finally. And Quinn was a perfect angel that day. Really mellow. Thank goodness. Because I have to say, I've been doing EVERYTHING with Quinn as though DH were at work all weekend long to give him a chance to rest and be sick. And it's so exhausting! Once he felt better yesterday, he then worked for 12 hours, and is back at work today anticipating working late tonight. I know this is my job now, being a SAHM but i missed having a partner this weekend. And I really don't think DH gets it, he's spent a grand total of 2 hours with Quinn with me out of the house since he was born. I need to get out more... the balance is tipping to me way too much. DH really doesn't know what to do with him, how to read him etc. So I told DH I'm leaving Quinn with him and going to get a solo manicure on Saturday. :cool: I'm going to try to do something every weekend, even if it is just getting out and sitting at the coffee shop down the street for an hour.

I'm going to try to post a picture...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2084/213/18/1516817069/n1516817069_169437_9151.jpg

Michelle - no, the spitting up has gotten better on its own. He still spits up... but not with the frequency of before.

Beth G - wow, 6 hours straight!:eek:

Beth H - it took Quinn a while to warm up to the swing. Right around 8 weeks it really began to work for him, and is how I get things done in the kitchen. I would definitely give it a try!

Thanks for the well wishes Tammi!

[SusanPC]

The pictures of all of the babies are adorable!!!!

Here is a recent one of Maddie.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/Susie22312/DSCF0882.jpg

Wow, I don't know when we graduate from this thread. Maddie is 9 months old now...has 4 teeth, babbles all the time, loves "swimming" and playing with our dog. We just got back from the pedi and she is 28 inches long and almost 20 lbs. I need to check our Graco and see if she's outgrown it!

Helios--I like your idea to get out of the house. Even though I am a SAHM, I'll do some errands, get a pedi, etc. on the weekends. My DH is supportive of my having some "me" time and I think he enjoys his time with her. Your DH will figure it out!

Beth--Maddie started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and the DR told me there was no need to wake her to feed. Sounds like you all are doing awesome.

Hope everyone is well....we had a great day...it was 70 here and Maddie and I walked to the park. Maddie had her 0 month pedi appt, and I had my third week of JC weigh in, and I was down 7 lbs total....it's a start. This is a busy week with three playdates and I am looking forward to the weekend to chill out!

[Pony]

Hello.

So, I had my first adventure out w/ Evelyn by myself. :cool: We went to a BF support group at a local store. It was really great. There was a lactation consultant there, a few new first time moms, and it was free! It is a new, weekly thing. The LC helped me improve my latch a bit, which is good b/c I think Evelyn has been sucking in a lot of air. She encouraged me to try the laying down position. So, we tried when we got home and I definitely need practice. She showed me how to do it and said to have an arm under Evelyn's head. When I look at illustrations in some books it looks like my arm should be under the pillow. I'm wondering what you all do? I guess it is whatever is comfy for you. I just felt like I couldn't line her up right??? I guess I will keep on trying. I'm also going to try to get to her before she completely wakes up from her naps to see if she will feed calmly.

I also finally tried the BabyHawk and it was awesome. I put her in there when she was dosing off and she stayed in there for an hour. She wasn't too happy when she woke up, but it was soooo comfy on my back. It is a bit hard to figure out on your own, so I will need to practice getting her in.

We haven't gotten a mobile yet for her room. Do you all have one and if so, anything you would recommend? My husband is an artist and is very particular about the design, while I'm the practical one and prefers function over style ;)

tholbrook
Thanks for the link!

Beth H
The swing might be helpful especially since you will be working from home at the moment. I hope it goes smoothly. :) Congratulations on getting in the day care. When does he start going?

Beth G
Did Michael take the bottle???? Evelyn hasn't been up for 6 straight hours before, but she is up for a few sometimes. Today, she has been in and out of naps all day. Yesterday, she slept VERY WELL during the morning and afternoon. Evelyn is busting out of her newborns diapers and luckily we only have about 5 left! The size 1's are a tad to big...she peed on me the other day when wearing one!

Heather
I am so glad you all are feeling better. I can't believe your husband had to go to the ER. I think it would be sooo good for you to get out on your own! I've gone out a couple times to the grocery, but I am going to Central Market so it is lots of fun for me ;). You deserve to treat yourself! A massage would be great after carrying Quinn around ;).

SusanPC
Maddie is adorable!!! Oh my, Maddie was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks. That is amazing! Yay! Congrats on the weight loss!

[helios7]

michelle... two words on the mobile.

Tiny love
(http://www.tinylove.com/developmental_toys.aspx?toyTypeId=13&elementId=0&ageId=0)

Everyone who has them that i know loves them.

[Beth H]

Michelle - thanks for the congrats on the daycare. He'll start full time on April 6 - which was about as long as I could realistically work from home, especially in this economy. The university's budget is suffering a lot. I'll probably take him for test day or two in the last week of March, just to get us both into the routine. I can't imagine being together enough to have him in daycare starting next week. I have a job where I can work flexibly, as long as I get the work done, so I'm sure I'll be doing some in the evenings and on weekends.

[SusanPC]

Michelle, lest you get too jealous on Maddie's sleeping habits.....I think I jinxed myself. She was up at 4:30 crying. If I rubbed her back...she'd stop. Finally, she pulled my hand under her face and would try to fall asleep. But, everytime I walked out of the room she'd scream. Finally a bottle and her lullaby CD did the trick.

[Pony]

Ahhhh, I had a rough day/night after feeling confident when leaving the BF support group. :( Poor Evelyn was so fussy at the boob yesterday and kept doing her smacking noises at the boob. She latches on and I hear her smacking, especially at the right boob. I know she is gulping so much air when she is smacking like that and then spits up soo much. It breaks my heart when she is so fussy at the boob. :( My husband is so supportive and of course, I take it out on him. He gets upset, b/c he is trying so hard at being extremely supportive, encouraging and helpful. Luckily, this morning I had a coffee date w/ my friend who has two little ones. She was very helpful and made me feel like even if I wasn't doing it exactly like the lactation consultants want, Evelyn is still growing. And I'm not in pain, physically. So, I'm trying to feel better about it all today. 2 cups of coffee, beautiful weather, a shower, and a walk w/ a friend helped a lot, ha!

I didn't get the best sleep either....my husband tends to sleep on the couch the second part of the night, so Evelyn can sleep on his side of the bed. She grunted the whole night, ha! Oh well..I know that will get better eventually and as long as I'm not back at work, I feel ok about it.

