April New Moms

[greta]

hi all!
never thought the one starting this thread, as i'm much more of a lurker these days.

me: 35
hubby: 37
laith 2 (march 29th)
saif 5+ mos

biggest challenges: juggling working full-time, having hubby gone 3 days out of the week, and trying to be a great mommy! and, my angel saif's nighttime sleeping. he's getting better--we do have some all nighters once in a while. we've agreed to some sort of crying it out by 6 mos.

accomplishments: laith is talking up a storm, and very clearly. saif is so animated now. he eats cereal and veggies like a champ! he's not quite sitting up on his own, but almost.

we had a little birthday party for laith on saturday--pizza and cake, two of his favorite things. it was my immediate family, and one of my best friends with her family. laith had a blast!! here's a few photos:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid203/p1f584528c2ac625a24b58b6beb1d4346/ef9622c9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid203/pffc6ccfffe8f5f04b02454ef9bb72040/ef9622c5.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid203/p73bb9accb8d3e605ef484fef004b9ad9/ef9622cd.jpg

[aprilbride]

Hi Greta! (Happy Birthday Laith:-) For some reason I can't see the pics...

Me: Claudia, 31
DH: Paul, 37
DS: Elliott, will be 1 on the 21st!

Challenge ahead: Eartubes :( The poor little guy has had way to many ear infections in his short life! We took him back for a re-check on Friday and the last one is still lingering, so we've been refered to the ENT. I need to call this morning and make an appt. I know it's the best solution but I'm really nervous about the actual procedure....Anyone with experience?

We're also trying to wean him off the bottle and at school they've started to replace the daytime bottles with cups of whole milk, which seems to be working fine. I don't think the morning/evening transition will be as smooth.

Other than that, Elliott is doing great! He's such a funny little guy, very active and social. Eats like a champ, sleeps well. I'm hoping that the time change will permanently work in our favor and keep him up a little later, sleep a little longer in the morning, so far so good:-)

Hope everyone else is doing well! Happy Spring!

[gertdog]

Happy spring!

Me: Stephanie, 34
DH: Jason, 32
DS: Ryan, will be 6 months on 4/11

Challenges: Just nervous about our CA trip next week!

Accomplishments: Rolling over, sitting up by himself really well, eating cereal, better napping. He's really a delight right now- happy and pretty easy-going. Now that the weather is warmer we go outside every day and spend time in the yard, which he seems to enjoy and which seems to make him sleepier at naptime!

Greta- I can't see your photos either. Happy Birthday to Laith!

[greta]

i was using kodak for the photos...i changed it to imagestation--hope that helps!

your trip will be a great stephanie!!! have no fear! let's talk, we travelled with laith a bunch at ryan's age.

((((claudia & elliott))))

[gertdog]

Now I can see! Cute kids as always :D and look, there's Elmo! I think you did a great job on the cake!

[aprilbride]

Ok, I'm a dork! I thought I was posting to the Wobbler Thread!

[gertdog]

Ok, I'm a dork! I thought I was posting to the Wobbler Thread!

It's still fun to read about Elliott whether he's an infant or a wobbler! :) I hope the ear tubes help with Elliott's ear infections, poor kiddo.

[lisas3575]

DS: Owen, 4 months on 4/5

Accomplishments: Had the fluke roll-over last week, it hasn't been repeated. Gran and Grandpa are here from BC (first time they've seen him!) and they bought him a high chair yesterday. He sat in there while we had dinner last night, like a big boy! We had to prop him up with some towels, but he didn't start fussing until right as we finished. :)

Challenges: 4 month immunizations coming up; still having issues with him screaming during bottles and constipation, and I'm sure they're related. The nurse had us put him on 2oz of apple juice per day and that seems to be helping.

I'm starting to suspect that he's not getting enough formula during his 4x a day feedings and that's why he's started waking up multiple times in the night. He's not upset when he wakes up, really, and will go back to sleep if we pop the paci in, but still it's a step back from a few weeks ago when he wasn't waking at all. I've started giving him another 4oz or so before I go to bed and now he's only waking once. I'm anxious to talk to the Dr. about it more at our appointment, and see how much he weighs which will help me figure out how much he should be eating in a day.

[buffygirl]

Me: Kim, 39
DH: Greg, 37
DS: Rex, 8 months yesterday

Accomplishments: creeping in a circle on tummy, but not quite crawling, eating very well, excellent with his hands

Challenges: no interest in any self feeding yet

All is well here, but we stay constantly busy. Rex is doing well and continues to be a really easy going little guy. He keeps DH and I entertained constantly. It sounds so cliche, but we truly wonder what we did Pre-Rex. :p

We made a big decision a few months and have decided to sell our patio home and move into a house with a yard. We had a buyer for our house so it seemed to make sense at the time. We had 3 months to find a house, but are now down to about 4 1/2 weeks and still no house. We've bene looking for houses and packing like maniacs. Hopefully I will have time to check in more often...

Kim

[ctcarter]

Hellooooo everyone!

Me: 30 (about to be 31...)
DH: 34
DD: Kennedy, almost 8 months...I can't believe!

Accomplishments: crawling, trying to stand (leans on me or on daddy and pushes her little bottom in the air while trying to straighten her legs...!), doing well on solids, still nursing before and in between meals, loves to play, play, play, especially with any rubbermaid/tupperware container lids or empty butter tubs, as well as plastic dry measuring spoons and cups! Now has bottom and top teeth.

Challenges: Flip-flopping on the changing table! This had been a huge power struggle between K and us - lol - I know that sounds strange. But, seriously, she CAN'T STAND being on her back during changes. It's a constant battle, but lately, I've started letting her sit up more and get on her knees, and I just diaper and dress her like this. Anyone else have this challenge? I was concerned at first that this was a discipline issue, but I think maybe it's not as big a deal as it seems. She doesn't understand "no" yet, so I thought I would just wait this one out...

All is well - yeay for April and Easter!

Hope everyone is well.

CC

[ggs830]

Hi Everyone!

Me: 30
DH: 30
DD: Shaelyn, born 12/30/05, almost 14 weeks old

Accomplishments: Sleeping through the night (Yay! Only 1 night feeding!!). Smiling and cooing. She's also started trying to imitate some of the sounds and noises we make at her.

Challenges: Me going back to work. :( We are very very very fortunate that my parents have volunteered to watch Shaelyn 4 days a week (I work from home on Fridays), so I feel very comfortable that she is with people who really love her and not strangers. Still, yesterday, which was my first day back, was probably one of the hardest days of my life. I am so scared that Shaelyn will forget about me, or not recognize me, given that my interactions with her have been drastically reduced. I HATE that I am not a part of her everyday activities, although thankfully my mom keeps me well informed.

We are also trying to work out a new feeding/sleeping schedule for her, since we now have to leave the house by 7:45a.m. I had been doing demand feedings with Shaelyn, which meant I couldn't predict day-to-day when she would eat. Although this is only day 2, it worked out okay yesterday, so I am going to keep up with that.

We were having problems putting her down at night, but since I was due to go back to work this work, DH and I decided, very reluctantly, to try CIO on Sunday night. She cried for 27 minutes (it is so PAINFUL to listen to), before going to sleep. Last night, we didn't have to CIO because she took a bottle right before bedtime, and fell asleep immediately after. I hope we don't have to go through CIO again.

I would love to post a picture of my little cutie, but I don't know how. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

[DanaSD]

me: 35 (a few days ago)
DH: 34 (for 2o days he's younger than me)
DS: Brendan, 12/29, 3 months

accomplishments: good sleeping (most nights 9 to 6, eat, sleep until 9 but we have nights where he gets up earlier and nights where he sleeps a 11 hours stretch), smiles and cooing, grabbing for toys (but then he gets upset when the toy is in his hand)

He loves to 'stand up' though he very wobbly (we have to support him of course). Its cute how excited he gets when standing. He's also recently discovered his feet and likes to watch them move.

challenges: taking a bottle, Brendan is a chunker (14.5lbs at 2 months, and he got a lot heavier after that appointment) so my arms and back hurt from carrying him arround, weaning the swaddle (haven't started yet but will this month)

well we survived the move and we're in AZ now! Don't try to move with a 3 month old - its very very challenging. First it was hard to have his stuff packed (hard to survive without the swing, bouncy chair, etc). When the movers were here it was hard to find a place for him to nap since they were working in all the rooms, moving out of the house into a hotel for tenting, the drive from San Diego to Phoenix (he hates his carseat plus all the feeding stops), trying to unpack with an infant to take care of, dealing with contractors in the house with a baby (how to breastfeed when the DirectTV guy is in your house, the worry when they're napping and there are strangers in the house), not having laundry machines installed yet, no fridge,....

