March 2009 1+ Crowd

[helios7]

Since many of us who are so active on the infant board don't actually have infants anymore (!!!), I thought it was perhaps time for us to move on. But the naming of the group is so tricky (cruisers? toddlers? etc) that I thought just calling it a 1 + would leave it kind of open. I'm not sure I'm loving the word crowd though.... we may have to work on that in April! :P But if your baby's one (or close to it) then come on in!

Anyways -
me - 31
DH - 32
Quinn - 15 months

I'm hoping March is a healthier month for many of us, me included. Quinn shared his germs nicely so now we're both walking around hacking up a lung. :rolleyes: I know I can't complain as there have been many moms struggling with more illnesses then I (BethG?? :) ) but this has been a very. long. week.

Despite his illness, Quinn is still trying to be a trooper. He plays as best he can, continues to try to reproduce as many words that we say as possible (I think I heard tractor today) and is really just a delight to be around these days. I'm really enjoying "getting to know him" as his personality continues to develop.

[tholbrook]

Heather, thanks for getting us started! Not sure how I would describe this group either ... so the title works for me! Of course, it's 2010 ;):D but given your post about a long week, I think I understand!

Well, I might as well take this opportunity to post too ... Maya is in the middle of her usual "midnight romp" which involves her bouncing around her crib and carrying on a very animated conversation with herself and stuffed animals. Despite being quite annoyed that I can't go to sleep until she quiets down, I have to chuckle at her ceaseless chatter ... wish I knew what she was saying. However, the amusement will be wearing thin in about the next 30 minutes or so... :rolleyes:

Me (Tami): 35
DH: 38
DD: Maya, 18 months (8/25/08)

Not too much in the way of major developments here. A lot of little things - new words all the time, funny things she does, etc - but like Heather, I love watching this crazy, fun (and sometimes quite ornery :o) personality emerge from this little person.

Eating continues to improve - but Maya eats sooooooo slooowwly. It drives me batty because it has been taking an hour or more to get through dinner. She puts food in her mouth, chews a couple times ... and that's it. She just holds the food in her mouth. But she doesn't refuse the next bite, so it's not that she's full or doesn't like what she's eating :confused:. I have resorted to bribing her with little sips of milk or tea between bites - which she loves - but she has to swallow her food first. She sticks out her tongue to show me she's ready for a drink :rolleyes: but sometimes her mouth is still full and the half-chewed food falls on the floor.

Funny story - in a gross sort of way :eek: - to share: DH was watching Maya the other day while I was at work. So he had to pee, and while he is standing there, he sees a hand with a spoon appear between his knees: Maya is attempting to catch the, ahem, stream with the spoon :confused::eek:. DH, of course, freaks out and tells her (probably loudly) to stop - and then Maya freaks out, takes off running with the spoon, yelling all the way down the hallway. He was quite horrified by the whole thing. I, on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing. He thought I would be mad - but hey, it could have been worse, AND I'm sure we'll deal with far more disgusting things in the near future! :p

Still not quiet yet - she's been up for almost 2 hours now - but she is starting to slow down a little. That's my cue to head off to bed .... Good-night all!

[helios7]

Heather, thanks for getting us started! Not sure how I would describe this group either ... so the title works for me! Of course, it's 2010 ;):D but given your post about a long week, I think I understand!

Total d'oh! Oh well, too late to edit now. We'll just be a year out of vogue for the month of March.

Sigh.

[Pony]

Thanks for starting us off Heather :D.....I actually wish it was 3/09 b/c I would still be on maternity leave ;).

Me: 34
DH: 33
Evelyn: 14 months next week!

Our big news is that Evelyn took a couple of steps! Very very baby steps, but it happened twice. I am SO glad this happened during the weekend. I would have been so bummed to have missed it.

She has pretty much weaned herself from the bottle. It happened a few weeks ago and Carl kept trying. He gave up and has been putting the breastmilk in a sippy cup. She is still nursing, but doesn't want anything to do w/ the bottle except to play with it.

She is hit or miss w/ solids. She typically doesn't want breakfast, since she nurses a lot from 4-7am :rolleyes:. She ate some braised brussel sprouts last night!!!!

We have been sad this weekend as we found out our friends are moving! We met them when Evelyn was about 4 weeks and they have a daughter about Maya's age. The dad is a SAHD and Carl would meet up with him weekly. So sad. We had similar parenting styles and if we ever needed any help w/ Evelyn, they would be the family to call. We haven't ever needed help, but it is always nice to have that type of friends around. :( I'm taking it harder then I thought. I hate to see one of Evelyn's buddies leave and hate to miss her grow up w/ Evelyn.

I feel like I had questions for you all, but can't seem to remember what they are???????

I am happy to report that I took my very first exam in over 13 years and got an A! I shocked myself :)

I hope everyone is feeling better these days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pony]

Tami-that is so funny about the spoon!!!!!!!!!!!

[acginkc]

Thanks for starting us off Heather. While I'd take 2009 for the maternity leave, can we fast forward to maybe June? ;)

Me: 31
DH: 32
Matthew 1 year (2/20)

Heather- I'm sorry you all are dealing with being sick. It is exhausting. Glad Quinn can still try to have a little fun though. Well wishes to you (and quickly)

Tami- So several years ago (like probably more than 5) I got sucked into one of those science shows that was all about how humans develop and the part that has stuck with me is that toddlers will practice language at night by themselves and it is essential. They will practice sounds, words, sentence structure, dialogue, etc by themselves. It was such a cool segment and your story about Maya brought it all back. So while she may drive you crazy with her jabbering after hour number 2 (and I can certainly understand why it would), perhaps you have a great orator or wordsmith on your hands.
Oh and your story about your DH had me dying. I could totally see that happening to my DH and he'd be equally freaked by it.

Michelle- I'm sorry your friends are moving away. That stinks and I would be totally upset as well, especially since you have such a good relationship with them. Yay for Evelyn taking some steps. There is no stopping her now. Matt doesn't get bottles anymore, but when he sees them he goes crazy. That boy likes his milk (both mom and cow). Luckily we've figured out which sippy cup he'll take it out of and now he's getting way more each day.

So as for us, you may have seen my thread on the OS board, but we have a serious biting problem going on right now. He'll bite once, we'll react with an "Ouch" and "no" and then the game begins. He starts laughing hysterically and just keeps biting. We've tried sitting him down with a firm no and he'll get up, run over bite and laugh again. I'm about to bite the little stinker myself, though I don't know that I'll go that far. Though its pretty funny when he tries to bite the dog and pulls away with a mouthful of her hair and the dog hasn't even noticed the offense.

So sleep had been going so good. That is over now. He is back to waking every 3 hours and I want to die. So I have this weekend off and I think we are going to have to get tough on this because I am so tired. Wish me luck because we need all the help we can get.

[Pony]

Ashley, I haven't read your other post on the OS board, but Evelyn is a biter as well. She mainly bites me, but will occasionally bite Carl. That is it, nobody else (thankfully!). I've tried, "no biting", "mommy doesn't like it when you bite", "that hurts mommy", "please do not bite mommy", etc. to no avail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Carl even bought her a Yo Gabba Gabba book that is called "Don't Bite Your Friends" and has shown her the video on their website, ha! I put her down sometimes, but she just starts crying and then will bite again. She goes through waves though and I just assume it is related to teething???????????? I have no idea, but my shoulder and collar bone has a ton of red marks from her biting.

[Sarah45]

Happy March Mommies!! :D

Thanks for the new thread Heather, and just in time for me to join with my ONE YEAR OLD! I really can’t believe it, seems a little surreal. Birthday festivities went fine although Jackson had a bit of a cold over the weekend and wouldn’t nap before his party so he was a bit out of sorts. Consequently, he wouldn’t give up his pacifier (except in exchange for cake) so its in all the pics :( Here are a couple birthday pictures…

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SpH-dIFli7o/S4wEVb2jxgI/AAAAAAAABm4/HFLxR262jQg/s512/DSC01677.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SpH-dIFli7o/S4wEcX1JaBI/AAAAAAAABnI/RK-SGwq4O6o/s720/DSC01658.JPG

with his 2-month old cousin who came from Ohio for the party...
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SpH-dIFli7o/S4wERy1WBSI/AAAAAAAABms/e4No1o0Ifeo/s720/DSC01695.JPG


Things seem to be settling into a new routine around here. Jackson is now going to daycare two mornings a week so I can go into the office. It’s a small in-home daycare run by the wife of one of DH’s friends. On the days that Jackson is there she has 5 other kids and one is just 2 months older than Jax so he someone to play with. The transition hasn’t been the easiest on him but she is getting him to down for a morning nap and I NEVER thought that would happen in a strange environment. So, even though there are still a few tears when I leave, this is a great thing for him and he keeps having better and better days.