Heather-thanks for the link :)

Beth H-I know what you mean about not having it together enough to send him to daycare next week. I was supposed to meet my friend for coffee at 8:30, luckily she was running behind w/ her 2 little ones, and I didn't get there till 9. That was w/o a shower, w/o breakfast and w/o pumping! I thought how in the world will I get all those things done in the AM when I return to work!

SusanPC-seriously, I think we should never say what good sleeping habits our little ones have...when I did that last week to Heather, everything changed :p;)

[Beth G.]

Well, Michael has yet to walk over to the fridge, take the expressed milk, pour it in a bottle and take it... :o Maybe tonight because if not that milk is too old.

Michelle, although I know you are frustrated, I am relieved to read your experience since Michael is the same age - you are not alone! The last couple of days Michael's feeds have gone from acceptably short for him to ridiculous (2-3 minutes); I've been trying to offer him the chance as often as possible but now wondering if I should forget that he's sucking his arm and wait for the crying to be 100% sure he's hungry and get a decent feed in. He's wetting plenty of diapers and pooping so I'm trying not to get too worked up and we are fortunate to have an off cycle 6-week visit with the pediatrician on Monday since he has torticollis (favors looking to one side - we are trying to get his stiff neck loosened up) so I'll be able to get him weighed then and again at 2 months. My husband is also very supportive but I feel bad about constantly breaking down crying and every time we get Michael weighed he's doing great so I'm not sure how much longer before he'll tire of this. One of my work benefits is telephone lactation consultation and her email says "There's no such thing as calling too often. I'm here to help!" but I'm getting embarrassed. I try to read books and various websites but everything seems so geared towards babies just establishing nursing and I think we are past that.

Susan - I've stopped setting an alarm to wake him at night but we are still aways off from Michael sleeping through on his own! I can dream though. It's great to hear that might not be far away. Last night I was dreaming I was at the home of our friends who just got home from the hospital with their newborn. They are bottle feeding and have a baby nurse so I couldn't understand why I heard the baby fussing and the nurse wasn't getting him. Then I woke up to a fussing baby!

Biggest issue we have in feeding seems to be losing him to distraction from his pooping or gas in the middle of a meal. The minute his behind acts up I know we are in trouble and the kicking and stopping eating is about to happen. He never wants to get back on for more than a suck or two after that. Anyone else have this problem? The weird thing about his gas is it's relieved by finger sucking, but then acts up again if he's not sucking on a finger. He's been impossible to burp and screams bloody murder the minute I even place him on my lap for that.

On the plus side, we had unseasonably warm weather yesterday so we finally took the Snap N Go out of the box and I went for a walk. We haven't bought a regular stroller yet since the weather isn't stroller friendly at the moment but I regretted having to smoosh him into the car seat. I need to decide what regular stroller to get soon. We'd like to have another reasonably quickly since I just turned 39, so I don't want to spend too much and then have to get a double. I spend way too much time researching this type of thing.

[Luv to Cook]

Hi Pony, just wanted to comment on the side lying nursing, since we did/do that alot when mine are very little, since they need much comforting at nite. Anyhow, I do keep my arm under their heads...it gets easier as you keep doing it. But don't feel badly if it doesn't work out. I have a friend with 5 kids!!! and she could never do the lying down nursing thing...it just works with some mom/baby pairs better than others. It was the only way for us to get sleep when they were little, so we just had to do it.

I hope BFing overall gets easier for you both. I am sure the LCs are helpful. I had to go with Ayaan as well and the best advice was to bring the baby to your breast, rather than hunching over and bringing your breast to the baby. And then to kinda jam your boob in her mouth, so she gets a whole mouth full. Sometimes, Ayaan would be so frantic, that I would just want to calm him down so I would just get him on the boob and would wince in pain throughout the nursing, because he did not have enough of the nipple in his mouth. I found it much better to make us both comfortable first, and then get him latched on, even if it meant a few more tears on his end.

Good luck....my kids are up...will write more later :).

keep the adorable baby pics coming!
Anita

[Kerri]

Me: 33
DH: 33
DS1: James, almost 2.5
DS2: Andy, 8 months!

Susan - They grow out of their Graco at 22 pounds and 28 inches. See below:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o79/wirrek/2009-kids/DSC03450.jpg
Andy grew out in length probably like a month ago and we just moved him last week. It is really easier in some ways instead of hauling that stupid infant seat around, but I think he has trouble sleeping in his new seat.

Man, the warm weather really makes being a mom easier, am I right? We have been spending lots of time outside and I think everyone loves it.

Ahhhh, the new-new moms. I don't really know what to say, but I am SO GLAD we are past these stage. Re: breastfeeding. It is a lot easier to say it then to do it, really try not to worry about it. If you have to give them formula/pacifier/etc don't worry about it. It will be fine. And my baby is 8 months and still not sleeping through the night. Well, he does on occation, but that means he wakes up at 5:30. You get used to it, and it really isn't a big deal.

Pony - it might just be a little nursing strike. We had a few of those and after a day or so, it all worked out.

Beth - I hear you on the economy. I was actually unoffically offered a job at Clemson, only to have them back out of it after the budget cuts...get back to work to make sure you will be ok! Congrats on day care. It is tough up hear as well.

Pony - a lot of mobiles come with big warning labels after a certain age. I really don't put a lot of stock in those, but we have one of these that perhaps isn't all that cool, but it is very functional:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o79/wirrek/2009-kids/pTRU1-3153273dt.jpg

Helios - I think the not necessarily being involved is just a guy thing. For some reason, instead of helping me with the kids, my DH suddenly feels responsible to get everything else on his list done. It is that, but also, he just isn't comfortable around little babies. I mean, it is so hard, because you don't do anything, but you really can't get anything done. Instead of having just outings every once in awhile, I found it best for me and DH to have a regularly scheduled time. I took a triathalon class...of course, that wasn't until DS was almost a year old.

Tholbrook - I did want to reply to you about naps and routines. That is my "thing"...like some peoples things are breastfeeding or babywearing, I just have found that my boys really respond well when we have a routine and then they nap better, and they we are all happier. However, if it seems like your Maya is doing ok with out a set schedule, maybe she just doesn't need one. As far as naps go, it is true that a lot of babies lose that portability. They won't just fall asleep wherever, and I think at almost 6 months, that is probably what you are seeing. She may do better in a dark, quiet room, rather than in a swing. Is there a place like that at your work? If nothing else, there is always baby einsteins...that gives me at least 30 minutes when I need it!