I love our new house but it will take time to be settled. Its twice as big as our old house so there's lots of furniture to buy. Its a new house so now we have to deal with contractors for the pool, landscaping, etc. Its so nice to be setting up his nusery since we never really did that in San Diego. Hopefully there will be lots of children in our neighborhood (its only about 1/2 done so most people haven't moved in yet).

But its very nice to DH home every night (he used to spend every other week in AZ).

Our au pair arrives from South Africa on the 22 so I will return to work on the 25th (working from home). Hopefully I will be able to focus on work even though Brendan is in the house.

he's waking up, must go......

[Jessica]

Lurker checking in...I am starting to interview pediatricians and wondered if anyone had any tips on what to ask. What do you wish you had asked?

Thanks!

[JanetJ]

me: 31
Ali: 35
Maya: almost 7 weeks

Accomplishments: night sleeping is a bit better with only 2 feedings now, good napper and eater, lots of smiles and she is starting to coo.

Challenges: not too many right now, though I'll probably always wish the night sleeping was even better.

My DH finally went back to work last week after being home for 6 weeks helping take care of me and Maya following my c-section complications. It's been an adjustment for me to not have him around during the day and to have to take over more of the middle of the night duties. I miss the help, but Maya and I are doing well. We've started to get out of the house a bit more which is very good for my mental state. :) She loves car rides and is a happy baby in general, so it is fun. I don't go back to work until July and will be going back part-time, so I'm glad to have so much time left with her now that I am feeling better.

Dana, glad you made it to AZ! It sounds like it was challenging though. I'm stressing out about taking Maya on a 2 hour flight, so I can only imagine what you've gone through.

ggs830, my mom will be watching Maya when I go back to work and I've worried about similar things. Please keep me updated on how the transition goes for you and Shaelyn. I'm sure it will all work out!

Greta, love the pictures! Happy birthday, Laith!!

[Luv to Cook]

Me: Anita, 30
DH: 32
DDs: Asha 2.5 (3 in June!) and Sahana 4.5 months

Challenges: Nightwakings and determining if Sahana is really hungry. I don't think she will sleep well until I don't go to her at all at night. I think she is confused, but I am not comfortable going cold turkey with night feeds yet. Will try in a few more weeks. Naps are a pain...they used to be good, but now they are short again. Trying to leave her in her crib to see if she will fall back asleep...it is hit or miss.

Accomplishments: started solids and she loves them. Nursing still going well, but she is starting to get distracted so I really have to concentrate on nursing her. Rolling over one way. Started giggling, which is so fun. She loves it when I kiss her neck. She goes nuts with the giggles.

Things are getting fun now. The weather is warming up and I love watching my two girls interact. Asha is like a little mommy to Sahana. It is so cute.

Greta, your kids are adorable...and what a cake!

Dana, that sounds rough! I cannot even imagine. One day I hope to move, though I am not looking forward to the actual process!

ggs - wow, you guys are doing awesome in the sleep department! congrats...send some my way ;)!

Lisa, how many ozs in those bottles during the day? there are some calculators on the internet...might want to look at those. also, we started solids around 4 months...not sure what your ped says about that.

CC- I totally don't think its a discipline issue...more of an age issue. I would try and give her something to do...a toy or pics of babies on her wall so she can look at them. I know when Asha was little I thought so many things were discipline issues, but now that she is getting older, I am starting to realize how little she really is and how alot of it is just learning experiences. There were so many things I thought she should understand, but now I realize she was just so little.

Claudia, I cannot believe Elliott is going to be one! It is so amazing how fast time flies. Sorry about the tubes, but I hear that it is sooo helpful.

Jessica, a couple of things I looked for....
-clean, well -stocked waiting room...lots of colorful and safe toys
- appts. for well child checks were made at different times than sick kid visits
- clean patient rooms...toys were wiped down after each patient, even well child visits (babies will put anything in their mouths!)
- different rooms for well and sick child visits
- doctor's views on breastfeeding, sleeping, circumcision, etc. hopefully, most of them mesh with your own.
- nurses and front desk staff...how do they treat you? they are really your ticket to the doctor and it pays to have them also have an interest in the well-being of your child
- office hours, weekend hours, etc. how easy is it to get a hold of doc
- how is doc about calling you back...will you be charged to talk to doctor in case of emergency? we have been blessed with a ped who calls us back during his personal time so he has time to really address our concerns.
- other docs in practice...do you like them? you will occassionally have to see another doc if you are going in for a sick visit.
- new mommy paranoia...you will have it...how does the staff and doctors handle it...do they take you seriously or laugh you off? trust me, this is so important, especially when you feel depressed and nervous, you really need the support of your ped.
- this will seem silly, but how comfortable are you nursing in front of your childs ped? I had to do this many a time while waiting for the doc or after shots to keep my newborn calm.

That's it for now.
Anita

[Jessica]

Anita--Those are great suggestions. Thank you!

[RebeccaT]

Me: Rebecca, 31
DH: Charles, 32
DD: Julia, 9 months

Accomplishments: Standing while holding on to furniture. Doing quite well with self-feeding; finally has the hang of the pincer grasp and can grab Cheerios and other small bites. Generally hilarious - she now shakes her head "No" (although sometimes I think she just likes how it feels!) and will tilt her head to the side and flirt with you. She also claps her hands!

Challenges: At this very moment, daylight savings. She doesn't know which end is up, and her naps have been terrible and short the past two days.

Still doesn't pull herself up to sitting, and has no interest whatsoever in crawling. Pediatrician doesn't seem concerned at all, so I am trying not to be, but it's hard not to worry when your child isn't hitting these milestones like everyone else.

Feeding challenges: I am trying to find more finger foods that she likes. She has hesitantly tried colby-jack cheese (didn't love it, but at least she put it in her mouth) but other than that she rejects pretty much anything I put on her tray that's not some bread product. She loves bread, crackers, cheerios, rice cakes, veggie puffs... but wouldn't eat avocado, deli turkey, banana, edamame (cut in half)... that's all I've tried so far. She also hates anything with texture - she spits out jarred or homemade food w/ chunks in it. :rolleyes: Any ideas???

Here's a picture of Julia in the beautiful Texas bluebonnets... I think everyone in the state takes one of these pictures every year!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid203/p474b5266b29964722578101e6cfda5fa/ef91a576.jpg

[RebeccaT]

Jessica, I found this (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/newbornprep/320.html) article from Babycenter to be really helpful when I was interviewing pediatricians. It's right in line with what Anita said - the most important thing is to trust your instincts and make sure you are very, very comfortable asking your pediatrician questions, because there will be a lot of them! We interviewed one guy and while nice and extremely knowledgeable, we felt silly in his office asking him questions. We knew then and there that if we felt uncomfortable asking him questions before the baby, we would be even worse once she arrived, so we ruled him out and went with the guy who patiently answered every single one of my obsessive-first-time-mother questions without judgement or condescending.

HTH!

[Megan James]

Me: Megan 35
DH: Fred 40
DD: Rebecca 5 months (10/25/05)
BF/FF: BF exclusively, thinking about solids.

Accomplishments: Starting to sit. I have to put her up but she's starting to stay in that position for a while and even play with some toys. Getting good with ehr hands and watchign everything I do.

Challenges: I went from being the fortunate one who's baby slept through the night at 6-7 weeks to now where we have 1-3 wake up for feedings at night. When she wakes up she is definately hungry, she nurses like crazy and then falls back to sleep. It's not a huge deal most nights but when she wakes 3 times in a night I am usually pretty beat the next day.
I'm planning to try rice cereal next weekend, should be interesting.
We are also traveling to my parents next week, she was an angel when we traveled at Thanksgiving. Hopefully this will be a repeat.

[buffygirl]

Jessica, I'm one of the loser moms who didn't interview our pediatrician. I just took my OB's recommendation and fortunately we love her! :D

Rebecca, I can't even get Rex to eat Cheerios without a full on grimace, so I have no suggestions for you....Love the pic of Julia in the bluebonnets. We took some of Rex out in Independence this past weekend :)

Claudia, great to hear from you!!! A one year old, wow!!!

Greta, the boys are so cute!!!

Kim

[mst]

Me: 31
DH: 35
DD: Ilyssa, 4.5 months
BF/FF: BF exclusively- getting close to my 6 month goal!

Accomplishments: Doing better with milk supply. Lots of smiles and interaction. Great tummy time.

Challenges: Getting her to take naps, and maybe even sleep through the night?!?! Sell my house! :D

Greta- your boys are adorable! So is the cake.

Claudia- my neice had tubes put in. She was much happier once they were in...Glad to see you here!

Dana- congrats on the move. Sounds exhausting. I am not looking forward to doing that in two months!

Jessica- I think Anita gave you some good ideas. I would also just go with your gut feeling. And remember, you can always change. Nothing is set in stone.

Rebecca- Julia is such a cherub! I love the flowers too!

Megan- Holy wow! Five months of exclusive breastfeeding! Good for you. I know how hard it was for you.