Everything else is going smoothly around here. We have pretty much quit nursing altogether and it has been entirely Jackson led. I am still trying to get him to nurse at night but he has about zero interest and it’s just a “holding on to my baby” thing for me so I need to just deal with it :o. Please don’t hit me but sleep is wonderful, Jackson is sleeping about 11 hours at night with no wake-ups and takes about 4 hours worth of naps during the day (usually). Hmmm, saying it like that makes me think I should be getting way more done and be way less stressed :o.

Jackson IS standing on his own and seems to be getting really steady so I expect his first steps to not too far behind. We went to his 1-year appt. last week and he weighed in at 23 lbs (55%) and 31 inches (80%) so he’s doing well there. I was soooooo proud of him during the blood draw, he wiggled a bit trying to get free but there were absolutely no tears!

Heather – Sorry about all the sickness in your house but ti’s great that Quinn is dealing so well with it. I love that he has so many words – I wish Jackson had more than Dada...

Tami – OMG that story about your DH!! I have no idea what my husband would do but I know that it would probably have me on the floor laughing :D I’m glad that Maya’s eating improving somewhat. Just curious, does she eat at the same time as you and DH?

Michelle – Yay on baby steps for Evelyn and huge YAY that you get to see them. That’s a big bummer on your friends moving, I know how difficult it is to find compatible parenting styles and combine that with another SAHD?? Yeah, that really sucks.

Ashley – Am I remembering right that you were asking about whole milk at the end of last month? Jackson’s Dr. gave me the 16-20oz number too and I don’t think we’re that far off. Jackson LOVES milk and I think that the three times a day that he’s drinking it would probably be about 16 oz. Our doc did say not to go over that though since it would probably mean that he’s filling up on milk and maybe not eating enough solid food. I don’t think we’re in danger of that. Sorry you’re dealing with the biting thing, I wish I had some awesome advice for you. I hope your sleep issues got resolved…

Sending thoughts and good vibes to all of the Moms out there with sick kids…

[Beth H]

Heather, thanks for starting the thread. Hope you start to get over your illnesses - know it's hard when the winter has been such a long one.

Things here are going well. Will is taking little steps off and on, but still has not started walking per se. I think he's just a lot more comfortable crawling. He's saying a lot of words and overall is doing well. On the suggestion of our daycare, we have had him referred to our state's early intervention program for his eating issues, as he still shows very little interest in foods, and I think the daycare teacher was at the end of her rope (similar to me :)). We'll see how that goes - it takes several weeks to get enrolled into the program.

Ashley, we've had similar problems off and on with Will biting. Several months ago, he was into biting DH, me and his lead daycare provider. More recently (like last week), he's been biting a particular child at school. I think in part the biting coincides with periods of teething. We've reacted by saying "no biting" in a firm, but not excited tone, and sometimes (as suggested above) sitting him down and stepping away for a moment. At daycare, they take a similar approach. But - it sure is not fun having that little "talk" with the daycare teacher. Sorry that Matthew hasn't been sleeping well either.

Michele - exciting about Evelyn's steps! That's neat that you got to see them. And I'm sorry about your friends moving. One of our closest couple friends is planning on moving about an hour away, and I know realistically that we probably won't see each other much after that. Secretly I'm hoping that in this economy it will take them a while to sell their house.

Tami - the nighttime chatter is cute yet frustrating at the same time, isn't it? Will was up at 2 am last night, talking. It is less cute the more "middle of the night" it is. :)

Sarah - great birthday photos! I like those "rascal" t-shirts.

Hope everyone else's March is starting off on a healthy and happy note.

[tholbrook]

Ashley (and Beth H and Michelle too)- sorry you're dealing with the biting. Not sure what you can do that will work.

From what I've read, babies/toddlers lack impulse control until about age 2... however, I read plenty of contradictory advice as well. I've read that they don't understand the concept of "no" until 2 years too - not sure if I believe that, but maybe it's the tone of voice that halts the behavior rather than the word. Of course, that doesn't leave a lot of options to work with :(. Maybe someone who has been through this before (at this age) will chime in...

As I've mentioned before, Maya hits or headbutts - but it's a frustration thing rather than being playful. Nothing that we have done has deterred her in the least. The only thing that has been helpful is heading her off at the pass: when she's running toward us, we step out of her path, or quickly distract her with a favorite toy or activity. Along the same line, we will drop down to eye level when we can tell she is about to lash out - BEFORE she hits - and tell her firmly "Maya, DO NOT HIT Mommy (Daddy)". She'll make some motions like she wants to hit us, but doesn't actually make contact. In some ways, however, she's getting worse, mostly toward DH. She has been really clingy to me lately, and frequently doesn't want DH to pick her up - she will smack him when he tries to cuddle her, much to his dismay. Not sure what is going on there.

Anyhow, I know our situation is a bit different than yours (acting out rather than playing a game). Like Michelle's Evelyn, she only does this to me and DH. If Matt is biting at daycare, that takes it to a new level, of course. I hope you figure out a way to get him past this behavior. This is a great age, but can be really frustrating at times too. Have you observed any specific behavior leading up to the initial bite?

[helios7]

Yay! I'm so happy to see everyone starting our thread off with a bang!

So I totally dropped the ball on nap time today. We were back at the doctors, then stopped for a bagel, picked up groceries and a new prescription. I rushed him home, and put him down for his nap. Either he's getting better and hungrier or i underestimated how much bagel he ate, because a half hour after he went down I just had to get him up. I did feed him and I think he's maybe gone down now but it's 3:15. I'm going to have to wake him at 4:15 or so, or he'll never go to bed! It just stinks as I feel like it's been a waste of the afternoon. :(:(

Biting thoughts for Ashley - and feel free to take/leave. It really sounds like your reaction is feeding the game. I think you're going to have to just turn away. Walk away. Ignore. Much as Tami said, babies don't really understand consequences until 2(ish) and so the reaction of "Ow!" doesn't mean hurt, it's just funny to him. So he wants to see it again. I'm feeling very lucky I haven't had to deal with biting (yet) but I'm trying a similar approach with Quinn throwing food. It's been really bad lately with him being sick and less interested. I'm trying to remind myself as I put food on his tray to not put more then I want to pick up (:rolleyes:) and when he does start to throw I just take what's left away and don't react. It's driving me to distraction but I read in one of the million baby center emails that reacting will only make it worse, so I'm trying! Now, if I could just explain to him that cats don't eat bread, ravioli, kale and all the other things he tries to feed our cats then we'd make progress! But I digressed. I'm really sorry Matt's biting has been such a problem, and i hope you'll find something that works soon. It's so hard when they don't have the words or understanding to "get" it.

Beth H - Sorry to hear the solids still are a struggle. I think it's a great idea to get EI involved. You've definitely done your best! Time to bring in the troops! It's great to hear that things are going pretty well overall. :)

Sarah - I love the birthday pics! Look at all that hair! I'm glad the festivities went well, and can only dream of the 11 hour straight sleep stretch. And I totally hear you - nap time hits and instead of being productive I just want to sit down and browse the web. :eek::eek: I see it as "me" time, not "productive" time.

Michelle - sorry to hear about your friends moving away. That does seem like a great family match for you guys - here's hoping perhaps the details will take a while to get worked out so the move won't be too imminent. Quinn also likes brussel sprouts. :)

Tami - that's really funny about Maya's midnight romp. But I hear you, I can't sleep when he's awake. DH has this amazing ability to sleep through the monitor (crying, talking etc) but I can't. So if Quinn starts to do the same, then I'll be sitting there too. And your story is just hilarious. Your poor DH! :)

[Sarah45]

Quick question - any tips for getting Jackson to east fruit?? He will eat any fruit in sauce form, apple, pear, peach, etc. but when the fruit is chunked up he refuses it and throws it on the floor. I've even tried canned peaches and when he refused them took the exact same peaches, processed them, and then he ate them.

I have no problems getting him to eat any other solid food - he loves to feed himself - just all varieties of fruit. I've tried pears, plums, grapes, apples, bananas, peaches, blueberries and mangoes...

[Beth G.]

Me: 40
DH: 41
Michael: 14 months

Happy March, all! At the moment, we seem to be healthy. Michael’s course of augmentin completed last night and I will finish mine tomorrow. We go back for a follow up on his ears on Wednesday. He might be coming down with another cold though :(. Looking forward to better sleep after the antibiotic is out of his system. His sleep is always erratic when he is on antibiotics. This time, the challenge has mainly been getting him down for the night. Usually he does that on his own but this week it’s all been about falling asleep laying on top of me. I foresee some driving naps tomorrow :o. Other than that, he’s walking most of the time now so I think we will need to get some hard soled shoes. The forecast is warm enough that they might go outside at day care next week.