Man, I have been responding and having said anything about my little one. He had a ear infection/cold last week, but it doing much better now. His top 2 teeth are finally coming through. He is sooo figidity/graby/squirmy though, and it makes holding very tough. We are in kindermusik, and went today for the first time in several weeks. He was so excited! Just bounced and "oooh"ed through the whole thing. Still not crawling or even really close, but gosh, I think he will be so much happier when he can. Here is one more picture:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o79/wirrek/2009-kids/DSC03485.jpg

[mst]

I am sorry, I never seem to have time for the personals. :( But, I try to read the thread, and think a lot about what I want to write!

Anyway, just a quick fly-by comment. I signed Shayna up to get a letter from President Bush for being born. I never got it.:mad: I will refrain from any political statements, but I am disappointed since he was president when she was born. Did anyone else get theirs?

[Couperine]

Ack I'm so sorry you didn't get one - the one I got for David came about 6 weeks after I filled in the online form. I'd certainly request it again - you have a year. You do have to watch the envelope when you get it - it's the only thing on it with your child's name.

[SusanPC]

MST--we ordered ours right after Nancy posted and just got it in the mail maybe two weeks ago or so....so, there may still be some hope?

[Beth G.]

Well, we introduced the bottle today and Michael took it (from DH) immediately, drank a bit over 4 ounces, and burped well (which he never does for me, so I'm assuming that's because he doesn't need to after not swallowing much air at the breast). He's 5 1/2 weeks old so we are well past the conservative time estimates on nipple confusion, I'm just hoping he doesn't now get fussy at the boob. I'm relieved that it went well but a bit pissed at the little traitor ;) .

[lbd]

Me: 35
DH: 37
DS: Ben, 32 months
DD: Abby, 4 months

Can't believe this is my first login all month and will only be a one-handed flyby (nursing before hopefully several hours of sleeping).

On the side-lying nursing, it does take some getting used to but can be really great. Just put a thin blanket or towel underneath so you don't get milk dribbles all over the sheets.

On the Graco infant seat, the numbers Kerri posted are for the newer/larger one. Ours is a little older and is only up to 20 lbs and 26 inches. Scary since Abby was 15.5 lbs and 24 inches at her 4 month checkup this week. I think she'll be out of it by 6 months, compared to Ben who stayed in past 15 months.

[Pony]

I'm scared to write this, but Evelyn has been sleeping 3-4 hour stretches. I am actually able to get some cooking/prep done in the AM before she wakes up!!!

I have a question about poop :o....Evelyn tends to have more green poop..maybe some yellow mixed in. Sometimes it is always yellow, but usually green. It is the consistency of BF poop. Just wondering about this, b/c I thought it was supposed to be yellowish.

We are still trying the pacifier, but she isn't in to it yet. She did suck on it once for almost a minute, but that is it so far.

How do you get a birthday card from Obama?

Has anyone heard from SooCookie?

Beth G.-Congratulations on bottle success. Were you around or did you leave? And I am assuming all was well when you BF him after having the bottle? That is great that you can call on the lactation consultant. I understand about being embarrassed calling her so much, but shoot...use it!!! ha! Good luck at your appt. tomorrow. Evelyn stops eating when she poops during feedings. Although, this is one time where she doesn't start kicking around. She calmly pulls off, does her thing, and then eagerly gets back on!

Anita-thanks for the info on side-lying. I'm so bad about hunching over instead of bringing the baby to the breast. Need to practice that one!

Kerri-Andy is so cute, such a little man. Thanks for the image of the toy! I'm glad he is feeling better.

lbd-hello!

Michelle

[MinEaston]

I have a question about poop :o....Evelyn tends to have more green poop..maybe some yellow mixed in. Sometimes it is always yellow, but usually green. It is the consistency of BF poop. Just wondering about this, b/c I thought it was supposed to be yellowish.

delurking...

Anna had more green poop than yellow at that point in her life, too. I vividly remember it :eek:

It was around that time, too, that I became more aware of foremilk/hindmilk. Anna seemed to have more gas and be more uncomfortable (as if I could really tell) when she had green poop, and I found that it would occur more if I switched sides too soon.

Does Evelyn seem uncomfortable? I wouldn't worry, overall, unless there are other issues.

I wish I could remember where I read the best article on the color of poop :p - it might have been Dr Sears or Penelope Leach's book, maybe even the breastfeeding book I had (Anna's napping now and the books are in her room, or I'd post titles)

[helios7]

QUINN IS NAPPING IN HIS CRIB. I don't know what to do with myself. :D We've discovered he will go down swaddled, and we've had successful naps and Friday night he slept from 9:50 until 2:20 in his crib. LAst night, not so much but I think I put him down for a nap too late (since we're new to this whole formal nap thing) and so he napped from 4:15-5:15, woke spitting up and then only went down for an hour when we tried to put him down for the night at 7:15. Any tips on figuring out schedules (beyond trial and error)? Today I tried to put him down at 2:15, we had one false start (he got half out of his swaddle) but the second time took. That was an hour and a half ago. I'm guessing by the time he gets up we shouldn't try bedtime before 9 ...

I am thrilled though. I was at the end of my rope this week, having an hour (or two) every afternoon will be AWESOME. Even if I do miss him a little bit. :)

Next question for wiser, more experienced moms. I'm having a serious wardrobe crisis. I'm about 5 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight (which is great, I'm working on it and thrilled... don't get me wrong). BUT, that means I'm really out of maternity which has been my staple up to this point. But not much of my old wardrobe fits in the ... chest... area. I don't want to buy a bunch of new clothes, especially as I plan on losing another 20 or so lbs once I hit my pre-preg weight. I'm hoping that as I get smaller I can get back into some clothes, but am kind of panicking right now as I'm living in about 5 shirts. I did go to Old Navy and buy a couple shirts, but I had fit issues there too. I needed a much larger size to fit the chest, and the clothing looked funny elsewhere. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Michelle - Quinn's poop is usually yellowish but sometimes has a definite green tinge. We've now reached the pooping more infrequently stage (as in not yet today :eek:). It's kind of freaky, but kind of nice.