As for me, I am getting concerned that Ilyssa is too attached to me. You might remember when I left my sweet baby with my sister, and Ilyssa screamed until we came home. I recently left Ilyssa with DH and ran a quick errand, and she screamed until I came home. Then, I fed her, and ran back out, and she screamed again until I came home. When DH takes her, and I am there, she is fine, but if I leave the room- waaaaah! I know that I should feed her and drop her at my mom's, but I hate to think of Ilyssa being so sad. But, I know it is not good for her to only want me (although part of me kind of likes that too! :o ) Any words of encouragement or nudging?

Also, I am trying to add naps into her day. Yikes! She CIO for 30 mins, and slept for 10. Progress, I guess. Any suggestions on this?

Also, for those of you who are feeding young feeders, are they in the bouncy seat or high chairs?

Ilyssa wakes up early in the morning and talks to herself for at least a half hour. Then, usually falls back asleep. Do you guys keep the monitor on for the talking? I am afraid to turn it off because I don't want to miss her crying later. I wish they had snooze bars on the monitor. It would be helpful for CIO too!

[gertdog]

Rebecca, that's a beautiful photo of Julia!

Meredith, re: feeding- we have him in the high chair. It's a messy business and the high chair is easy to clean. He puts his hand in his mouth after each bite and then of course touches the tray, his clothes, the chair, etc. I've been feeding him in a onesie and bib only. :) For both the attachment and naps, my encouragement is just to be persistent. She'll eventually learn to go to sleep on her own, and she'll eventually learn to soothe herself when you're not there. It's hard on you to get to that point, I know!!

Jessica, I don't have anything to add on pediatricians except to try and assess how open they are to involving you in decision-making about your baby's care, when appropriate. I like that Ryan's doctor (who is also my doctor) will say "well, there are three things we can do." And then she explains what she views as the pros and cons of each. She's not wishy-washy- she'll tell us when she has a strong opinion- but she *is* careful to make sure we're well-informed and isn't dictatorial. This is a good fit for my personality- I would have a really hard time with a doctor who just told us what to do at every turn.

[ggs830]

Just chiming in for Jessica re: pediatricians

I agree with everyone who said that it is very important to have a pediatrician and staff that is supportive of new mom nervousness. Our ped. is very good. I have called in on several occasions to ask questions about various subjects, and the majority of time, I speak to my doctor (sometimes it is one of the nurses). They always call back within an hour or two of my call, which is great when you are stressing out about newborn issues. I also once had DD in to see the ped. twice in one week due to my nervousness/insecurity, but the doc was totally understanding about my concerns.

So far, being back to work has proven to be just as difficult as I thought it would be. Yesterday (my second day back) was worse than my first, probably because I overreacted to DD smiling and cooing at my mom as soon as I dropped her off at my house. Even though I know it was silly, I couldn't help feeling upset and jealous. :(

Here's hoping things improve!

[TerriS]

Me: Terri, turning 32 tomorrow
DD: Caroline, 9 months

combination BF/FF. I am trying to quit pumping at work, I am so tired of it. So we are working on just BFing in the mornings and evenings. It's mostly working, except that she doesn't like to take a bottle if mom is around. That means on weekends she hardly eats anything unless I leave the house! Kind of annoying.

Accomplishments:
she will turn pages when we read books. it's so cute. She can pull herself to sitting and standing using our hands, but not on her own. She stands really well if propped at the activity table or the like. Lots of babbling - "ma ma ma" and "ba ba ba" and other vocalizations. She loves to play peekaboo - if you put a blanket over her head and say "where's caroline?" she'll wait a second and then pull it off and laugh. And if I bang two blocks or toys together, she will often imitate.

Challenges:
I am really worried that her head is too flat and she will need a corrective helmet or band. We will talk with our ped on Monday at the 9 month appt and have an appt with a cranial place just in case. I am just so nervous that she won't grow out of it.
She has NO interest in self feeding. She is pretty good at grasping, just shows no interest in putting food in her mouth - only toys. I think she gnawed on a piece of bread once. And she seems to, after a brief period of being interested in different textures, still generally prefer the nice smooth pureed baby food.
She scooted backwards a couple of weeks ago, but then remembered how to roll over, so now she flips as soon as we put her on her tummy. I literally have to sit right next to her to keep her from rolling and she gets frustrated. So, no interest in crawling.
No waving or clapping here. Still kind of limited in her motor skills (she would rather whack toys together or on on the floor than, for example, put the balls through the holes on the drop-n-roar dinosaur.)
Sleep: after the first six months of her being the best sleeper in the world, it's finally payback time. Her nighttime sleep has been REALLY erratic since, well, January. Sometimes she sleeps through, sometimes she just wakes up for a binky replacement, and sometimes she is really upset and needs to be nursed or rocked to sleep - and usually it takes multiple attempts of nursing/rocking, having her fall asleep in my arms/lap, transfer to crib, have her wake up and start crying, repeat before she actually falls asleep and stays asleep. I feel horrible, like I'm going to create some bad habits or something and that I'm not being consistent, but she's so inconsistent it's hard to know what to do. She's perfectly capable of falling asleep on her own and staying asleep, and it seems like all the books assume that a baby who's waking at night can't do that - which is not the case with us. Don't know what's up with that.

But, she is so sweet, happy, easygoing, and so so much fun!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6da24b3127cce8826b34d72a800000045118AbN3LJi5cM2

ggs830 - I feel your pain on the daycare thing! I just wanted to add that one of the highlights of our day is picking up Caroline at daycare. The smile on her face is worth everything. They DO NOT forget mom, trust me. She lights up and laughs and makes all sorts of happy noises when I get there to pick her up! It's so much fun.

Rebecca - we have limited pulling up and no crawling here either! I feel like my baby is a total underachiever! I'm glad the ped wasn't worried. It's one thing to know each baby has their own timeline, it's another thing when it's your baby who's not keeping up with the Joneses. And Julia is gorgeous! I love those little blond curls! We don't have quite that much hair yet.

[DanaSD]

since you've been showing off your little cutties I need to show off mine (and hopefully I can do this):

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/danavbrown/tummytime.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/danavbrown/eatinghistoy.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/danavbrown/bumbo.jpg

Brendan hasn't been sleeping has well since the move. There is a lot of construction noise, its a new room, no curtains yet, and its hot and dry here so maybe he just needs to adjust. He also keeps breaking out of his swaddle so we need to get him to sleep without it. Finally yesterday he took a good nap but then last night he got cranky at 7 and took a short nap so I think I need to introduce a second nap. It seems like he wants to go to sleep around 7 but he still has 2 more feedings - he needs to start eating earlier so he can sleep. I've tried to feed him earlier but he won't eat until he's ready.

I've decided to switch him to formula. I feel guilty because the BF is going fine but its to restricting on me and its causing me to be unhappy. I BF for 3 months and the studies I've read so the most health benefts are within the first few weeks and first few months. We live in a new place and I can't go anywhere to meet new people without bringing him - and some of the social situations I could go, I can't bring him. Also, I'm starting back work on the 25th and even though I'll be home I can't be feeding him all day. He really has no set eating schedule and I need our au pair to be able to feed him. Also, he won't eat in a noisy place so BF in public is difficult - when we went to TG Fridays the other night I had to go out to the car because it was too noisy and there wasn't enough room in the booth to feed him. I'm tired of spending my days sitting in the back of my car while my husband stays in the restaurant/shops. I know I could pump but I really hate it. Now that being said, Brendan refuses to take a bottle up until now, so we still have that challenge. Now that all the bottle stuff is unpacked, we're going to start trying the bottle on Saturday.

[ggs830]

Thanks, Terri. You are right. Those smiles DD gives me when she sees me just make my whole day!

I am working from home today, so I get to spend some time with my little girl. :)

For the first time EVER, Shaelyn slept all the way through the night last night, no night time feedings. She went down for good around 8:30 p.m., and didn't wake up until 6:30 a.m. She probably would have slept longer, except I accidently woke her up when I went in to check up on her.

Although I am delighted she slept through the night, I am nervous she might have caught my cold, which could account for her sleepiness. My mom said yesterday she took a 3 hour nap and then another 1 hour nap. Plus, this morning, I expected her to be starving when she woke up, as it had been almost 12 hours since she had last eaten, but she wasn't. When I finally fed her around 7:15, she ate really slowly, and didn't seem that interested (although she did finish the bottle). She doesn't have a fever, and aside from sneezing now and then, she doesn't seem congested or have a runny nose.

Am I being too anxious about this sleepiness? Should I just enjoy it? Sometimes, I am such a worry wart.

[DanaSD]

ggs830

My son has started to sleep more - both through the night (though not this week) and more naps. When he first started sleeping through the night, we wasn't napping. Now he seems to need at least 2 naps. Also, many babies sleep better at night when they have good naps during the day. He's 1 day younger than yours.