Michael definitely understands what No means. He will shake his head no when I ask him a question and this morning when I was bringing him upstairs to dress and offer a little more milk before school he was shaking his head no as I carried him into the room. He knew why we were going and wanted me to know he was not interested. Whether he understands the consequences of no, when said by a parent, well, that is a different story.

It is nice to see a friendship developing between Michael and one of the other boys his age at day care. You can really see they are fond of each other and seek each other out to play with. And of grabbing each others sippy cups and drinking from them before anyone can stop them:rolleyes: - and I wonder how he gets sick. There is a new “baby” in the class now, just 3 months old. All the other infants are at least 1. Michael is enjoying playing with the baby toys that have reappeared.

Anyone have any idea why blueberries are delicious and pancakes are yummy but blueberry pancakes are so offensive that everything on the tray must immediately be swept off and no further eating (even of things that are not blueberry pancakes) takes place? Or why a piece cut from the pancake that is 100% blueberry will not be eaten but the extra blueberries, put down right next to it, get gobbled up? On another food note, I swear we must be the only parents that have a weekly stop at the olive bar to pick up a selection for our 14 month old.

I know babies will sleep differently at day care, but Michael is an entirely different person there. In addition to taking two 90 minute naps (which he goes down for with no assistance), he behaves nicely when being changed, when having his coat put on, and runs over to eat food he would never eat at home. That he lets the teacher feed him! The only constant is a complete rejection of vegetables.

Will try to get to personals soon but Heather, thanks for getting us started and putting some thought into the new thread name. All I had was “Not So New Moms” or “Moms that are so not new that Nancy is already in the second trimester of her next pregnancy!”.

Have a good weekend everyone.

[Pony]

No more stepping over here. She hasn't done it since Sunday. She is having fun looking at her animal books, trying to repeat "one, two, three", can identify her hair, feet, toes, etc., climbing.....

She hasn't been biting that much, but now she is grabbing our necks and pinching--ouch!!!!!!!

Have you all had any dentist appts for the little rascals yet? My dentist does not see kids until after 3. She has so many teeth and I feel like we should go in, but have to find someone. She has fun brushing her teeth, but I'm so bad about remembering at night. She brushes w/ me in the morning.

About the saying "no" vs. ignoring their behaviors, how do they know they are not supposed to do it if we don't say something???? My friend and I were talking about it yesterday, b/c I was telling her how I feel like I need to be more consistent when she tosses her food on the floor. Sometimes I don't react and sometimes I say "no". But, if I don't say anything then won't she think it is ok??????

Tami-I told Carl about Maya and her spoon trick. He laughed and said, "if Evelyn did that, I would have laughed my a$$ off". Evelyn proceeded to laugh. :p

Ashley-has sleep gotten any better this week? Evelyn has been having longer stretches (yay!), but still restless form 5am-7am. What is the latest with the biting?

Sarah-Cute pictures! That is great that he is going down for a nap at daycare and congrats on such an awesome sleeper! Have you tried putting the fruit in the freezer to get it cold or frozen? Maybe he would like it like that????

Beth H-I would love to hear what they say about his eating whenever you get to your appointment.

Heather-how is Quinn feeling over there?

Beth G-Very cool about him walking!! I sure hope he isn't getting a new cold and am glad you all are sounding healthier!!! You deserve it! Too cute about his little buddy. You cracked me up about the food. What a rascal!

Here are some photos...Carl had some photo shoots w/ Evelyn this week. He even brought a blanket down for the backdrop during one photo shoot, b/c he hates our highchair pattern (but it was given to us, so there was no way I would refuse free, recycled goods!!)

My mom knitted Evelyn a hat, pig, ball, catapillar, leg warmers, and washcloths. She loves the pig.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd25b3127ccef9dd5fff49a200000030O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

One of her favorite things to do is look outside!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd25b3127ccef9dc5510690400000030O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd25b3127ccef9dde529c81900000040O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Time for a barrette!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd25b3127ccef9dd802b88b100000040O08AaOGzhy1aNQ e3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[fancyn]

Disclaimer: I’ve been working on this post for 2 days and editing as necessary so if it’s choppy and hard to follow, apologies!

Me: Nancy, 31
DH: 37
DS: Nick, 5 (1/31)
DD: Natalie 1 (2/17)
D?: EDD 8/10

Hello Mommies! I think the new thread is great idea (and I’m glad I didn’t make the thread title ;) ) I can’t believe March is here already – time just keeps speeding up! We got the house sold and moved almost our entire house last weekend, minus some misc. stuff in the garage. I will never not hire movers again – they were a life saver!! Between trying to pack and haul with two kids, it was an experience. But we’ve survived thus far. I have the kitchen and most essentials unpacked – it may be another 6 months before I finish up with the rest, HA!

NJ’s party went well! We didn’t have the turn out that I was expecting but that was okay. And her buddy Matt made it so that was great too. She didn’t tear into her cupcake but seemed to enjoy it enough. She was more concerned with everyone and making sure she was the center of attention, go figure!!! She didn’t rake in nearly as many toys as I expected, more clothes than anything. So this past weekend I got out more of her brother’s age appropriate toys and she’s been going to town. For those looking for more toys, she and Matt love the peek-a-blocks.

Monday we FINALLY had her 1 year appt. Her dr. went out of town on her bday and there apparently are strict rules about having the shots even one day prior to one year. She weighed in at 17.15 pounds (8%), 28.5 inches (28%) and Tami…the noggin was in the 55th percentile. :D She did fine with the shots, ran a bit of a temp but took a 4 hour nap that afternoon. I’m happy to say she’s 100% off the bottle and formula and takes the 2% just fine. Eating lunch has become an issue for the past 4 weeks though. She eats a huge breakfast but then doesn’t want to eat lunch. At all. And throws a fit about it. I’ve tried to cut back her breakfast but it still doesn’t make a bit of difference. She only picks at her afternoon snack as well but chows at dinner. So I’ve made my mind up not to worry about it and she’ll eat what her body needs.

Tami – HILARIOUS story about DH!! I bet he was more than surprised. :D Kids do crazy things and that’s just a glimpse. We do a lot of babbling alone in our crib as well but it’s usually in the wee hours of the morn. Can you just flip off the monitor? Or maybe turn it so low you’d only hear her yelling loud enough if she really needed you? Crazy kids. ;) We have the same issue with the sloooooow eating so no help in that dept. But some days are better than others!

Michelle – congrats on you’re “A”!! I can’t imagine trying to balance studying with work, family, etc. And I’m so sorry to hear your friends are moving. I only have a handful of friends with children so we have limited options as well. Congrats on the steps! I bet the next time she tries, she’ll take off.

Ash – How’s the biting these days? He was a complete gentleman at our house the other night and please tell me he slept the entire night through after the wild evening at our house! ;) Hope it improves soon.

Sarah – looks like the birthday party was a hit! And I love the picture of him with his cousin. And what a relief daycare is going so smoothly. I bet he’s happy to have a buddy to play with too. In regards to the fruit, do you think it’s b/c it’s ‘slimy’? Maybe dabbing it with a paper towel so its drier would make it enticing? Yikes, I have no clue.

Heather – Yay Quinn for walking!!! His video was adorable. I hope he’s feeling much better and the last of the season’s bugs have left your house for good.

Beth – Man, you both have had it rough with all that sickness. Hopefully you guys are over it for good too. And we have our share of bizarre food quirks. NJ isn’t too picky about much, but what she does have issues with is so perplexing.

Sheesh, book over. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[tholbrook]

Thanks to a nice long nap this afternoon, I’m not at all tired :rolleyes:… so here goes:


Nancy – I’m glad Natalie’s party was fun … loved the part about her being an attention hog (sounds familiar ;)). And I’m glad you’re moved into your new house – that would stress me out so much. We moved about 3 years ago, and I’m pretty sure there are still boxes in the garage that never got unpacked.
I do sometimes turn off the monitor when Maya is doing her “standup routine” (literally!) in her crib at night … however, I’m a light sleeper, and can still hear her even though she’s upstairs. I can’t bring myself to wear earplugs since I’m afraid I wouldn’t hear her at all then.