Lorien - glad all is well! :)

Beth G. - glad the "traitor's" first bottle went well. Where in NYC are you? Where'd you deliver? I just noticed you're "local". :)

Kerri - thanks for the info. I actually didn't end up sneaking away this weekend (we've been too busy!) but with Quinn down in his crib I'm still getting a break. So next weekend we will definitely start, and i will not pack our social calendar quite so much. :)

I think I hear my little man......

[Pony]

delurking...

Anna had more green poop than yellow at that point in her life, too. I vividly remember it :eek:

It was around that time, too, that I became more aware of foremilk/hindmilk. Anna seemed to have more gas and be more uncomfortable (as if I could really tell) when she had green poop, and I found that it would occur more if I switched sides too soon.

Does Evelyn seem uncomfortable? I wouldn't worry, overall, unless there are other issues.

I wish I could remember where I read the best article on the color of poop :p - it might have been Dr Sears or Penelope Leach's book, maybe even the breastfeeding book I had (Anna's napping now and the books are in her room, or I'd post titles)

I have read on the internet that green poop could mean an imbalance in foremilk/hindmilk. Of course, I've also read that it doesn't mean a thing :rolleyes::D. It is hard to say if she seems uncomfortable, b/c I don't have anything to compare it to ;). I would say she isn't that fussy, but then I don't know really how often babies are supposed to fuss....she grunts, fusses at times, but tends to be easily soothed with feeding or dancing, etc. :) I just can't figure out if she is uncomfy :o. I don't switch sides when feeding, b/c she used to zonk out after 10-15 min. of feeding and never wanted anymore. So, I have stuck w/ just one breast at a feeding. I have pretty much ignored the green poop, but every once in a while I worry it isn't 'right'. Thanks for the help!!!!! :)

Heather!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on Quinn sleeping in the crib! I wish I had advice on the sleeping schedule. I know my friend who has a baby the same age as Quinn has just figured out that putting him down at 7pm works for them. He goes out until 2 am. Typically. This just started, so who knows if the same thing will be happening next week :p. I am not sure about his daytime naps. I know he usually is asleep in the 9am hour, but that is all I know. I would assume it is trial and error. Congratulations on being so close to your pre-preg weight. Good luck w/ the clothing situation.

We might have to bring E's crib into our room for her to get used to it. She is still in our bed and probably will be for a while. We have numerous guests coming in to town and the guest room is now her room. So, I don't see how we will be getting her asleep in there while the guests are in town! My in-law's are coming for about a month :eek:.

Michelle

[Kerri]

A quick note on nap schedules - The daytime nap schedule begins to organize around 4 months, but you can definately look for it a little before that. I found with my little ones, that they are ready for a nap after they had been up for about 1.5 - 2 hours.

Don't really have a lot of helpful advice on the wardrobe. My neighbor had recently lost a bunch of weight, so she was nice enough to give me her old shirts that I could fit my chest into.

[greta]

Heather,

I agree with Kerri--I don't recall naps regulating with any of my boys until around 4 mos. When Sami was Quinn's age he would almost always have a nap around dinner time, but I would still put him down a couple of hours after he woke from that last nap.

My advice would be to think less about trying to get him on a schedule, and to just go with the flow--ie. if he is showing any signs of being tired, try to put him down.

Clothing: Sami is a year old and I have been in my pre-preggo jeans for a while now, but most of my tops still fit funny (I'm still nursing). I don't get much bigger while nursing, but just big enough that my tops don't work well. I don't know if this info helps AT ALL! ;)

Greta

[Beth H]

Well, I had a little 24-hr stomach bug over the weekend and Will has it now. He's had a poopy diaper with every change since yesterday - our doctor said that could last for several days. He doesn't seem any fussier than normal, though, surprisingly.

As for clothes - ugh. I'm wearing a weird mix of things. It's so frustrating to have a closet full of clothes I can't wear. Hopefully things will get better over the next few weeks - it's not the chest that is my issue (as mine never really got bigger); it's the whole mid-section!

[Megan James]

It's been forever since I posted. Will is going to be 6months next week!

Re the wardrobe: I am a mess there too. I've still got 10 lbs to go and it's being slow and then there is the chest! Before I went back to work I bought 3 pairs of cheaply made pants at Burlington coat factory. They were $10 each. Two weeks ago I went to Sears and they were having a huge sale. I got 4 tops for $40. So I basically have a mini wardrobe of cheaply made imported clothing. My hope is that I'll be out of it size wise before it wears out! Not the most PC or green thing to do but it's working for me.

As for tops most of the in style cuts are way too tight for me at this stage of the game so I am in looser cut sweaters and button down shirts.

Overall we are doing well here. Will is an absolute doll when he smiles and laughs. People told me "you will love having a boy" and until recently I didn't realize what they were talking about. Now I know.

I suppose we should be starting solids soon. For some reason I'm not in a huge hurry. I kind of wanted for him to be sitting on his own first, but that might be another month or so. My main motivation for wanting to start is that maybe he will eat something at daycare. He rarely eats his bottle(s) while there. He does know how to take a bottle and sometimes will take 1 or 2 but other days he just holds out until I pick him up. Fortunately I only work halfdays, but still sometimes it's 6+ hours he goes without eating. Now at night his poor stomach can't make it that long!!!

It's mostly a distraction issue. He doesn't nurse well when he's distracted and our daycare is chock full of many 1-5year old distractions.

[Pony]

We ended up making an appt. w/ the ped yesterday b/c of a rash that developed on E's chest and back. She had been having the newborn acne on her face, but after a bath we noticed a lot on her chest and back. Dr. Sears says it should only be on their face, so of course we freaked out. Or, I did..somehow my husband doesn't worry and is sooo calm. :cool: The RN told us to come in yesterday, but we didn't get to see our ped. It was good, b/c I was able to ask her questions about the poops and spitup which have obviously been weighing on my mind. So, the rash is normal, she had all yellow poops yesterday :rolleyes:, and she doesn't think E has a severe case of reflux or allergy.....yay!!! And she is weighing 11 pounds, so she is obviously eating plenty. That is almost a 3 pound weight gain in 3 weeks! The dr. thought she might be snacking a lot and getting more foremilk then hindmilk causing the green poops, but not to worry about it. And suggested feeding her 2-3 hours and no less, unless she obviously needs to eat. I was just throwing the boob in her mouth quite often, but actually has started slowing down on that now that we are able to soothe her in other ways.

She was also quite adamant about starting the bottle NOW. She said 4-5 weeks is the window....of course, the lactation consultant told us not to introduce it until 6 weeks +. Oh well, we will try and if she is funny about it we still have 6 more weeks until I go back to work.