I am often waking Brendan up when I go check on him - he would sleep much better if I would stop checking on him. His breathing can be so quiet that I have to put my head so close to hear them that I end up waking him. Also our new door sticks a little so sometimes that sound wakes him (parts of his sleep cycle he can sleep through the construction noise, and others just the door opening can wake him). Then there are the times when I poke him because I can't hear him breathing - I need to relax and not worry so much.

Brendan has been napping for 1 1/2 hours so far without the swaddle! he did wake up once but cried for a few minutes and went back to sleep.

We're getting ready to go visit DH's work - first visit for Brendan. He's going to get lots of pinches and passed around. A lot of his employees are grandmas so he's going to get lots of attention.

If I do give up BF I will miss the weight loss. I'm 10 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight (I had 20-30 lbs or so that I could lose). I'm wearing pants today that didn't fit right before I got pg. But my tops don't fit because of the boobs. But I don't think its just the BF - I'm a lot more active during the day instead of sitting at my desk, I'm not snacking all day like I did at work, Brendan doesn't give me a lot of time to eat espcially because he always decides he needs to feed during dinner time or be held and there's only so much you can eat one handed, and lift my chunker all day is giving me arm muscles. So he was 14.5 at 2 months and right after that he got very heavy (where my back and arms would be sore at the end of the day) so yesterday I weighed him on our scale. It looks like he weighs 19 lbs - wow!! now, its not very accurate weighing him on our home scale so he could be a little less. We'll get an accurate reading at his for month appt at the end of the month.

[mst]

Only have a quick second- Terri- Caroline's eye looks amazing. She is so sweet, and those glasses are adorable. That surgery- wow! What a difference!

Dana- Brendan is adorable. And, the house looks so new (love those doors!)
I just wanted to chime in and tell you not to feel guilty. You did a great job bfding, and you have to make the decision when it is the best time to stop. Many moms who want to bfd don't even make it as far as you did. You should be proud of what you did, and move on to the next stage. So many moms from this bb said they were surprised that the earth did not shatter when their child had formula. Please cut and save this- I am going to need you to tell me all of this when it is my turn to give up the bfding. But, if I was 10 lbs below my prepregnancy weight- I might not be able to stop! I keep telling myself that the 500 calories a day at some point will make me lose weight. Of course, all the ice cream in the freezer isn't helping...I know that when I am in the car, bfding, I always feel so stupid, and so...I'm not sure of the word, but not being able to do what normal people do. I will miss bfding, and will miss being able to calm Ilyssa with my body. But, I will not miss feeding her in the backseat!

Terri- I am not sure what the stages are at Caroline's age. But, it seems like you have lots of concerns. Would you be able to request an early intervention consult? EI is so amazing around here, and those who know how great it is, all try to get their kids into it. But, I am sending you some hugs anyway, because it sounds like you are really concerned. ((()))) I hear you on the sleep issue. All along, we had to wake Ilyssa to eat, and now she is getting up three times a night. I am not sure whether to feed her, or let her cry herself to sleep. The fact that she is so skinny makes me want to feed her at any opportunity. At her four month visit, she still was not 12 lbs!

[ggs830]

Dana-

I am ALWAYS checking on Shaelyn when I can't hear or see her breathe. What I do is put my finger under her nose to see if she is breathing. As long as I don't accidently touch her, it doesn't seem to bother her.

Well, she's hardly napped today, maybe a result of her sleeping all night long. We had previously gone through a "no napping" stage when she first started sleeping at long stretches through the night, but that resolved itself a few weeks ago. Hopefully, she's straighten herself out soon.

[valchemist]

OI hear you on the sleep issue. All along, we had to wake Ilyssa to eat, and now she is getting up three times a night. I am not sure whether to feed her, or let her cry herself to sleep. The fact that she is so skinny makes me want to feed her at any opportunity. At her four month visit, she still was not 12 lbs!


delurking. I am a doctor, so feel free to ignore! but I think maybe she is waking up because she isn't getting enough to eat. I really hope you work things out, meredith. keep us posted. (editing to add, hope I don't sound jerky here. all babies are different sizes, so what do I know. kate was 19 lbs at her 4 month checkup. but she has always been bigger than average. just speculating based on the combination of Illyssa's weight AND her waking. goodness knows kate is up at all hours.)






well, while I am here, a quick update:

kate will be 9 months old in a week. still BF'ing a lot, but eating lots of tablefood, too. she has been crawling for a couple weeks now and pulling herself up to sitting and standing, too. cruising, clapping, mimicking, self-feeding, all of that. and the happiest baby ever!

problem? she is a rotten night sleeper. worst ever! but at least it doesn't make her a crabby baby -- as I said, she is a delight!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pe9b9d85ced6fbeee2cf4a24c5c4a9835/ef892e65.jpg

[jphilg]

Saskia's almost 10 months, and she's right in with the other 9ish month olds here. She's sort of crawling but not quite proficient yet, she's great at walking while holding a finger and stands for hours, but she can't pull herself up yet. Her vocalizations are far more like those of a baby dinosaur than a human....although we occasionally get "Dada" but not particularly directed at Dad. She does sleep great, though (7:30-7, plus 2 2-hour naps).

It is so hard not to compare, but all of our kids are going to get there. Really. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Terri's lovely Caroline recently, and she's wonderful! She seems totally age appropriate to me. And Rebecca, wow....what a glorious head of hair on your angel! I really hope you are not worried about her seriously. I wish we could all get away from benchmarking. It seems like the books all tell us to worry far before our doctors are concerned, and that's just a waste of energy.

Saskia has her 9-mo appointment on Tuesday. I'm really interested in seeing her measurements. She's bulked up a lot since she got so into food. Now she's down to 20 ounces of milk a day, plus three big meals of self-fed food. I was laughing last night as she chomped her meal of tofu and kiwi that her dinner looked better than ours!

I think I am slowly defecting to the Wobblers thread.....because Wobble is what we do around here all day. But I'll be lurking!

[valchemist]

It is so hard not to compare, but all of our kids are going to get there. Really... I wish we could all get away from benchmarking. It seems like the books all tell us to worry far before our doctors are concerned, and that's just a waste of energy.



oh so true! thanks for the reminder.

Julia talked really early on. but who cares? now all her friends are talking just the same as she is and no one gives a hoot when she started! same goes for sitting, crawling, standing, and walking!

[TerriS]

Thanks Jen! Crazy to think we will be wobbling soon! Saski was so cute the other day!

I have to admit I am more down than usual today. My brother and his wife were pregnant with twin girls via IVF, and they lost them yesterday. The whole family is devastated. She was 22 weeks, almost 23. I am throwing my energy into being supportive of them (they are 3000 miles away in CA). I just hope and pray they get the strength to get through this. I was so excited to be getting two nieces. Now I can't fathom the pain they are going through.

[valchemist]

I have to admit I am more down than usual today. My brother and his wife were pregnant with twin girls via IVF, and they lost them yesterday. The whole family is devastated. She was 22 weeks, almost 23. I am throwing my energy into being supportive of them (they are 3000 miles away in CA). I just hope and pray they get the strength to get through this. I was so excited to be getting two nieces. Now I can't fathom the pain they are going through.


oh, terri, that is so VERY sad. I just went through something similar 3 weeks ago. my sister who is 40 got pregnant with her second baby and everyone (especially her 6 year old daughter) was elated. she lost the baby at 9 weeks.

but to lose twins at 22 weeks! oh, I can't even imagine. I will say a little prayer.

[Megan James]

They are they waking b/c they are hungry at night is so hard to figure out. Rebecca used to be a champion sleeper and now wakes 1-3 times a night, usually hungry. I really think she's hungry but am trying to figure out why this has changed. Maybe she's so much more into everything in the day that she doesn't eat as much.

Meredith kudos to you too on the breastfeeding! Some days I am amazed that the 6 month point is almost here. I am no where near ready to wein. We haven't even started cereal yet. Lately she has been doing this *trick* that makes me want to start thinking about weining. She is latched on but pull her head back without letting go of my nipple. Ow! So I have to keep my hand right near the back of her head to prevent her from pulling too far. She's just so active nowadays. It used to be DH and I could chat while she was nursing, now there is no way. She hears his voice and she wants to look up and see him.

_megan

[Megan James]

Oh Terri how sad. It is so hard when someone near you loses their baby. Lots of hugs to you.

[mst]

Terri- My heart goes out to you, and your family. A friend of mine lost her baby (he was 10 days old) , and I feel as though it has affected me so deeply. It makes me grateful for Ilyssa, and reminds me to not sweat the small things. I can't imagine what you all must be going through. Especially because they went through so much to get pregnant. I am so, so sorry. If they are Jewish, this is a book that was recommended to me by a different friend who lost her twin boys at 22 weeks: Tears of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope. The book is about infertility and pregnancy loss from the Jewish perspective.