Michelle (Pony) – boy, that little girl of yours is something else (but wow, those eyes – she could probably get away with anything!:D). I hope she grows out of the biting and pinching soon. I’m with you on the “no!” (or whatever) vs. ignoring the behavior – very confusing to know what to do. We typically use NO for things she finds fun (throwing food, pulling things off the table, etc) and distraction or ignoring the behavior for “I want my own way” antics like temper tantrums. Hitting, of course, falls under neither of those, so we’re a little lost on an effective solution.
Gorgeous pictures - Evelyn’s hair is going to be past her shoulders by the time Maya has enough to cover her ears! :D I tried to put a little bow in Maya’s hair the other day. It was on the floor in less than a minute.

Beth G – Yay for being healthy at last :):D! And make that a big double-yay after all that you and Michael have been through this winter. So cute about Michael and his little buddy! LOL on the blueberries and pancakes. Ah, who can know the inner workings of a toddler’s mind? And Maya is 100% sweet for Grandma when she comes over to babysit. No hitting, no temper tantrums, no whining. So I understand the “dual personality” completely.

Sarah – no suggestions for you on the fruit either. Like Nancy mentioned, it might be a texture thing. Maya isn’t a fan of “slippery” food, so she does the same thing: she’ll eat the pureed fruit but not pieces. She does a little bit better with apples and bananas if we offer her a bite of a larger piece. I like the idea of partially freezing it (thanks Michelle!) – I’ll have to try that myself.
Cute pictures of Jackson – such a handsome little boy. Glad daycare (and naps!) are going well. And hurray for good sleep at night! Holy cow, 4 hours of naps? I sure miss those days! :p

Heather – how is Quinn feeling this week? I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I can just picture Quinn peering over the edge of his high chair to see if the cats will eat his latest offering. Get that on video, would you? – before he finally learns not to throw food! :D
Don’t feel too bad about hitting a nap snag once in awhile – we kept Maya up late 3 weekends in a row last month because we took her with us to several parties. She loves exploring new places (not to mention all the attention), so I think it’s worth a late bedtime once in awhile.

Beth H – I’m interested to know how Will’s eating habits progress – I can imagine that each mealtime has caused you plenty of stress. I hope that he will make some big strides in the EI program. :)

Ashley – oh, ouch on the sleep! Every 3 hours is rough. :( Somehow, we all survive it in the early months, but at this point, it seems almost unbearable. You have my sympathy. I hope the sleep situation improves over the weekend. I wonder if Matt's poor sleep and the biting are both related to some serious teething (molars maybe?). That was an awful stage for us too.
ETA - thanks for the info on the language development. It made me feel (slightly!) less annoyed while waiting for her to go back to sleep at 3 in the morning! And it seems to make sense that it is happening right now when she has really been testing out her vocabulary non-stop during the day as well.

[acginkc]

Happy Monday Monday moms. We had a great spring weekend here and were able to make a couple of trips to the park and really enjoy a nice spring weekend. I am so sick of winter, so I needed this weekend.

So I'm not sure if it is the fact that he's only nursing in the morning or what, but Matt has not really been eating much breakfast. Most of it ends up on the floor. His appetite overall has decreased, but I've seen that mentioned as pretty normal around this age since they aren't growing as fast, but breakfast is definitely the worst.

We really started working on nighttime sleep this weekend as well. Friday night we'd let him cry for 10 minutes then would go in, pick him up, give him a drink of water and his paci and as soon as he calmed down we'd put him back down. Seemed to work well as he was back to sleep within 2 minutes of us laying him down and we were up much shorter stretches than when we rocked him back down. Well Saturday and Sunday nights he slept through without waking at all so we aren't sure if it was all the outside time or if our one night did the trick. I'm sure we still have some rough nights ahead of us, but these last 2 sure were nice.

Tami- I hope Maya has been sleeping better for you. Thanks for the ideas on biting. Unfortunately he'll bite others too. I think Matt's is worst when he's teething, but sometimes just because he's bored.

Nancy- Glad Natalie did well with her shots. Matt has had a fun time with Natalie lately, and he loves the toys at your house.

Michelle- Any more steps by E this past weekend? Biting seems to be getting better. We have been quicker to catch him before he gets his teeth on us. We talked to his teacher and she said that he may not totally get it till he gets bitten back. So for now we will sit him down and ignore him (his teacher has the same problem as us, even a "no" eggs him on)

BethG- Yay for good health? Good luck with the ear check. Matt sleeps better at daycare as well. Food is the opposite. He eats much better at home.

Sarah- no real suggestions on the fruit. i was going to suggest maybe coating them with crushed cheerios.

Heather- We've had those days with naps too. Is Quinn feeling better? How have his nights been? Thanks for the biting thoughts. We are seeing less biting right now so we'll hope that it is on its way out now.

BethH- I hope the EI can give you some good insight on Will's eating. Hopefully our boys will figure out that biting is not the best way to have a fun day ;).

[Pony]

I have a question about high chairs. I always knew Evelyn had strong legs (have you seen them?? ;):p), but didn't realize she had the strength to break her high chair with them. We had my nieces' high chair. Carl HATED it. I could care less what they look like as I am all for recycled material, especially baby products.

So, my first question is....how long are these kids in high chairs?

I thought about getting one of those things that attaches to the table, but I think we are going to get another used high chair someone is selling for $10 for the time being. We really like to have Evelyn in the kitchen when we are cooking and the one that attaches will not work in the kitchen. Carl found this beautiful, modern, high end, dutch made high chair w/ a pricetag of $1000. hahahhahaa...yes, that is me laughing at my crazy husband. Love his taste, but sooo not going to happen. He doesn't think it is going to happen, but I always have an issue w/ buying things, b/c he is sooo particular.

and now to my second question....we love the Stokke line, but just not in our budget although Carl may make one. I like the idea of having something they grow into like the Stokke line, but wasn't sure if anyone else had a knock off that wasn't so expensive?

thanks!

[helios7]

Okay ladies! I'm feeling brave. I'm going to out myself (here only though ... not yet on FB) - if all continues to go well, Quinn will be a big brother in (very) early October! :)

And now a few personals - as we haven't been up to much except naps (I share Quinn's first nap with him ;)) and trips to the playground in this gorgeous weather we've had so far in March. Quinn is walking (almost running) up a storm, and the words are coming fast and furious. I think we're up to at least 30 or so. Recent new words include airplane and apple - it is so exciting seeing his knowledge and understanding unfold. I'm really loving this age!

Michelle - We just got Quinn this chair (http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534089&parentCategoryId=85181&categoryId=85205) from One Step Ahead. It's essentially like the Trip Trapp, but much cheaper AND has a tray. He's doing really well in it (except for the whole teething on the side thing!) so I can highly recommend it. We also had plans for the Trip Trap, but could never justify the money. A friend who has the Trip Trapp told me about this one, as she would go this way were she to go back since the lack of a tray is a bummer with the Stokke.

Ashley - we have trouble with breakfast too. And now Quinn's NOT nursing all night, I'm not sure what it's about. The only thing I can usually get him to eat reliably is a Earth's best organic cereal bar. So that's been my crutch of late. He really tanks up later in the day (umm - he ate two large slices of pizza for dinner tonight!!!) so I'm trying not to stress about it but it's tough. Sometimes I just want him to eat!

Tami - Quinn is finally feeling better. Last week he was still sleeping a lot (5 hours during the day last Wednesday!!!) but this week he's really back to himself. And yes, I should take more videos. I always forget, and then the moments pass! How are the pictures coming? :p

Nancy - so, you'll have some company over on the other thread. :) I can't believe you managed moving along with everything else (birthday parties etc). You are superwoman. :) I'm in awe.

BethG - Love the blueberries or pancakes, but not blueberry pancakes story! I only wish I knew the answer. Glad to hear you're all healthy in your neck of the woods! I think we are too.... here's hoping this early spring sticks around!

[Pony]

Congrats once again Heather!!! I can't believe you already know the sex!!!!

[helios7]

Congrats once again Heather!!! I can't believe you already know the sex!!!!

Oh no! We don't! But either way, Quinn will be a big brother. Whether it's to a little brother or sister is still to be determined. :)

[Pony]

I'm laughing at myself. Silly me.....I read it quickly and thought it said he is going to have a brother! :p;)

[acginkc]

So excited for you Heather!! Congrats!!:D

[Beth G.]

Great news, Heather!

[tholbrook]

Heather!!! Congratulations! Very, very happy for you :D, and wishing you a happy & healthy pregnancy! Are you planning to find out if you're having a boy or girl this time?
And so glad that Quinn is sleeping better - you *really* need your rest now, right?

Michelle - no advice on a highchair, unfortunately. I looked at the Stokke too, but then my dad just went out and bought us the clip-to-the-table chair, and since it seems to work, I'm not really motivated to find something else at this point.