Beth H-glad you are feeling better and hope Will gets better soon.

Megan James-nice to see you! I thought I was having a boy the entire pg and wasn't wanting a boy or girl more then the other. I couldn't be more happier w/ a little girl and am now soooo wanting a boy. My nephew is the sweetest little boy and takes such good care of my SIL. :) It is the cutest relationship. Evelyn is already wrapped around my husbands finger. :D

Michelle

[2HUNGRY!]

I am sorry, I never seem to have time for the personals. :( But, I try to read the thread, and think a lot about what I want to write!

Anyway, just a quick fly-by comment. I signed Shayna up to get a letter from President Bush for being born. I never got it.:mad: I will refrain from any political statements, but I am disappointed since he was president when she was born. Did anyone else get theirs?


I got mine a few weeks ago (same timeline as Susan).

[Couperine]

Just a quick update on the presidential birth announcement - I tried my best to find the same online form from the White House Greetings Office, and the new administration redid the website and I couldn't find a link for that yet. If you google it, you should be able to find the mailing address directions for requesting the annoucement. Back to lurking a bit more than average - with David cruising, I'm not feeling as new mom-ish anymore. :)

[mabvt]

Hi Guys!

I haven't been around the last couple of weeks...this whole parenting/working full time thing is a lot of work! I have parent teacher conferences this week. That means today I brought Neal to daycare, picked him and dropped him off somewhere else for a few hours. :( It makes for a long day for both of us. I'm glad DH can be with him tomorrow night.

He is now 4 1/2 months! He loves to "stand" on our laps and pulls bc he wants to sit up. He also just started playing with toys- watches them, sticks them in his mouth, etc.

clothing-- I also bought some cheapo clothes for the meantime till I got back to my pre-preggo weight. Before that I wore a lot of sweat pants and overalls.

schedules--We are just going to bed at a consistent time in the last couple of weeks. All of a sudden N is sleepy around 8-8:30. It is nice to finally have something predictable! As far as the rest of the day--it will fall into place eventually, right?

I think we are starting to deal with some teeth. Neal has been chewing on his hands a ton for awhile now. This week he has been pooping like a champ.

Okay, this was supposed to be quick! I'll have to do personals later.

Melissa

[SooCookie]

Hi everyone - thought I would jump in for a quick post. Things have been crazy around here. Ben came down with RSV at the end of January and had to spend 3 very long and emotional (for me anyway - he didn't seem too bothered by it!) days at the hospital. He still isn't completely recovered. He is on nebulizer treatments twice daily since he just doesn't seem to be getting much better. Luckily, he is happy as ever and is such a joy to be around, even with all that is going on with him.

In the midst of all this, we started him on solids. He is my little chunk at 5 months and 19 pounds (:eek:) he still wants to eat in the middle of the night. I have tried convincing him that he doesn't need to eat at 2am anymore, but he is having none of it.

In other news, we are still trying to break him of the #&^$ swaddle. He is almost grown out of the ones I have and I don't know what to do when he does! Do they make swaddle blankets for 20+ lb mammoth babies? ;)

Michelle (Pony) - you shouldn't have any trouble with introducing the bottle. I listened to the LC's the first time around and didn't introduce the bottle to DD until she was 6 weeks old and it was a nightmare to get her to take it. With DS, he had a bottle by the time he was 1 week old. Maybe I just talked to bad LC's but to me, it seemed like all they did was scare me instead of help me. E will need to take a bottle eventually since you are going back to work, right? Better to get it out of the way now. But that is just my opinion, FWIW! :)

I also wanted to give my experience on the schedule thing. With both my kids, naps were very inconsistent until about 3-4 months. Ben will reliably take a morning nap around the same time, but we are still working on the afternoon nap. But at the same time, just when you think you have things figured out, they will change on you.

Take care everyone!
Michelle

[Beth G.]

Michael's now had two bottles and was ok at the breast after both. Phew! About 24 hours after the first one, he was back to his normal fussiness at the breast, but I can't really blame that on the bottle. We should be keeping up one every other day now, but I held off a few extra days after that one since he'd gotten fussy. He didn't take the second one as easily - but DH said he now better appreciates some of my frustration in feeding him :D

Went to the pediatrician yesterday and he only gained 8 ounces in two weeks so I'm a little disappointed but if you average out the 4 weeks he's fine and the doctor is not concerned. We did such a good job loosening up the right side of his neck from the torticollis that it migrated to the left side :( We will have to keep on this. The exercises are scary and make him turn red and scream. DH gets this fun task.

Michelle - Glad Evelyn's green poop and rash were nothing! We did the first bottle when I was in the next room. No problem there. He also didn't seem to mind that the milk wasn't especially warm. He was almost 6 weeks but our LC said go for it at 4 since he rejected the pacifier. Apparently no association between those two! One of the doctor's at our pediatrician's office was very pro pump/bottle. I guess they want to see the mother retain some sanity! If things settle down with the boob fussiness, I want to practice using the nursing cover so I can go out with him and feed him rather than bring a bottle for those times. I was out when he had the second one.

Heather - I'm not really that local. I still work in Manhattan (assuming there is a job to go back to after leave in this economy) but when I got married in March I moved from Brooklyn to the far Northwestern burbs - many would consider "upstate" of Rockland County. It takes me 90+ minutes each way to get to work, although I am lucky to have a one seat bus ride. I am hoping to do a couple of days at home when I go back, because being away from Michael for a 12+ hour day 5 days a week is not going to be good. I still have 13 pounds to go and can fit in some of my prepreg shirts but most are also tight in the chest. I am going to bite the bullet and get a few new tops, since the maternity ones are ridiculous looking with all the ties and everything. Not sure what I will wear when I go back to work.

Learned a new use for the bouncy seat this week - I was always worried about showering when DH was not home, even if Michael was asleep, as I wouldn't be able to hear him. Now I bring the bouncy seat into the bathroom and I can hear him or peak from the shower!

Had my six week postpartum checkup yesterday. Everything was good, and I asked the doctor what were her thoughts about when to try for another, since I just turned 39. Since I didn't have a c-section, she basically said start now :eek: I got pregnant right away this time, so I am hopeful we won't have too much trouble, but I'm not quite ready and I don't think Michael is either! Probably won't happen right away with the breastfeeding anyway). I hate to shortchange him, but have to look at the big picture.