Here is a poem that one of my friends sent to comfort my other friend:

*What makes a mother*

I thought of you all I closed my eyes
And prayed to god today.
I asked what makes a mother
And I know I heard him say.

A mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But god can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?

Yes you can he replied
With confidence in his voice,
I give many woman babies
When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this god
I want my baby here!
He took a breath and cleared his throat
And then I saw a tear.

I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today,
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say

"We go to earth to learn our lessons
Of love and life and fear.
My mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a mom
Who had so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quick
My mommy set me free.

I miss my mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow's where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad
I'm your baby, I'm still here.

So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are ok
Your babies are here in my home
And this is where they'll stay

They'll wait for you with me
Until your lesson is through.
And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a mother
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.

Though some on earth may not realize you are a mother,
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with me one day
And know you're the best one!

[mst]

Terri- Here are some websites that might help your brother and SIL. You might want to double check them before sending them on. These were sent to me specifically for a the friend who lost one twin, and the other survived.

eLIMBO - a yahoo support group for the loss of one or more multiples.
Very great place to go to get support from those who have gone through
the same thing and a safe place to talk about all the unique feelings
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/eLIMBO/messages

Center for Loss in Mutiple Birth
http://www.climb-support.org/index.html?onetwin

Grief Roadmap
http://www.synspectrum.com/GriefRoadmap2.doc

[Luv to Cook]

Terri, I am so sorry for your family...you all are in my prayers.

Val, so nice to "see" you...how are the girls?

Meredith, it is pretty common for some babies to eat once or twice a night at least until 9 months. Sleep is so tough, because it is hard to know when they are hungry vs. just needing attention at night. I pretty much nurse back to sleep right now, since it is the fastest way for everyone to get sleep. Sahana is like Ilyssa...not quite 12 lbs at 4 months...her ped said she can go 8-12 hours...I am psyched if I get 6. I will probably stop the night feeds in the next few months, but I want her to see the doc again at 6 months. I wish I had some advice, but I do know that it has nothing to do with weight, because I have seen some large babies eating all night and some very small ones sleeping thru at 8 weeks. There is such a variation with babies and there is no right answer...go with your gut.

LOL, Megan, I remember my first DD doing that...she would turn to look at something and would take my nipple with her...ouch! I am not looking forward to that with DD2. But I have noticed that I have to nurse her in a dark, quiet room now...she is soo into everything, especially her big sister.

Well, I need to hit the sack...we had friends over tonite and I am just beat from cooking and cleaning all day. I used to love entertaining, but tonite, I just couldn't wait for our friends to leave :(...so weird...anyone else going through that? I just want to be alone with my kids and then after they go to bed, I love just snuggling with DH.

Anita

[mst]

Megan- thanks for the good thoughts. Ilyssa has that trick too. And, now she likes to come off to smile at me. While I love the smiles, it makes breastfeeding in front of other, or in public, a little bit tougher.

Val- Kate is adorable! While I love a good chunky, bald baby- I have learned to love a skinny one with lots of hair! :D At first, my doctor kept saying that uterine conditions are what determines the size of the baby in the first six months. At the four month appointment, he said, "who are we kidding? You are tiny, you are going to have a tiny baby." All that work finding a tall husband went down the drain! :p It made me feel better to know that now we are just expecting her to be on the smaller track. And, I have my pediatric records from when I was a baby, and at this stage, I was still smaller than her. I was on meats and formula by this age- funny how things change. Thanks for the thoughts though- it will get me to drag myself out of bed to give her extra feedings!

Jen- I think you are right on about all of us worrying about what the other kids are doing. I remember the first time Ilyssa was not doing what one of her agemates was doing. The mom started backpedeling, and saying "oh- that's ok! I am sure Ilyssa will do all of that soon!" I felt so bad that my kid wasn't doing what someone else's kid was doing. Sure enough, a week later, she was doing it.

[TerriS]

meredith, thank you so much for the poem and the web links. I am printing up the poem right now to send to my brother and SIL along with a card and the book "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart" which was also recommended to me by several people. Thanks again so much!

[gertdog]

Terri, I'm so sorry about your family's loss. I can't imagine how much your brother and SIL are hurting.

Val, Julia is so cute! I love the little hat she's wearing in that photo. And Dana, I'm not sure I've ever seen Brendan before- or if I have it was a while ago- he looks so into that toy! And oh I love those chubby thighs- Ryan's got 'em too. :D

Well, count me as a mommy who's getting very nervous about our first plane trip with Ryan! We leave for CA on Thursday. I know it'll be fine but I'm still making a million little lists. I'm utterly freaked out by how his sleep schedule will be affected by the time difference- he's been a terrific napper the past two weeks! I don't want to lose that!

He's been a great little eater- so far we've only given him cereal but he's eating it nice and thick 2x a day now. I figured we'd wait til after our trip to introduce more new stuff.

Any thoughts on sippy cups vs. regular cups for learning? I've been giving Ryan a little water when I feed him his cereal. I've tried two different sippy cups- Avent and the "take and toss" First Years cups. He likes to hold them but doesn't seem to drink anything even when I tip the cup up. I've also given him sips of water from a plastic tumbler which he loves but of course it's messy!

[DanaSD]

nighttime sleep is getting worse. He's done 10-11 hour stretches so I know he can do it. Last night he woke at 3, 530, 630 and got up at 9. Everytime he got up he ate and he ate 3 times between the time he was up and until his nap (which was at 1030). Maybe a growth spurt?? (he doesn't need to grow anymore, he's already huge).

I'm also wondering if it could be teething. He's crankier than he used to be (though still very calm compared to what some are dealing with), drooling a lot, chewing on toys, chewing on his hands. This all started around the same time as the waking during the night.

No luck trying the bottle this weekend. I bought nuk nipples (this is the pacifier type that he will take over the others, though still just for a few minutes) but they don't fit any of the bottles that I have. So I need to buy some bottles to go with the nipples.

I can't believe how much he's changed in the last few weeks. He's very aware of the world around him, smiles and laughs at everyone especially girls, likes to play with his toys, can grab his toys, and much better at tummy time.

[TerriS]

Good luck with the trip, gertdog! Caroline's sleep gets completely out of whack when we've traveled to CA. But, she always gets back on her routine EVENTUALLY.

Caroline has shown zero interest in the sippy cup but loves to take sips of water from the regular cup. I have read that there's no need to push the sippy so I'm ignoring it for the time being.

[ggs830]

Terri-- So sorry to hear about your family's loss. Miscarriage at any stage is difficult (thankfully, we never experienced it, but have had very close friends go through it twice), but I can only imagine how difficult it must be when you are so far along.

Dana-- Reading your description of Brendan's current sleeping/behavior sounds eerily similar to Shaelyn. The only difference is that Shaelyn doesn't actually wake up-- that is, she starts fussing in her sleep every couple of hours, but doesn't wake up. In fact, she's actually been sleeping through the night (not in any consistent fashion, but she's hopefully working herself up to it). Still, we get up every few hours, thinking that she is going to wake up and eat, only to find that she's put herself back to sleep. Frustrating progress, I guess! :rolleyes:

She's also doing the drooling thing as well, so much so that I've taken to keeping a bib around her neck all the time. It started this past Friday, and continued all through the weekend. DH and I also noticed that she seemed especially fidgety, barely napped (resulting in a screaming fit last night), and just kind of seemed off. I checked her mouth, and didn't feel any bumps, so I don't think she's teething yet. We speculated that she might going through a growth spurt.

Question regarding feeding: now that Shaelyn is sleeping through the night, she's missing at least one bottle (sometimes 2, if she goes 12 hours between feedings). Should I be making up the missing bottle during the day time? She hasn't acted particularly hungry, although my mom just called to say that Shaelyn seemed hungry after her last bottle. I guess we'll try another 1/2 oz and see if she'll take it.

ETA: Shaelyn is also increasingly resistant to being burped. She will cry and arch her back when we try to burp her. Anyone have any experience with this?

[RebeccaT]

Question regarding feeding: now that Shaelyn is sleeping through the night, she's missing at least one bottle (sometimes 2, if she goes 12 hours between feedings). Should I be making up the missing bottle during the day time? She hasn't acted particularly hungry, although my mom just called to say that Shaelyn seemed hungry after her last bottle. I guess we'll try another 1/2 oz and see if she'll take it.


When Julia started sleeping through the night, she sort of started to make up the lost oz. of formula on her own. She didn't take more bottles (still about ever 3 hours), just a little more at each feeding. So where she might have been taking 4 oz. per feeding, 7 times a day, when she dropped that night feeding she went to 5 oz. or so for at least 4 of her remaining 6 feedings. Make sense? We jsut followed her lead...