Ashley - Wow, Matt slept through the night? What a relief, I'm sure. And yes, it is almost guaranteed that there will be some steps backward (teething!) but at least you're moving in the right direction.

Well ... we're solidly into the NO! and MINE! stage now. But like Heather, I think this is a wonderful age and I'm enjoying it most of the time. It's a lot of fun to see Maya's sense of humor develop - when we ask her what a dog says, she says "Meow!" and giggles. Or we'll ask her to point to a zebra, and she'll point to everything but the zebra. She also says "I love you" which comes out as "Ah-wow-woo". But I don't think that counts as a sentence because she isn't stringing words together on her own - still, it's so cute when she says it! :)

Since last time I posted, Maya has been sleeping through the night again - no more middle-of-the-night talkathons. And her naps are better again as well... so no complaints in the sleep department (for now!). I'm almost afraid to put that in writing, but oh well!

I'm going to sign off now, but I wanted to let everyone know that apparently you can get airline tickets really cheap right now, through tomorrow night, I think. I think we're going to attempt a trip out to CA in May. Which terrifies me, but I would like to take a trip before we have to pay for Maya's fare.

[Beth G.]

Hi everyone. The "record" streak of attending day care and DH and I getting to go to work regularly has ended at 2 weeks (woohoo? um, not that good a record). We had a bad storm this weekend, knocking out the power at day care, breaking windows, downing trees and fences on the playground. I am glad it was over the weekend since on a weekday the children would have been there in "just" rain. Now we are waiting to hear how long it will be to get the power restored and repairs made. Of course, Michael's had a hacking cough all night and a runny nose this morning, so by the time they reopen he probably won't be able to go :eek:.

Michael doesn't have the biggest vocabulary, but this weekend he started saying baba when we read two different books that have a sheep. Sooooo cute. Not that useful communication wise, but cute. He is working on moo as well.

Got his portfolio Friday and was glad to hear they don't have any developmental concerns to discuss when we do our meeting with his teachers. We started talking about the toddler room transition and how in a few more months they will be transitioning to one nap :eek: and sleeping on the cot :eek::eek:.

Hope everyone is well and sleep has not been disrupted too much by the time change!

[fancyn]

Congrats Heather!! I will love the company of another familiar voice.

Back with more later!!!

[tholbrook]

Well, I was hoping that we could make it to 2 years without getting sick, but it was not to be. Maya has a bad cold with chest congestion and cough. An obviously painful sore throat. And the surprise news from her pediatrician just a few hours ago: a double ear infection. She hasn't been touching her ears, so I had no idea. I think the sore throat just hurts more than anything else, especially when she coughs. Poor baby, she's not herself at all - hasn't spent more than 2-3 hours off our laps in the past 48 hours, and that includes diaper changes. She just dozes off and on since she can't get - and stay -comfortable to sleep at night. The whimpering and moaning "mamaaa, mamaaa" tear me up. :(:(:(

I have even more sympathy now for you ladies who have already been down this path. :o

[Beth G.]

Feel better, Maya!! Tami, so sorry to hear Maya is ill too. Hopefully you will all get some rest tonight. Are antibiotics the course of treatment for the ear infection?

Still no power at day care but a moot point since Michael had 102 at 7 PM. I gave him some motrin and put him to bed. DH will be assisted by my parents tomorrow since I need to be in the office. My dad just had minor surgery on Friday so I'm not thrilled about exposing him to a feverish bay but they insisted.

Alarm is ringing in under 7 hours and I'm not even in my pjs so I best head up.

[tholbrook]

Beth G - honestly, I have no idea how you have kept your sanity :o with all the illnesses you and Michael have suffered through this season. I'm thankful I'm not sick - yet! - but having been coughed on, sneezed on, drooled on, and as of tonight, puked on, I have a feeling that it's just a matter of time. My throat has been slightly scratchy, but nothing has come of it yet.

Yes, she is on antibiotics now (Amoxicillin) and just as a preventative measure - especially after reading the posts here over the past few months - I went ahead and gave her some probiotics a few hours before that. I really hope to avoid adding any other issues to everything else going on.

She is sleeping peacefully now, for the first time in 2 days.
With the lack of sleep I've had over the past few days (I can not sleep sitting up, no matter how much I'd like to), we put out an air mattress in the living room tonight. So I can lay down next to Maya, and if I'm sacked out from exhaustion, I don't have to worry about her falling (too far) off the bed.

Sending Michael get-well wishes too, and I sure hope this latest bug will skip you. :)

Oh, and if there is anything you found that works for congestion, I'd love to know... not many options out there for young babies.

[Pony]

Feel better Maya and Michael.

Tami, the only thing we did for E's congestion was to use a humidifier. It helped a little.

Beth, gosh..i just don't even know what to say. You all deserve a lot of healthy years ahead of you!!!

[acginkc]

Sending get well soon wishes to Maya and Michael. I hope they are both feeling better very soon.

We seem to be on the up swing around here. Matt has his ever present case of "daycareitis" but his nose seems to be drying up a bit. On the down side I am getting over a pretty bad cold. I totally lost my voice which is never pleasant and now am trying to kick this cough. I hate being sick.

Tami- A few things we've tried and/or had suggested. Humidifier, saline drops in her nose, steamy shower, warm bath. None of the ones we have tried worked great, but did offer a little relief.

[Beth G.]

Another day, another high fever. 103 today so DH will be calling the ped for an appointment first thing in the morning. I suspect another ear infection. Michael is really coughing and congested. Poor baby. He was up several times last night and since he had been sleeping through since he finished the last antibiotic I don't have the production during the night to comfort him as well as I think he wanted :( And tomorrow I have to go to the office again, so for the third day in a row, DH will not be able to, short of a few hours help from my parents today when he went. Still no power at the day care, but doesn't matter at this point.

Tami - our doctor also recommends the humidifier, but since we already have one running full time as part of our heat, I can't say whether it makes a difference to Michael. A friend of mine swears by Vick's Baby Rub. We haven't tried it. Michael is so used to being sick it doesn't really phase him any more :( I hope the antibiotics help Maya really quickly - they did for Michael's last ear infection. Glad you have an arrangement to help yourself sleep a little. Michael slept in the bed with DH for 2 hours today. That is a first. I have also been coughed, drooled and sneezed on a lot this week so not optimistic.

Heather - as I prepared Michael's one fish stick for dinner on Saturday (half of which he fed me and I hate fish, but he did have a yobaby with it at least), I kept thinking about Quinn's two large slices of pizza. I told DH and he said, well, where are they from and do they mean the same thing by a large slice of pizza as we do?? And I said, well, here, and yes. Congrats again. Very excited for you.

Ashley - glad Matt is reasonably healthy. How have the nights been going? Any progress on the biting? I hear appetite drops a lot this year. Hope you are feeling better soon. I know what you are going through!

Beth H. - any updates on the eating?

Nancy - glad the party and move went well. I am starting to think we might find a house this summer and I dread moving. Glad NJ is off the bottle. Michael is not really into milk at the moment, so he is sort of off the bottle. He had 2 oz today.

Sarah - we had similar fruit issues here, but now Michael will eat apples and bananas. He started really liking fruit pieces with oranges. He goes nuts for them. DH sections them and removes all the white stuff.

Michelle - I am looking for a dentist too. One thing I learned is they now have digital x-rays which use 90% less radiation, so I'm trying to find one that does that. The one I know of wasn't so highly recommended. Michael only has 6 teeth but the bottom two look tartar-y so I'd like to have them looked at. That said, my dentist, who I trust completely, said take him at 2. I am impressed that Evelyn will sit in the high chair while you are doing other things in the kitchen. Michael only will do that if he's got food to work on.

Hi to anyone I missed!

[Sarah45]

UGH! The crud has returned :( Jackson was up practically all night coughing and congested and he's running a low fever ~102. Poor little guy.

Of course it had to happen now - the in-laws are arriving from Ohio tomorrow for some serious face time with their only grandson. I don't know if I should have my husband tell them not to come or not. His Mom's work schedule is pretty strict so it's not like they can come at the drop of a hat. If they do come, maybe I'll get a chance to do personals this weekend :D

[helios7]

So sorry that March isn't turning out to be the healthy month we'd all hoped for! Here's hoping Jackson, Maya and Michael are feeling better soon!

Thanks for all the congrats ladies - it's been a hard secret to keep, especially when the baby fever conversation came up a while back. :o I think I found my cure. :)

Quinn and I are still having so much fun. I just love watching his personality unfold, and how he experiences the world. I'm running him ragged keeping him outdoors at the playground as much as possible with this amazing weather, and today he practically keeled over at bedtime. I think he was asleep before I left the room! The new words keep coming - door and appy (airplane) showed up recently. And today he was holding a piece of bread up in the air while moving it back and forth saying "appy". It was really cute!