[Couperine]

Dear Beth - don't believe the BF as birth control myth (not that I was choosing it as BC either). David was born 4/15/2008 and our next has an EDD of 6/13/2009, likely born in late May. :) Was definitely not planning on getting pregnant so soon and laughed at the thought because of the difficultly I had getting pregnant with my first two - can feel the baby kicking as I type!

[Beth G.]

Hey Nancy - believe me I'm not. I see it more of a "if it's meant to be, it's meant to be" - I won't complain if I get pregnant twice easily in my very late 30s. It will be tiring, but a lot better than not getting pregnant easily again!

[Couperine]

I wish you the best of luck then Beth! We definitely hit the I guess it's meant to be lotto here! :)

[bekki]

So, when you add together really crappy daytime sleep and the sudden onset of teething, you have one fed up mama.

Holy cow, the twins have had a rough couple of days. It started two weeks ago when apparently they decided that 2 hour naps are passe, and 45 minute ones are in. Awesome. They've also been super drooly and mouthy too. Then, on Tuesday all heck broke loose. By about 5 pm, they were kind of over tired and their mouths were hurting. They cried and cried for 3 hours. They didn't want to eat, they wanted to chew on the bottle or have their gums rubbed. Finally they went to bed at about 8.

Last night was a repeat, except worse because my MIL flew home yesterday morning so we didn't have an extra set of hands, and DH worked until 7. I finally caved and gave them some tylenol. It seemed to help for two hours, and they got a little nap in around 5. And I feel like the worst mother in the world because I actually let them watch TV because it was distracting enough for about 20 minutes that they weren't crying.

Lame, lame, lame. I feel like it wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so tired in the afternoon, but I can't figure out how to get them to sleep longer in the day time, unless I put them in the car and drive somewhere.

[Pony]

Big news here is that Evelyn took a bottle yesterday! Weird feeling, but makes me glad it isn't something we have to worry about.

We are still dealing w/ sleeping issues. She is sleeping well, but just in our bed or on my chest. I am feeling more and more uncomfortable with her sleeping in the bed when my husband is around. He sleeps deeply, but doesn't toss and turn. It doesn't seem to work to have me in the middle, b/c then the bed slopes and she rolls towards me. Her in the middle works best, but then my husband is right there! When it is just me, I'm fine, but I'm feeling bad having my husband sleep on the couch or guest bed. And now that we have guests coming in to town the next few months, I just don't know what to do. We tried the bassinet last night and she woke up right away while being in a deep sleep for almost an hour! I love having her in bed w/ us, but I want to feel more comfortable w/ the idea. I guess we just need to break down the crib, bring it in to our room and see how she does.

I went to a local babywearing mom group and learned how to use my BabyHawk by myself. I love it. Heather, someone is selling a Moby for $25...I'm tempted to get it. But, I also want an ergo.

I'm not sure if you all shop at Right Start, but I went in yesterday and saw that they are filing for bankruptcy. So sad. I was looking forward to using my registry rebate there, but they are not excepting those anymore, grrr. I was planning on buying my Ergo there.

Couperine-not feeling new mommy-ish..ahhhh...you are such a wealth of info!!!!!!! But, I know you lurk and will come rescue us if you have the answer ;)

mabvt-I have 6 more weeks until I'm back to work. I am not really understanding how I will do it!!! ;) I'm glad you are getting a nighttime schedule figured out.

SooCookie-I was worried about you. I'm glad Ben is home now and getting better. How scary!

Beth G.-Glad Michael is still his fussy self at the boob. ha!

bekki-sorry your are having some rough days. I hope today has been better!!!

Michelle

[2HUNGRY!]

Talk about not feeling new mommyish, today Ryan crawled over to me and pulled himself up while holding on to my arm! I am not ready for this!

Pony Have you seen those cushion things that you can put in the middle of the bed to make co-sleeping safer? That may make you feel better. Hang in there.

Bekki Sorry you were having a bad day. I don't know how you do it with twins. We've all been there, and you're there double so don't be too hard on yourself!

SooCookie How sad! I hope Ben continues to feel better.

[Megan James]

BekkiI never thought I'd be giving Tylenol for teething. My first wasn't that bothered by teething but Little Will has been a mess lately. Late Afternoons and Evenings are particulary bad and I've been giving him Tylenol when it gets to be too much (for both of us!). If really helps. This morning he was an absolute mess for 45 minutes for DH while I was at the gym and then still for me when I got home. I gave him a dropper of Tylenol and in 10 minutes he was laughing and making all his happy noises.

Pony I hear you on the co-sleeping nervousness. DH just doesn't sleep in the bed with Will and I. So I usually end up playing musical beds trying to give everyone some snuggles. Until I get too tired and head for the peace and quiet of the bed in the guest room. I have one of those in the bed co-sleeper things 2Hungry mentioned. If you want it I will send it to you, just PM me.

Other than teething we are doing OK. Will loves to laugh which is so sweet. He does it when he's happier than just smiling, I don't really know if he understands "funny" yet. He turns 6months on Monday so I don't feel as much like a new mom anymore. I think he may get a banana with candles in it for his birthday.

[mabvt]

Pony--I have to tell you that I laughed last thread when you said something about your DH's facial hair. I have a hairy DH too. Head & Face. So far I think Neal has a total of 12 hairs on his head. :p Enjoy your time at home with Evelyn. And the first few days at work your mantra is, "It won't feel like this for ever." It truly gets better once you get into a bit of a routine!

Bekki--Bless your heart. Neal has a ton of the teething symptoms too. This weekend he has been such a crab. I can't imagine it x 2! His favorite thing so far is chewing on a washcloth. But he has been eating less Fri/Sat. As soon as he chomps down on a bottle he starts to crab.

Beth H.--how is the nursing/bottle thing going?

Both Beths0-:cool: I'm impressed about your laid back-ness with next baby. I hope it will happen eventually...just not now!

Megan--Wow! I'm impressed that Will still wants to swaddle. I think I was more addicted than Neal was. He would wiggle his arms out as soon as I wrapped him. Love the idea of a banana with candles!

Okay, everybody. I'm sorry I'm out of personals...

Neal visited his first micro-brewery tonight. :p We met my bro and his GF for a pint...okay, a couple. We've had a ton of snow this weekend and the only other place I'd been this weekend was the grocery store. It was great to see them and get out. Neal has been a bit of a crank this weekend. Those darn teeth! I hope everyone has a fab Monday!