Julia has been sick since Saturday. She started off with bad allergies (we went out to the country for a church retreat, and there was a ton of oak and cedar pollen), and it turned into a nasty cold and then a dual ear infection. We've had her on antibiotics since Monday afternoon, but she's still fighting off the fever (though it's now pretty low, not the 102-103 temps we were seeing Sunday-yesterday). We're exhausted, too, because poor thing can't breathe and her ears hurt so she's waking a lot. Hopefully we're over the hump... I hate seeing our little girl feel so bad!!! :(

[DanaSD]

Dana-- Reading your description of Brendan's current sleeping/behavior sounds eerily similar to Shaelyn. The only difference is that Shaelyn doesn't actually wake up-- that is, she starts fussing in her sleep every couple of hours, but doesn't wake up. In fact, she's actually been sleeping through the night (not in any consistent fashion, but she's hopefully working herself up to it). Still, we get up every few hours, thinking that she is going to wake up and eat, only to find that she's put herself back to sleep. Frustrating progress, I guess! :rolleyes:

She's also doing the drooling thing as well, so much so that I've taken to keeping a bib around her neck all the time. It started this past Friday, and continued all through the weekend. DH and I also noticed that she seemed especially fidgety, barely napped (resulting in a screaming fit last night), and just kind of seemed off. I checked her mouth, and didn't feel any bumps, so I don't think she's teething yet. We speculated that she might going through a growth spurt.

Sometimes he is doing this (waking crying) and then goes back to sleep. but for a few nights he wouldn't go back to sleep because he wanted to eat. Other times, he had broken out of his swaddle and 2 times got his leg stuck through the rails - he spins during the night and by morning he is 90 or even 180 from where he started.

Good news - 2 nights so far without the swaddle!!! Our pediatrician said to swaddle up to 3 or 4 months so going with her rec it was time to give it up. Plus he was breaking out of it cause he's too big. He is having a hard time going to sleep but once I can calm him down he's been sleeping fine without the swaddle and even going back to sleep when he wakes up. Also Moday evening he slept for 10 hours straight and last night 8 hours (then waking at 5 and 7 to eat). Glad to have the long stretches back. He's also taking 2 naps a day.

I need some help with our current eating/sleep issues. Brendan has always gone to bed late (9-10) and cluster feeds from 4-9. Well he has started to get tired around 6-7 and gets very cranky around 7. Sometimes I put him down but he will wake up again 1 or 2 times to eat more - his big eating is at 8. He refuses to eat except when he's hungry. How do I get him to eat earlier so that it matches his new sleeping schedule???? I added an afternoon nap and he still seems to want to start sleeping earlier. The last 2 days he has even had 2 naps (2 hours each) plus 2 cat naps when we ran errands. So naps don't help.

No luck yet with formula. I don't want to have to make him go hungry until he will take it but the BF is not going to work with me starting back at my job and having our au pair here - his eating schedule is so random and so often sometimes.

[JanetJ]

Help?

I feel a bit like an outsider on this thread since everyone else has babies older than mine and I can only look forward to most of the things you all are experiencing, but I could really use your advice and wisdom. What did you do with your 8 week old baby? Her alert periods are getting longer and she's not into her toys yet and doesn't seem to care about any books I try and read to her. She loves her bouncy seat, the bath, and laying on her changing table naked :rolleyes:. I feel like I'm not interacting and doing enough with her, but I'm not sure what to do. I feel guilty when she's sitting there in her bouncy seat looking around while I fold clothes or start dinner - it seems so boring, I guess.

[Luv to Cook]

Janet, Maya is not bored at all watching you do laundry...they are usually so mesmerized by things we find so mundane. But honestly, most of this stuff they have NEVER seen before, so it fascinates them! The thing that I did to make it more interactive was talk about what I was doing...

"Mommy is folding the purple shirt now, and then I will get all the socks, etc etc" or "mommy is adding the green broccoli, do you like broccoli" one day you will be shocked when she answers you! Sing silly songs..."this is the way we fold our laundry, fold our laundry, fold our laundry, maya and mommy.

Dana, I have read that if they eat at certain times and they are not necessarily the "right" times, it is because their bellies are trained to be full at those times. I would handle it by having DH go in and soothe him at those times...he may be upset, but once he gets the point, he will start eating more during the day. If you try doing it the other way around (feeding him more during the day) he may not get what you are trying to do. It will take a few days, but you should notice his intake increase while you decrease the early night feeds.

[gertdog]

Janet, I know what you mean! It took a while for me to realize that what I think of as boring, Ryan thinks is pretty exciting (usually).

I carted the bouncy seat all over the house and he watched me do various things. When he was big enough to sit in the high chair (reclined) I'd wheel him into the middle of the kitchen and he'd happily watch me make dinner. I'd put him on my knees while I laid back on the couch and just chatter at him or sing to him, and he'd sometimes gurgle back at me, and sometimes drift off to sleep. I'd put him in my lap and read to him from board books, sometimes reading the same one several times in a row if he seemed interested.

[lisas3575]

I asked that same question at the same time, Janet. :D Just let her take it all in. If she has good head control (I forget how old Maya is :o ), you can try her in a front pack (Bjorn etc.). Owen loved that, it got him up higher and he could see what I am doing. I'd talk to him about what I was doing, like Anita suggested. Of course, if she's too little she'll have to face in, and she'll probably just fall asleep. :p

Eagerly awaiting our newest new mom to delurk.... :D

Stephanie, good luck on your trip! Have a ball and I can't wait to hear all about it. :)

[DanaSD]

Help?

I feel a bit like an outsider on this thread since everyone else has babies older than mine and I can only look forward to most of the things you all are experiencing, but I could really use your advice and wisdom. What did you do with your 8 week old baby? Her alert periods are getting longer and she's not into her toys yet and doesn't seem to care about any books I try and read to her. She loves her bouncy seat, the bath, and laying on her changing table naked :rolleyes:. I feel like I'm not interacting and doing enough with her, but I'm not sure what to do. I feel guilty when she's sitting there in her bouncy seat looking around while I fold clothes or start dinner - it seems so boring, I guess.

I felt the same way. One thing I did was start going to gymboree classes - Brendan loved looking at the other babies but wasn't yet into alot of the stuff which he gradually grew into. He was so happy with the other babies I just had to keep going. Plus it helped to teach me things to do with him and gave me a chance to meet other moms.

The first toy that Brendan was into was a mirror. I got the sassy one that you tie onto the crib. I'll put him in there and put on a toddler songs CD and he could 'play' for up to an hour. I would also work on his tracking by moving a black/white ball in front of his face. He's just now getting into toys at 3 months and it makes play time more fun - before I felt like I was just playing by myself.

[RebeccaT]

I second the mirror suggestion - Julia LOVED looking at herself in the mirror from the time she was tiny. Janet, you are doing great - just positioning Maya so that she can see what is going on is probably all the stimulation she needs at the point. I agree with Anita, too, about talking to her as much as you can - she'll love the sound of your voice.

I bought this book, Baby Play (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0865734348/sr=8-1/qid=1144954041/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-7330684-8451218?%5Fencoding=UTF8), at the recommendation from someone on this thread many months ago. It also has great ideas for interacting with your young baby.

Julia is finally well! She hasn't had a fever since yesterday morning, and is acting like herself again. Giving her the antibiotic is challenging, though... Little Miss Stubborn has figured how to clamp her jaw down in a valiant effort to keep from having to take the syringe... Any suggestions?

[JanetJ]

Thank you all for the suggestions and for letting me know that what I'm currently doing is appropriate. She does love looking in the mirror, so I'll look for one to put in her crib and I'm checking out that book right now. I guess I'm anxious for her to get to the stage where we can play with all these cool toys she has. :)

I'm trying to send pictures out to family every month so everyone can see how she's growing and I just got done with her photo shoot. :p She's 8 weeks today:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/janetjeann/100_1726.jpg

[jillm]

I'm checking in late this month, computer time still is rare here...

me: 34
DH: 36
DS: Jake -- 4.5 months

Accomplishments: giggling, rolling over, grasping and holding toys

Challenges: moving beyond the 30 minute nap, for me, going back to work in a few weeks, possibly needing to start solids pretty soon

I find this thread so interesting because you can really see how different every baby is -- they all are so individual with their likes/dislikes, quirks, etc...

DS is doing great -- he's a very curious and sociable baby, but my one obsession has been his napping. Admittedly, I may be a bit too focused on this issue, but as I've written before, I've had to hold him for most naps for a while now. I've made "some" progress in that I can usually rock him down and put him down (and I've even made some progress in getting him to fall asleep on his own), BUT he, like clockwork, takes a 30 minute nap and wakes up. If I hold him, he'll take a longer nap. He definitely needs more than a 30 minute nap. I've read about this and it's common where the baby wakes during a light phase of the sleep cycle, but I can't figure out what to do about it -- or, what I'm hoping one of you can tell me, is that it's just a maturation thing and he'll start napping longer on his own. I've tried sort of patting him through the wakeful time, but it's only worked once. I go back to work soon and I'm really concerned that he's just not going to get the sleep he needs (and he's a crying mess if he doesn't).