On the "challenges" side of thing, we were back at the doctor's on Monday as the dirty diapers were out of control. 3 times a day over the weekend, and 4 times by 3 pm on Monday! I mean, I know it's a part of parenting but come on! The doctor thought his system had been stripped of the good organisms while on the antibiotic, and as a result he's struggling with the dairy again. So I'm giving him probiotics, and he's dairy free for a while again. Poor little guy! He's also suddenly bath averse- which is odd. He cries and protests as soon as he goes in, when he's LOVED bath time for as long as I can remember! He'll stand initially, and so I "shower" him with cups of water and eventually he can be distracted with the soap bottle and will usually comply. But it's been challenging, and we're not heading into the season where baths will be optional!! :eek: Anyone else having similar issues - if not about bath time about something else?

Sarah - I hope Jackson feels better soon. And that's a tough call - visitors when he's sick. I'd be inclined to postpone since I find Quinn isn't receptive to extended family when not feeling well, but I understand the lack of flexibility. Maybe he'll magically feel better tomorrow!

BethG - Wow! i can't imagine how challenging yet another round of illness on top of a closed daycare is for you and DH's work. That's funny about your DH's pizza question - yes, it was NY large pizza. Although he didn't eat the crusts! :)

Tami - Hope Maya continues to feel better. We also used a humidifier, and when it's really bad I'll use one of the hospital sucker things but they're not ideal. This may be too late for your plane tickets, but I would strongly urge you to buy Maya a seat. I wouldn't fly without Quinn having his own seat - we bought him one at six months and I definitely would want him to have one now as we would (hypothetically) be toting the car seat anyways etc. We initially were reluctant, and my parents freaked out about the safety aspect. As they said, we wouldn't put him in a moving car without a seat, why would we put him on something going much faster without one? Obviously you and DH will make the decision that fits your family, but safety aside, corralling an active toddler for takeoff/landing would be murder without a seat into which to strap her. Just sayin'! :)


Ashley - I hope your voice comes back soon! And that Matt continues on the up and up!

Michelle - how's Evelyn doing? What decision did you make about the high chair?

Nancy - Hi!

[Pony]

I need therapy :):o I just typed this long post about being a mom that works outside of the home. I deleted a lot of it, b/c I am not wanting a pity party. Here is just a bit and I thought maybe other mom's have some advice. I'm frustrated I feel this way and realize my thoughts are irrational. I love that Evelyn is at home, but get a bit too jealous/envious/etc. that I'm not home with her. She is thriving with Carl. I don't have to worry about anything, b/c I know he is doing a fantastic job with her. BUT, I can't shake the feeling I have! There is NO WAY I can quit my job and Carl get something of equal pay with stability. So I just need to get over it. I get upset I only have maybe 3 hours with her a day and then feel like I'm wasting my energy on these negative feelings or housework instead of focusing on her. I just want to win the lottery so I can be with Evelyn all the time. I feel selfish and silly and ridiculous, but was wondering if others are feeling this way? Also, how are you all dividing the "to do" list?

Ok, enough about that..

The cutest thing Evelyn is doing these days is saying "bye bye". Love it!!! She sounds so cute and sweet. She is hugging her toys and loves to read her books by herself now. In the morning, she will sit on the floor and surround herself w/ her books.

Sleep has gotten better b/c there are longer stretches now, but this week has been tough. She is nursing a lot and bit my twice in her sleep--OUCH.

Carl took her to the zoo yesterday. She can just sit and watch everything. She loves her animals.

Walking update, she is still mainly crawling, but will walk w/ encouragement from us. I love watching her go. She is so happy and proud of herself. Charlie gets in her way a bit too often!

I'm having a hard time holding back the giggles when she drops food on the floor. She stares at me with her big eyes, puts her hand over the highchair, holds the food/cup in her hand for about 10 seconds w/ her eyes locked on me, then drops it. She never loses eye contact with me. It really is pretty funny and I need to learn how to hold back the laughter!!!

Nancy, I can't wait to find out what you are having! We used movers for the first time when we moved to Houston from Chicago. It was so nice. Glad you all are getting settled in your new digs. Yay for a good bday party and yay that Matt could make it! Has NJ gotten better w/ her lunch intake? Evelyn rarely eats breakfast. She really is not a huge solid eater. She takes some bites here and there and then it is on the floor!

Tami, Evelyn doesn't keep the clips in her hair. Her hair is very curly during the humid days. The past 2 days we've had low humidity and it is so straight. How is the head butting coming along? That is awesome that Maya is saying " i love you ". Sooo cute!!!
So sorry Maya is sick. It really is the saddest thing.

Ashley, I hope the weather is still nice up there. We are enjoying some very mild temps w/o humidity! In about a month, it will be too hot to go outside here in Houston. Evelyn went through a phase about a month ago where she rarely ate. Her appetite picked up after about 2 weeks of not eating much. I think it is very normal and the appetite picks up w/ growth spurts.

Heather, thanks for the highchair recommendation. I love that one you posted. We ended up just getting the $10 one I found on our kids group classified section. Carl is toying w/ the idea of making one, so I didn't want to spend much money on a new one. I'm not that impressed w/ the used one, but it will do for now. I hope the probiotics help him. Sorry about the bath aversion.

Beth G, wow is all I can say. I hope you all are doing a bit better now.

Sarah, feel better!

[tholbrook]

Hi ladies!

Happy to report that Maya is on the mend. I, unfortunately, have come down with her bug and feel utterly miserable. Beth G - you are a superwoman to have gone through this so many times.

Out of the past 5 nights, we've had one really good night. We attempted putting Maya into her crib last night, and that was a total disaster. I suspect we have a long, exhausting road ahead of us in terms of getting back to our schedule. Last night, she was awake from 1 am to almost 6 (possibly a new record). She just lay on the mattress with her eyes wide open. Thankfully, she is napping at the moment, without too much of a struggle.


Michelle - don't beat yourself up for the way you feel. It's completely natural to feel that way - you're a mom. I don't really have any suggestions that will help, unfortunately. You're already aware of your feelings about this, and that's the first step toward reconciling yourself to the situation. Maybe something will come up sometime in the future that allows you to work from home part of the time. I'm sorry - I know it has to be so tough. ((((())))) I hope that you'll be able to work something out where you can spend every second you can with E instead of doing housework. And vent away whenever you need to.
LOL on the food dropping - I don't blame you for wanting to laugh. She knows exactly what she is doing.

Heather - oh, sorry to hear about the dairy issue coming up again. I hope that gets resolved soon. Hmmmm, Quinn suddenly hating the bath is odd. I wonder if his rear end is a little sore from all the dirty diapers... you know, maybe it stings a little to sit in the water at first. Other than that, no ideas. Very cute about the "appy".

Sarah - sorry you're joining me and Beth in crud-land. It's hard enough but the timing really is awful in your situation. What did you decide?

Beth G - how is Michael doing today? I'm almost afraid to ask: did you manage to avoid this bug so far?

Ashley - hope you were able to kick the cold. I hate that nasty lingering cough too. You're basically better but people look at you like you have the plague.

[Beth H]

Hi all.

Update on the eating issue: we're not eligible for our state's intervention plan as he doesn't have any other delays. They were looking for a speech or fine motor skill delay to combine with the eating issues. I had to tell them no, he just doesn't pick up food and eat it. So now I am going to have to talk to my doctor about a nutrition program through our local Children's Hospital. We'll see.

Will's sleeping has fallen apart this week - last night he was awake and fussy from about 2:30 - 4:30. Fun. He's teething his upper molars which seem to be giving him a lot more pain than the other teeth so far.

On the good side, he was watching an Elmo's World video this morning about fish, and he tried to say that word. It was really cute.

Don't have time for full personals (as I have to run organize my office's monthly birthday celebration - how did I get roped into being the social chair of my office :rolleyes:), but hope everyone is getting healthier as the weather is gradually improving. Can't wait for real spring.

[tholbrook]

On the good side, he was watching an Elmo's World video this morning about fish, and he tried to say that word. It was really cute. Hi Beth - good to see you! Sorry sleep has been rough. Teething really sucks - for everyone involved.
Cute about the video! Maya LOVES Elmo ("Melmo"). We've watched Sesame Street just a few times, but she can pick out Elmo out of all her books, any time he is on TV, and even the tiny fuzzy image on a Pampers diaper I have stashed for emergencies. I used to think Elmo was super-annoying, but seeing Maya point him out, he's suddenly not so bad! ;)

Good luck with the eating issues! I hope Will just decides one day (soon!) that solids aren't so awful after all. Have they checked him out to make sure he doesn't have any problems with chewing?