We just found out tonight that our fifteen year old neighbor girl (sixteen in a couple of weeks) is pregnant. She's about 3 mos. Man...DH and I are both just sick about it. All of us here know how difficult having a baby can be. And she doesn't have a very attentive/caring family. wow.

Melissa

[SusanPC]

Hi ladies, everyone seems to be doing well. Count us in with feeling your pain on the teething. Maddie has her top two and her bottom two and must be working on a fifth b/c the last two nights she's awakened at 11pm hysterical. Last night I finally rocked her for about 45 minutes before I could get her to settle. I swear she was trying to chew on everything in site (including an attempt at my nose!) Ugh.

Other than this though, all is well. She is so close to full on crawling....but has the commando crawl down and gets anywhere she needs to be. In fact, she crawled out of our sunken family room this weekend making it very apparent that we need to get serious about baby proofing.

I make all of Maddie's baby food and yesterday she had chicken and spinach for the first time. It was a big hit. I can't believe my little baby is going to be a year old in a few months. And, I really don't feel like a new mom at all anymore.

My Jenny Craig is going well. I lost 10 lbs and 12 inches in the first four weeks. I am trucking along with the goal of trying for baby #2 in the June timeframe. Who knows how long it will take....

Hope everyone has a great week.

ETA--Forgot to mention we ended up moving Maddie to the Britax Diplomat and so far so good. I think she is much happier sitting up and it gives us a lot more leg room in the front passenger seat of the car now. I know it only goes up to like 45 lbs....but I figured it was worth it to have more room in the car. We got it at a great price online with free shipping from Albee Baby.

[helios7]

We're doing pretty well here in NYC. I've been trying the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child theories appropriate to Quinn's age, and they've really been working. So we're not on a nap schedule per se, but he goes down by the 2 hour mark (if not before) from the point he wakes up from his previous nap. i didn't think he needed that much sleep, or would be able to sleep that often. But to my surprise he does, and can, and is so much the happier baby for it. There have been a few hiccups along the way (it took 4 tries and a half hour catnap for him to truly go down this afternoon :eek:) but overall he's a happier baby and I'm a happier mommy. I've discovered that he will go down in his crib swaddled (did I say that in a previous post?) and we're putting him down in his crib at night which has been really nice for the two of us.

I'm a bit concerned that he favors looking to the left. He can look right, but always looks left. DH noticed that's the side I feed him on in bed, and thought that might have something to do with it. He has a ped appt on Thurs so I will ask then, but thought I'd see if anyone has any similar experiences to share.

Susan - ugh, we have to start shopping for a bigger carseat soon. I so don't want to, but appreciate the tip to look into Albee.

Melissa - Hope Neal had fun at his microbrewery. Quinn favors wine bars personally.... :D

Megan - I dread teething. But it sounds like you're handling it as well as can be expected....I'll have to remember to keep the tylenol handy. Ours is still unopened!

2Hungry - wow! Ryan is getting so big!

Michelle - i personally use the Moby in the house (seems easier to me) and the Ergo out and about. But I haven't been using the MOby as much lately... so if you can only get one I'd say probably the Ergo is the way to go.I hope the sleeping gets better.

Really - Quinn's up AGAIN? Take 5 on this afternoon nap?

Sigh.

[Luv to Cook]

no time for personals...Asha is almost home from school.

helios, just wanted to comment on the favoring one side. all of my kids did that...not sure what it was, but I still can remember Asha when we were in Brooklyn, looking at one spot on the ceiling...something must have caught her eye. Sahana was not as bad, but Ayaan definitely favored one side as well...it has been going away now that he is actually getting more interactive. Def ask your ped, but I bet it is nothing!
Anita

[Beth G.]

Michael's had three bottles now and all is well - in fact, an hour after the last one I was trying on a new nursing tank and he started to fuss just as I took it off. I picked him up and he latched on and started eating in mid air - there is a nursing position I haven't seen in any books! So I guess we are ok and trying to keep up with a bottle every few days.

I've given up dairy and "heavily seasoned foods" (onions and garlic by my interpretation) as per pediatrician reccomendation and he is much less fussy at the boob and not as gassy. I am hoping we can reintroduce at 3 months, because I sure miss my dairy. I'm a fairly picky eater and getting pretty tired of Smart Balance on my bagel (I do peanut butter every few days which makes me very happy but I don't want to overdo that). I made some non-dairy chocolate sorbet last night, fortunately chocolate doesn't seem to bother him. Anyone else give up dairy have any suggestions for a diet other than chicken and rice? I had orzo, spinach and in place of feta, chick pea salad for lunch.

Pony - Glad Evelyn took the bottle! It is much more relaxing when I go out now knowing if he gets hungry DH can feed him. I have an Ergo still in the box in the basement since I didn't get the infant insert it will stay there a little longer. I ordered an "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" for around the house. I am curious to see how I like that. I haven't done anything but carry him in my arms yet.

Heather - Michael turns his head to one side all the time, the pediatrician noticed it at his four week appointment and said it's torticollis (wry neck). He's seven weeks now and we are still working it out, and try to do things like position him in the crib that if he wants to see us, he needs to go the other way. He can, but doesn't always like to. We do a lot of tummy time since he can't hold his head up yet (did for two minutes today though, I was pretty excited), so it may be different since Quinn is older already. I think once Michael can hold his head up on his own it will go a long way towards helping the torticollis too. See what your pediatrician has to say.

Wondering if anyone has any recommendations on non-blanket swaddling (we abandoned blankets for velcro pretty quickly since Michael really likes to break out). We started with the Kiddopotamus but I've soured on those as he's 11 pounds and they are supposed to go to 14 and I can't wrap them around him anymore already. I really like the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle since it also has an arms out option but they only go to 12 pounds and we are closing in. Their website says the bigger size is "Coming in March". I am hoping for March 1 but no sign of that yet! Any other ones people like?

[Pony]

Hi everyone. Hope all the new moms are well. Looking forward to hearing from the new new moms!

Evelyn is 7 weeks today!! She is doing well. Sleeping is going about the same. The other night she slept from 12-4:30 and then 5-7:30. I felt sooo good the next day. Last night was a bit choppy, but still not bad. Except she grunted from about 4-5am :D. She sleeps so well on her tummy :o and I've been putting her down for her naps on her tummy occasionally. I keep a close eye on her. I check her probably every 5 min. and sometimes I take care of tasks that are in the room she is sleeping in. She had 2 2 hour naps like that yesterday, but I feel like I'm doing it wrong, b/c she isn't on her back. :( At night, she sleeps on me or on her back in our bed swaddled up nicely.