Janet J -- it sounds like you're doing great -- if your baby seems content, I think that's the most important thing. Even before Jake was really interested in the toys and books I did introduce them in small doses -- I think he became accustomed to seeing them that way. He's only 4.5 months now, but at around 2 months I think I just spent tons of time talking to him, making up silly songs, walking around the house with him and naming things and showing him pictures, flowers, that sort of thing.

DanaSD and ggs830 -- Jake also has mysterious night "sort of" wakings -- he cries at least once a night before 4 am and we have to rock him back to sleep, but he's not really awake, just sort of crying and agitated. I think that these sorts of crying spells seem to be developmental. When Jacob was trying to turn over, we would find him in the crib trying to turn over in his sleep, and now that he's turned over, we find him on his stomach trying to crawl. It's frustrating, because I don't see it ending. Now it's crawling, then it will be sitting up, standing, walking, etc...My dream of a night of continuous sleep is fading.

ggs830 -- you wrote that your DD is missing bottles at night. Jake goes about 13 hours at night without a bottle. He was eating at about 4 am until a few weeks ago and then he dropped that feeding and went from 5 bottles in 24 hours to 4. I think your DD might eat more during the day to make up for the nighttime bottles. I think that a big part of the babies being able to drop a bottle is being able to eat more at a given feeding. Also, I completely relate to your nerves about going back to work. I go back soon and I just really wonder if DS will relate to me the same way. I like my job so no worries there, but it just seems so weird that I'll only see the baby for a little while every day. And I also feel like I'm going to want to spend every minute in the evening and on the weekend that he's awake with him, which doesn't leave much time for anything else.

TerriS -- you should obviously get as many questions as you have answered by your ped about your DD's development, but try not to worry too much. From my short time as a mom, I'm getting the sense that we're all really almost too knowledgeable these days about benchmarks and so forth and it can lead to a lot of anxiety if your baby veers from the pattern of the typical baby. It's funny, I was at the mall the other day with the baby and we were sitting and eating and a mom with a toddler was nearby and the toddler and Jake were looking at each other, so the mom and I kind of said hi. She asked how old Jake was and then I asked how old her DD was -- she told me and then proceeded to tell me what a good baby her DD is and how she is developmentally right where she should be, etc...She's no doubt a nice person, but I couldn't help but think she is probably waaaay too worried if she's sharing this with a stranger at the mall

[mst]

Did anyone go straight from breastfeeding to a sippy cup? What is a good beginner sippy cup? And, we are in the market for a highchair! I remember some of the older moms were fans of the highchair that straps onto a chair. We have enough room to have a whole highchair. Is there any other reason to go with the one that straps on? Any brands that people want to recommend? It seems like Baby Bargains recommends Fisher Price...

Since we are going to move about two weeks after Ilyssa turns 6 months, is it ok to feed her for a little while in a bouncy seat? It seems silly to buy a high chair just to move it two weeks later...

[Luv to Cook]

Hi Meredith,

We went straight to a sippy cup and bypassed the bottle with Asha. I am plan to do the same thing with Sahana. I just used a gerber sippy cup and took out the valve, so she realized that something came out of it. She was pretty surprised the first time, but after a few days she started to get it...I then put the valve back in and she figured out how to suck.

I have a strap on high chair and it is so nice because we don't have a ton of space. I did use a regular one with Asha when she was younger and will probably drag it out for Sahana, but right now we just use the bouncy seat. Another option that all my friends are raving about is the Bumbo seat...apparently you can use it anywhere and it is really great.

http://www.bumbobabyseat.com/

We have way too much baby stuff, but I gotta say, I was tempted!

Jill, the short naps are so frustrating. I just leave DD for a full hour, even if she gets up after 30 minutes. Some of it is developmental and some of it is learned. We get some two hour naps now...and still some short ones too. I know its hard, but try not to stress about it. I used to beat my head on the wall with naps and now I have realized to let some of it go.

Well, heading to DC for the weekend. I better push off!
Anita

[ggs830]

Well, I've been trying to give DD extra milk during the day, to make up for the long stretches she goes at night. She'll take the entire bottle, but then she starts spitting up about an hour later. I'm not sure what to make of this, because she also has mild acid reflux, which causes spit up. I think she is hungry because she takes the entire bottle, but I don't know if her little tummy is large enough to handle the extra amount I am trying to give her.

She's also started waking up pretty consistently between 4 am and 5 am. I can't tell if she's really hungry, and that's why she's waking up, or if it's just become a habit. Usually, by that time, it's been about 9 hours since her last feeding, so I'm sure she can eat, I just don't know if she needs to, especially since I know she can go 12 hours between feedings.

I too am having difficulty getting DD to nap. She naps fine in the morning, but the afternoon nap is still a challenge. For some reason, my mom can get her to nap in the afternoon when she watches her, but I can't on the weekends or on the day I work from home. I think it may be because she is excited to be home with me and DH, and just wants to play.

Jill: going back to work is extremely tough. I'm lucky that my parents watch Shaelyn 4 days a week and I get to work from home on Fridays, so I don't have the added worry of strangers watching my baby. Still, it is very hard to be away from DD, and not know every little thing that's going on. I was very concerned about whether or not she would remember me, but I'm not so worried about that. She still responds to me the same way, and in fact, as I mentioned above, I think she is more excited on days that I am home with her.

Just be prepared for some very depressing days...I was a wreck the first couple of days!

[DanaSD]

ugh. So last Friday we brought Brendan in to my husband's work for the first time. He got lots of attention (pinching and hand holding) and held by a few. So now they've let us know that one of his employees was just diagnosed with whooping cough. great. Because we have a new doctor here who hasn't seen him yet, they won't give advice over the phone. I guess we just need to keep an eye out for cold like symptoms and then bring him in if he has any. I don't like what I read - 75% of infants under 6 months of age are hopsitalized.

[MinEaston]

delurking...

Dana, bummer about the visit to DH's work. Do you know if the worker diagnosed actually held or touched Brendan? If you were dilligent about wiping his hands and such after the visit, I would think that the risk is fairly low, unless the person coughed or sneezed right in his face, since that's the way the disease is transmitted.

I certainly don't mean to dismiss your concern in any way, I just think that unless there was close direct contact with the infected person, that the chances are somewhat low.

ETA: Has Brendan had any of his DTP or DTap shots (typically given at 2, 4, 6 months)

[DanaSD]

delurking...

Dana, bummer about the visit to DH's work. Do you know if the worker diagnosed actually held or touched Brendan? If you were dilligent about wiping his hands and such after the visit, I would think that the risk is fairly low, unless the person coughed or sneezed right in his face, since that's the way the disease is transmitted.

I certainly don't mean to dismiss your concern in any way, I just think that unless there was close direct contact with the infected person, that the chances are somewhat low.

ETA: Has Brendan had any of his DTP or DTap shots (typically given at 2, 4, 6 months)

DH isn't sure who the woman is so he's trying to find out if she's one of the woman who was near him (he's new to working in this office so he hasn't learned everyone's name yet). I think the risk is low since the ones who held him were only women he knew. Brendan's at a stage where his hands are always in his mouth. He's 3 months so he had his first round of vaccines. I'm sure he's fine - we just need to keep an eye out for symtoms. I'm pretty mellow about germs it just concerned me because its a serious sickness for babies.

[DanaSD]

Thank you all for the suggestions and for letting me know that what I'm currently doing is appropriate. She does love looking in the mirror, so I'll look for one to put in her crib and I'm checking out that book right now. I guess I'm anxious for her to get to the stage where we can play with all these cool toys she has.

The one we got is by Sassy and they have it at Target and Babies R Us. I don't leave it in the crib since it doesn't tie on very well but just put it in for play time. It can also be flipped over for tummy time. It was about $12 - best bargain toy I've bought that gave so many hours of playtime. These pictures are from February:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/danavbrown/DSC04367.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/danavbrown/DSC04366.jpg

[JanetJ]

The one we got is by Sassy and they have it at Target and Babies R Us. I don't leave it in the crib since it doesn't tie on very well but just put it in for play time. It can also be flipped over for tummy time. It was about $12 - best bargain toy I've bought that gave so many hours of playtime. These pictures are from February:



Thanks, Dana! I picked it up at Target today and will use it for tummy time later today.

[jphilg]

It has been an unexpectedly beautiful weekend here, so we've been outside taking lots of pictures. Here's Saskia with her favorite toy:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p5b5e62cb19e9afb9d8ad90589fb0d5f2/ef69e9b3.jpg

and, although not a fantastic picuture, in her pretty party dress for Easter:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p068a8f99984cf9f2aaa9d685ca77cdb9/ef69e9a1.jpg

[greta]

jen, adorable!!!!!!!

thank god for beautiful weekends!!! (ditto says laith).