[acginkc]

I need therapy I just typed this long post about being a mom that works outside of the home. I deleted a lot of it, b/c I am not wanting a pity party. Here is just a bit and I thought maybe other mom's have some advice. I'm frustrated I feel this way and realize my thoughts are irrational. I love that Evelyn is at home, but get a bit too jealous/envious/etc. that I'm not home with her. She is thriving with Carl. I don't have to worry about anything, b/c I know he is doing a fantastic job with her. BUT, I can't shake the feeling I have! There is NO WAY I can quit my job and Carl get something of equal pay with stability. So I just need to get over it. I get upset I only have maybe 3 hours with her a day and then feel like I'm wasting my energy on these negative feelings or housework instead of focusing on her. I just want to win the lottery so I can be with Evelyn all the time. I feel selfish and silly and ridiculous, but was wondering if others are feeling this way? Also, how are you all dividing the "to do" list?

My experience is a little different since Matt is not at home, but rather at daycare, but I get where you are coming from. I would love to be able to stay home with Matt, or even just have more time with him. I'll have days where I may see him in the morning, he's asleep by the time I get home and I leave before he's up the next morning so I don't see him for what feels like forever. It's hard and I really don't know a way to rectify that feeling. I do know that many of the working moms I know struggle with the same thing though. I often feel the green monster poking out when I'm with friends who are able to stay at home with their kiddos, or even just have a normal schedule so they get a bit more time each day. As for dividing up the chores, we've done a bad job of keeping a steady routine there. We get what we can done during naptimes and after he's in bed, but it is mainly just a make do solution. I hate giving up my time with both Matt and Bob so I tend to let the house go a bit more than I should. So not really maybe any help for you at all, but at least know you are not alone.

Hope everyone else is doing well. We are good over here. I'm finally better and sleep is still going fairly well. He'll wake up occasionally but can typically fall back asleep on his own within 5 minutes. Unless of course DH goes in to "help" him and is up for like 45 minutes :rolleyes:. I discovered yesterday that Mat loves gnawing on baby carrots, though its a bit of a mess and I'm not sure he ingests them at all, but yeah for my kid eating his veggies. We are totally weaned now. I had to go in to work before he woke up the other morning and he did absolutely fine without it so we decided it was our time. I gave him one last feeding (our goodbye to that stage) the following morning and we've been done for about 4 days now. Physically I'm fine, but a little sad it's over. So strange since when I started it was one of those things I was just going to try and see if it worked out. Never thought I'd last a whole year, or be sad when it ended (especially since I was so glad to be done pumping :)). I hear someone up so I'm sorry I can't get to other personals, I'll try to come back by again soon.

[helios7]

Michelle - I think your feelings are totally normal, and I can tell you right now that I wouldn't be able to leave Quinn home with DH to go to work. I mean, I guess I would if that was the solution that made sense for our family, but luckily it isn't because I would be wildly jealous and find it really difficult. And as for the working mom/lack of time issue - again I don't personally have experience with it but it makes sense to me. I truly feel lucky that i can be home with Quinn, that we were able to make certain choices and plan to the extent that we can make it work. It's hard to do these days, and I really do feel lucky that we were able to pull it off.

And as for the to do list - I so wish I were a natural Martha Stewart. I am not good at housework. I've finally found someone to come in every two weeks or so for a couple hours to get things like bathrooms done, but I feel like I'm always failing at the housework thing. And these days when I nap when Quinn's asleep, I just have no time without him. I try to look at my accomplishments (lunch and dinner on the table most nights -- thank goodness for leftovers!, I always clean up after cooking/dishwasher filling/emptying, laundry, raising the boy) and I'm trying not to stress about the clutter too much But it's tough. Still, I remind myself that time with Quinn is the priority - I would hate for Quinn's childhood memories to be of a spotless house and a mom who's always cleaning. Now, we're in no danger of that!:o But I think it's an important perspective. Especially as I don't think it'll get "easier" - by the time Quinn can sit on the floor and play while I tidy up there'll be another who's crawling/toddling/needing constant supervision.

Ashley - glad you're feeling better!

BethH - I'm so sorry the solids issues is still ongoing. I would definitely consider consulting with some sort of specialist to be sure there's no physical issue. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Tami - so glad Maya's doing better. I hope you're feeling better too!

I have a question for the other cloth diaper users. I'm finding that for me it is losing its charm. Quinn's taking lots of iron as during his bout of illness we discovered he's anemic. And let's just say it hasn't made cloth diapering easier. :rolleyes: We use disposable when out, and now I try to "catch" dirty diapers with disposables since ... it's just the way to go right now while he's taking so much iron. And then we use disposable night time diapers ... lately I feel like we're practically using disposables all the time. And on the one hand, I feel guilty but on the other it's so much easier. Has anyone else found they've transitioned more into a 50:50 place? Or is it just me?

Okay - got to go. It is a another beautiful day out so we're heading out for some hiking.

[Beth G.]

Hi everyone. Michael is feeling better. He went back to day care on Thursday with "neon" snot but no fever. His nose is still running today and very red. DH and I are both feeling like we are coming down with something, but nothing yet. Michael has been cranky all weekend so we are wondering if something is bothering him.

We went to get him hard soled shoes Saturday morning. I took him yesterday and today to the playground in our development and he hated it. He clung to me as tightly as he ever has and would not stand up. DH thinks he feels funny in the shoes and has lost his confidence. I'm hoping they will be able to go out at day care this week. I know he loves the playground there so I'm hoping being there will make him forget the shoes and he'll start running around. Anyone else have trouble with the changeover from soft to hard(er) shoes?

We seem to have the opposite problem as Sarah. Michael now only wants to eat fruit. I guess I can't blame him. It is very yummy. Oh, and he loves Oreos. I gave him a piece of one, and he signed more rather passionately. I broke off a few more. He was still chewing the first piece, had more in front of him, but would not stop signing more.

Hope Maya, Tami and Jax are feeling better! Try to be back for personals, etc. later in the week.

[tholbrook]

Heather, I'm in a little bit different of a situation than you - we use a service... so I think I would probably feel the same way as you if I was washing diapers myself. As it is, we recently picked up a package of disposable overnight diapers to use on occasion, and it has been a welcome relief with all the illness in the house (with a cranky baby, the faster the diaper change, the better!). I don't think you should feel guilty at all ... if you need a break from cloth diapers, take it. You can always pick it up again down the road if you want. Plus you've done a fabulous job with the cloth diapering for well over a year and you're going to have two kids in diapers soon (:D!!!) - so give yourself a break!

Beth G - when we put hard-soled shoes on Maya for the first time, she had only been walking a few months, and she didn't do well at all. She kept falling and had a hard time getting her feet under her to stand back up. I can't remember exactly when she started walking well in "real" shoes but I know it's been at least since early January when we put her winter boots on... so she had been walking for about 4 months by then. I think they just need some time to adjust to the shift in balance from standing on a more solid sole, and the heavier weight on their feet. I will say that Maya just loves to wear her shoes now - she likes the sound they make when she stomps around the house.

Ashley - yay for the good sleep, and great job on making it past a year with breastfeeding! I will be sad too when Maya is weaned.

Maya is definitely feeling better and finally has her appetite back, and she is playing during the day. Still not 100% - she wakes up grumpy, presumably because of the lingering congestion. And during this illness, I think she got her remaining 2 molars in. I'm still feeling rotten, and have completely lost my voice. I'm anxiously awaiting the end of this crud.

Sleep sucks. Well, it's a little better than the last time I mentioned it - she will lay down in her crib, but I still have to sit next to her until she falls asleep. And she co-sleeps with me when she wakes up around midnight. While I enjoy the cuddle time, I can't sleep well ... she likes to push me out of the way so she can take my pillow. :confused: Or she'll shove her head right under my chin.

She is doing a few new things now. When we ask "where is Maya?", she points to herself. She is drinking from a regular cup now without spilling anything (we still use a sippy cup if we're not at the table). Oddly, she still doesn't show a lot of interest in using a spoon/fork herself, so we need to work on that. And she can wash her own hair now - it's a good thing she doesn't have much! :D

Happy Spring, everyone!

[Pony]

I just wanted to quickly say things for the feedback. I'm busy at work, but will reply later. Very helpful!!!!!!

We are all congested at our house :(. Evelyn started w/ stuffy nose last week, Carl on Sat. and I was the lucky one on Sunday. I'm tired!!!