I went to the BF support group again w/ E on Wednesday. They have a scale and I weighed her pre and post feeding just to see what she got from the breast that pumps out over 5 oz each morning. Well, after spit up, she gained 6 oz! I was shocked....no wonder she spits up so much. She is getting 6 oz in less then 10 min. It seems like a lot to me.

I have a question about breastmilk bottles and going out. Since my husband will be SAH, we were wondering what to do w/ the breastmilk bottles if he wants to go out to lunch or to the museums w/ Evelyn. How would he warm it up or keep it at the right temp during his outings?

Megan James-how is Will's teething going? I'm going to PM you about the co-sleeper thing! THANKS! Did you use it and like it? Too funny about the banana with candles!

mabvt-yay for getting out and having some pints. We took Evelyn out w/ a couple who has a 4 month old. She does really well when we are both out w/ her. It is such a relief and I sure hope it lasts, ha!

SusanPC-I hope Maddie is feeling ok w/ her newly found teeth! Congrats on the weight loss!!!

Heather-I checked that book out from the library, but it was due before I finished. I need to buy it. You said Quinn goes down after 2 hours of getting up from his previous nap. So, are you putting him down awake or is he already asleep at that 2 hour mark? I am glad he is a happier baby when sleeping like this, yay!

Beth G.-nursing in mid air, too funny!!! I would look for feta made w/ goats milk, use goat cheese and other cheeses made w/ goats milk. That is what my friend is doing now that she is dairy free. I like the vanilla flavored rice milk with cereals. I thought the Kiddopotamus blankets came in larger sizes? We are still using the small for now. What about the miracle blanket? I haven't used one, but it seems to get good reviews. How is sleeping at night going? Is he in his crib or sleeping with you?

Michelle

[LHBryan]

I have a question about breastmilk bottles and going out. Since my husband will be SAH, we were wondering what to do w/ the breastmilk bottles if he wants to go out to lunch or to the museums w/ Evelyn. How would he warm it up or keep it at the right temp during his outings?

Delurking for a bit .... DH is also a SAHD for our DD, who BF for about 12-15 months. At first he was gradually warming the bottles in a bowl of warm water. If they went out (which I'm sorry to say they just didn't do that much of early on), he'd skip the warming process and just take it with him straight from the fridge and let it naturally warm up to room temp. I can't remember what the "rule" is, but breastmilk is fine at room temp for quite a while. At some point we discovered that DD actually preferred cold bottles and cold solids (when that time came). It was great to no longer have to warm up bottles or cerea/babyfood! It definitely simplified the process. DH would then just pack her bottle with one of those freezer packs and put it either in the insulated pouch in her diaper bag, or once solids came into the picutre, he'd pack a small insulated lunchbox for her w/ the freezer pack, bottle, yogurt, babyfood/cereal, etc.

Hope this helps! And, good luck going back to work. In the beginning I felt really jealous of DH:o getting to spend so much quality time with DD. But I got over it (for the most part;)) and love seeing how much they adore one another.

-Laura

[SusanPC]

I would take BM bottles out if I was meeting girlfriends for lunch, etc. I'd just ask for a large glass of hot water, 1/2 full and quickly heat it. He could do the same any place that sells coffee or tea (where they'd have hot water).

Re: swaddles, Maddie LOVED her Kiddopotamus ones. I wasn't a huge fan of the swaddle that velcroed on to the sleep sac, although I did use it in a pinch from time to time. (She now wears a sleep sack everynight). Re: the miracle blanket...I searched high and low for this and finally found it.....and HATED it. Yes, it holds their arms down with an extra piece of fabric inside....but try swaddling a flailing and screaming baby in that thing....it is no easy task. Just my $0.02.

Not much new here. I lost another 2 lbs this week! I think I am finally on a role. DH has been out of town all week and I am making him an indulgent pasta dish.....but I am motivated to stick to my healthy meal as I finally went down a jeans size. I will have to splurge on the cakebread cab I bought at wegmans today. It's all about priorities, eh?

Have a nice weekend, everyone.

[Beth H]

Hi all.

Michelle - I wouldn't worry about allowing Evelyn to sleep on her stomach; I do think most babies are more comfortable that way.

Beth G. - I have tons of swaddlers (hand-me-downs from relatives); I need to look to see what sizes they are. Will never has really liked them that much after the first week or so. I'd be happy to mail one to you if I have any that are larger.

Heather - glad that the book's recommendations are going well!

mabvt- It's great you got out. We took Will out to dinner a week or so ago, and it was nice.

Things here are OK. Will had his 2 month checkup a bit early. He weighs almost 12 pounds and is 24 inches. Last night was his best sleep night ever - slept about 5 1/2 hours in one stretch. Unfortunately, he's hardly slept at all during the day in the past few days, which makes it tough to get anything done. DH is in San Diego at a conference right now - he was eating lobster pasta last night while I was soothing a fussy baby.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[2HUNGRY!]

Susan -- Way to go!

Pony -- I let Ryan sleep on his stomach during the day too. I kept a close eye on him, so I felt okay with it. At night I swaddled him and he did fine on his back. He would get too hot during the day for the swaddle though. Now that he can roll he sleeps on his side or face down with his butt up in the air! I'm not sure how that is comfortable for him, but he seems to like it :D

We liked Kiddopotamus too.

Ryan had his 9 month this week. He's 19 pounds 2 ounces. He's just such a big boy now -- he feeds himself finger foods, crawls all over, shakes his head when he hears a song he likes, and tries to go after anything he sees that he knows he's not supposed to have!

Anyone else doing finger foods? What has worked for you?

[Kerri]

I will have to splurge on the cakebread cab I bought at wegmans today. It's all about priorities, eh?

Have a nice weekend, everyone.

GASP!! You found Cakebread Cab in a store?!?!? That stuff is impossible to find. Maybe you can send me some. :0

More later...or maybe next month.

[SusanPC]

GASP!! You found Cakebread Cab in a store?!?!? That stuff is impossible to find. Maybe you can send me some. :0

More later...or maybe next month.

Kerri--I saw a Cakebread Chard. and figured I'd ask if they had the cab, expecting a no. But, she said they keep it in the back and dole it out when asked. I did look at their site though and it looks like you can order from them directly (unless your state doesn't allow it).