[MaryMorph]

Hi all--I lurk here frequently, but don't post very often---

I'm Mary Jo, 38
DH: Tim
DS: Nate, 4
DD: Maggie 15 months

Michelle---I had to respond to your post to let you know that I am right there with you! I, too, am working full time while Tim stays home with the kid. A big part of the reason I chose the career that I chose was because it would be easy to do part time once I had kids. Life has brought us different circumstances. My job is much more stable and much higher paying than my husband's would be, and with the medical conditions that my daughter had, losing our insurance would pose big issues for us (hopefully, healthcare reform will help to alleviate some of that concern!). The issue is made worse by the fact that he is bored to pieces at home. I think for us, both working part time would be ideal.

I wish it could be different, but it's not. I try to take comfort in the fact that the kids are getting the opportunity to know their father in a way that the vast majority of kids never do. I also know (somewhat sheepishly) that I'm the kids' favorite and that (although it shouldn't) gives me a little peace with it.

It is what it is, and I've got to accept that.

Good luck!

mary jo

[Pony]

I also know (somewhat sheepishly) that I'm the kids' favorite and that (although it shouldn't) gives me a little peace with it.



Mary Jo, thanks for popping in!!! This cracked me up :D. I haven't figured out who is Evelyn's favorite. She typically goes for me, but I figure that is b/c she doesn't see me much. Sometimes it helps me when I think we are setting good examples for them by working and they will know one day how much we did for them even if we weren't around them as much as we wanted to be.

For the SAHM, I hope you all realize that I am in no way thinking what you all do is not work or that you all are not setting good examples. :)

Are there any other moms out there who's husband stays at home?

[acginkc]

Hi ladies. Hope everyone is feeling better. We seem to all be healed up here.

Matt went to the ENT Wednesday and though he's currently ear infection free (this is the longest he's gone since September) he has a ton of fluid on his ear so we've decided to go ahead with the tubes. I'm not concerned about the tubes so much, but nervous about my baby going through a procedure and being put under. I know they do tons of these every week, but I'm just a worry wart. We also finally had a molar cut through so we have an explanation to his mood swings. He'll go from happy and laughing to crying and a total grouch in the flip of a switch.

On a good note sleep has still gone pretty well. He'll wake up on occasion but nothing bad. Last night though, I must have really been out of it because he woke up around 2:30. I immediately got up and went and grabbed him from his crib and brought him into our room. Only then did I realize what I had done but was too tired to go back to his room (which is all of 5 feet from ours) so we laid down in our bed for a while till I could get up enough want to to take him back to his bed.

Anyone else to the stage that when your little ones run away from you? It cracks me up, but also is totally annoying when I have to go chase him for the 4th time so that we can change his diaper or put clothes on.

Heather- I could have written your post about housework. I wish I could get the person in every couple of weeks, maybe I'll work on that. How are you feeling? Are you going to find out the sex of this baby? I can't imagine keeping up with Matt while dealing with 1st trimester exhaustion and such. Glad you've had so much good weather to be able to spend so much time outside. Your area looks beautiful.

Tami- How did you get Maya so good with the regular cup? We keep trying it with Matt and if we are holding it he's great, but on his own, it's bath time. So cute about Maya shampooing her own hair.

BethG- Matt took a while to get comfortable in hard soled shoes. I think it's the extra weight and the fact that they have to figure out how to bend their feet in them if that makes sense. I hope you all are done with sickness. It is the worst when it just never seems to clear up.

Mary Jo- It's good to hear from you. I hope Maggie is doing well.

[bekki]

Ashley- one of the little girls on our toddler group just had the tubes put in after a 5 month ear infection battle. She was almost immediately a different kid. She had them put in on Monday, and at group on Wednesday, she was happy, dancing, could go up the stairs in a straight line. It was kind of amazing.

[acginkc]

DH took Matt to see the Easter Bunny at daycare last weekend. We'll just say, Matt was not a fan.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs436.ash1/24085_10150161174475571_503150570_11703764_2900785 _n.jpg

[Pony]

Ashley, too funny!!!

[Beth G.]

Ashley, there was an activity at our day care this weekend, a mobile gymboree type thing. Michael had about as much fun as it appears Matt did.

Nearly midnight and just unwinding after the seder and cleanup. Michael is asleep in the pack and play (we are at my parents). Not looking forward to entertaining him in this really, really, not childproof house until 2 pm. Had been counting on the backyard/stroller, but it is supposed to rain all day. There are glass trinkets at foot level everywhere :eek:. Seder went well though - did much better with the huge crowd than last year when he cried for an hour straight. Let Michael stay up until almost 10:30 :eek:. My dad fed him a ton of matzah so he will probably be up during the night with stomach cramps :eek::eek::eek:.

[Pony]

Ashley, I only looked at Matt yesterday and didn't really look at the bunny. I think I would scream if I sat in the bunny's lap. She/he is kind of scary looking!!! ;)

[ellery]

delurking regarding shoes...

We have a Stride Rite outlet here (and a DS with freakishly wide feet) so we've always used Stride Rite shoes. They have this "system" where the shoes go from soft (prewalkers) to gradually more firm (yet flexible) until they graduate to the big kid firmer shoes. DS never had any issues with transitioning to the firmer shoes with those...

Stride Rite site (http://www.striderite.com/text/strideritetechnology/index.jsp)

:)

Leah

[helios7]

I'm so intrigued by the shoe issues. We plunked Quinn in Stride Rite shoes in January (before walking) because I found them on sale. So I guess (inadvertently) he got used to them being on his feet and walking in them before actually learning to walk. So he was happy in them once off and running on his own. Whew! Dodged that bullet! We too shop either on sale at Stride Rite or at an outlet. But the one pair I bought him in January have lasted really well so I'm pleased with the purchase.

BethG - I hope you survived your trip. My inlaws house is relatively proofed - or at least the things he's into aren't breakable. But I couldn't imagine the effort required to keep him away from so many breakable temptations. Yikes!

Ashley - Love the easter bunny pic! Definitely one for the album. And thanks for commiserating on the housework. We were over at a friend up the street's house this afternoon for a playdate. She has an almost two year old and a 3 month old, and her house is always spotless. Granted it's smaller then ours, but still. I just don't get it. I hope Matt is feeling well!

Michelle - no offense taken from this SAHM. I just wanted you to know I relate to your situation, or at least I relate by imagining myself in it. And I can only imagine how tough it is for you.

Tami - I need to get plastic cups so Quinn can practice drinking solo. He's doing really well managing plates and bowls these days, now it's time to move on to the cups. The new things Maya's doing sound cute - I love getting a preview!

hope everyone's well. Not much happening on the Q front but I had a whole bunch of drama around my NT (end of first trimester) scan this week. I think it's all resolved now, but Quinn's taken great naps these past two days and I've wasted that time on the phone! I'm looking forward to some nicer weather coming our way at the end of the week so I can get my boy back to the playground!

[Beth G.]

We are home with no injuries! Although I am concerned as Michael has skipped 3 of his normal poops and none since eating the matzah (it's very binding, for those who are not familiar). I am exhausted. He was up twice during the night, and then really fought the nap, which took all my soothing tricks to finally make happen. Luckily, after the nap, the skies cleared and we headed to my mom's best friend's house which is also occupied by her granddaughters and frequently visited by her 7 month old grandson. So there was a playroom and Michael had a blast (and I got my only break of the day). The funniest thing was when he picked up a toy bottle and put it in his mouth. He never does that with a real bottle (and refused any milk the whole day). Then we headed to the in-laws for five more hours of chasing and dodging. Their living room has a really scary open staircase with about 8 steps down to the front door smack in the middle of the room, multiple glass tables, more trinkets. My brother-in-law had to stand guard there most of the night. I am sooooooooo glad to be home.

Thanks for the shoe responses. We got the Stride Rite Sensory Response Technology shoes (for walkers). Never had him in the prewalkers since he was in his Robeez soft winter boots until he started walking. They didn't make any prewalker boots if I remember correctly and we went straight from snow to spring here. Sort of. Maybe if we have another I will try the prewalkers to ease the transition. He is fine in the playground at day care (soft surface) but freezes in our driveway or the chipped surface playground here.

ETA: 1) the poop arrived, woohoo. 2) So a small piece of frittata gets the thumbs down but a long strip gets picked up, bitten well, and wolfed down? Ah, the mind of the toddler. Call me crazy, but if I'm hungry, I don't care how my food is carved. Apparently Michael is willing to forgo food that is not carved to his liking. Unless it's fruit! Then piece size is irrelevant.