[TerriS]

I am definitely getting a bumpo for my next kid (assuming I have one.) They are great. I wish I had one for Caroline. It turns out that she has a really flat head, so flat that we just got her fitted today for a DOC band (www.cranialtech.com) and in retrospect, in addition to sleeping on her back, napping on her back, not liking tummy time, and a lot of time spent playing laying on her back, she spent a lot of time in her bouncy, and I wish now we'd had a bumpo, since that's time spent sitting upright where there's no pressure on the back of her head.

Jen, Saski looks adorable!!!

[greta]

terri, you have one special and resilient little girl!

question about the bumpo: do you feel like it hampers sitting on own progress? it looks pretty cool, but saif is on the verge of sitting well on his own, so i wouldn't get one for him (just wondering for any future child(ren) we may have).

[Megan James]

I bought a Bumbo seat for Rebecca and actually am not totally thrilled with it. It’s nice and it’s fun that she could sit in it so early (I got it around 8weeks), but she really did not like it at first. It is very constraining, which is how kids can sit in it, and little miss motion did not like that she couldn’t wiggle her legs. She’s better in it now (5 ½ months) but I feel like it’s $40 I’d have rather spent elsewhere. Note that I am a minority on this subject. If you want more opinions there are lots of threads on babycenter.com about Bumbo seats. You also shouldn’t really put this on a chair like a booster seat b/c there is no good way to strap it on.

We are in the highchair stage too. My cousin gave me a convertible swing highchair deal that I need to bring up from the basement. I think it won’t bring her up high enough to be at the table. We were at my parents over Easter and bought the Fisher Price booster seat ($24.99 at BRU) and that worked great! It straps on almost any chair and brought her right up to table height. If we decide to get something besides the swing/highchair I will get another booster seat instead of the highchair.

Easter was so fun! Rebecca was the center of attention all weekend and so cute in her Easter outfit. We tried rice cereal this weekend and she was pretty good with it (though once I gave it to her with pumped milk that had spoiled…oops!). So we slowly starting on the solids bandwagon.

[lisas3575]

Jen, I love the photos! That first one Saski looks just like you, and the second one she looks just like Peter. :)

We're struggling with some stubborn diaper rash here. Owen is starting to teethe so I think it's related. He has his 4 mo. checkup tomorrow and I'll ask the Dr. about it, but thought I'd see if anyone had any tips. It's that bumpy kind of rash, like little pimples. It doesn't seem sore or to bother him at all, but it's spreading and I can't get it cleared up. I've been using Balmex on it for over a week and just switched to Desitin today to see if that makes a difference. I also have some Burts Bees diaper rash cream, and some Mustella. :o All were gifts. I've heard good things about the Beaudreaux's Butt Paste but I hate to bring yet another tube of goo home since we have so many.... any ideas?

I imagine we'll be starting rice cereal this weekend, Megan! :)

[momqat]

We're struggling with some stubborn diaper rash here. Owen is starting to teethe so I think it's related. He has his 4 mo. checkup tomorrow and I'll ask the Dr. about it, but thought I'd see if anyone had any tips. It's that bumpy kind of rash, like little pimples. It doesn't seem sore or to bother him at all, but it's spreading and I can't get it cleared up. .... any ideas?
<delurk> My grandson had a similar rash (red and bumpy, like little pimples) at about the same age -- didn't respond to any of the usual "cures" but didn't bother him, either. Turns out he had a yeast infection, which his ped said is very common. Once he was on medication for the infection, it cleared up by the 2nd day and he hasn't had any recurrance.<lurk>

[lisas3575]

Thanks, Momqat. I'd actually thought I'd remembered reading that it was a yeast infection, but when I looked it up in my book, it said that it is almost never found on the butt cheeks, usually on the thighs and waist. Sounds like maybe he's unique. :p We will most definitely ask the Dr. about it today.

[RebeccaT]

Lisa, good luck with Owen's shots, and I hope you get some answers about the rash!

Jen, precious pictures of Saskia!

Ok, so I need some advice about traveling to the beach with a baby. We are taking a family vacation in early May to the Gulf coast of Florida... any recommendations for making this a fun trip and not a vacation we need another vacation to recover from? Is this actually going to be relaxing? We are renting a lovely 2-bedroom condo, so we'll have access to a kitchen and are just a short walk to the beach and to the resort pools. I am worried about what I don't know or haven't thought about... any pearls of wisdom to share? Jen - I know you vacationed recently with Saskia... what do I need to think about?

A little more info about our trip - we are flying to Atlanta, and then renting a car to drive down (there's a reason for this - my dad's wedding celebration is the weekend after our week in FL and is in ATL). So we unfortunately have both hassles to deal with - flying with a 10-month-old and then driving almost 7 hours. We will be able to bring my dad's pack-n-play and booster seat with us, but we'll possibly be renting other equipment while we're there. Because we're flying, we won't be able to bring a lot of the toys and other distractions with us. We'll be there for a week in Rosemary Beach, which is sort of one of those planned communities with lots of bike trails and little commercial development. The facilities are beautiful, and have just about everything I can imagine us wanting to do while we're there... but I have no idea what we'll be able to do with a little one.

Are we crazy? Reading back over this, it sounds like we are.

I am going to x-post this on the Other Stuff board to see if I can get advice from moms of older kids, too.

TIA!

[greta]

rebecca,
we went to miami for a week with laith when he was 1 year old (naseer had a convention there). we had a blast!!! it really was no more exhausting than normal life--actually it was fun to see laith experience a new place. i took laith to the pool and to the beach every day. we walked around south beach a lot...we were in a hotel room, and it worked out fine--you'll have it even better being in a condo!!! i bought one bag of toys/books, and that was plenty. we were so busy exploring, he didn't really care about his toys anyway.
i would pack enough diapers/food etc. for the journey and then buy more once you're there.
if you don't buy a seat for julia, i'd still recommend carrying her carseat on the plane--there may be an empty seat and you'll be able to put her in the seat (makes life a lot easier).
the drive will probably be a lot easier than you think! you may have to make more frequent stops than you would without the little one...but that's ok!

you are not crazy!!!
it's great to travel with your baby...
greta

[jphilg]

Yeah....I'm with Greta....it will be a blast. It won't be like your old vacations, but it will be a new kind of great vacation.

Agree, don't overpack. They have diapers, food, wipes, etc...in Florida. They've got washers, too...so again, don't overpack. Use the space you save to pack the monitor. You might find a big closet, library, den or someplace to stash the pack and play, so Julia has her space and you and Charles have yours (it is vacation, afterall ;) ).

Try and work a deal with your family and Charles for babysitting. Family time is great, but the pleasure of an afternoon alone by the pool with a book and a cocktail is priceless.

One thing: pack baby tylenol (and Hyland's Teething Tabs, if you like those). For whatever reason, travel seems to precipitate teeth in babies!

Have fun! It'll be just fine.....

Jen

[Luv to Cook]

I'm with all the other moms...you are not crazy! It will be a blast...our first trip was when Asha was 8 months old. We went to Disney and it was a great time. Since then, we have done a lot of visiting with friends, trips to the beach, family trips, etc. I was always worried about sleep, but I did whatever I could to make her comfortable and brought things that reminded her of home. Anyhow, you will have such a good time. Just relax and enjoy yourselves!

[buffygirl]

Lisa, for diaper rash, I've had good luck mixing aquafor with my normal diaper rash cream. I'm using Dr. Smith's because the ladies at day care told me it is the most effective. Like you, I could open a store with all of the tubes I have. :) Fortunately Rex hasn't had much diaper rash, but the Dr. Smith's/Aquafor combo really knocks it out quickly.

We are *still* struggling with wheezing. To say I'm worried to death and frustrated is the understatement of the year. As a reminder this started at Christmas when Rex caught a nasty cough from one of his cousins. Since then he's been on breathing treatments on and off. He's only been clear for about a month in that entire stretch. We went back to the doctor today and we're now having to do oral steroids for 5 days then will switch him back to Pulmocort for the next month. I HATE that we have to give the poor little man breathing treatments every day. It is so frustrating to put all of the time and effort into these treatments when they really don't seem to be helping. Sorry for the vent!

Other than wheezing Rex is doing well. He's not really showing any signs of wanting to crawl. He does dig his toes into the floor, fanny in the air and grinds his face into the ground. :o But crawling, not so much. He's not really into self feeding either. I figure he will get it done in his own time. No worries that he will be an over achiever. :p

Kim

[lisas3575]

Ugggggggh. We have a very unhappy little guy here tonight. My hopes that this round of shots would be easier were unfounded. I actually think he’s worse than last time. We just finally got him to bed (knock on wood) but I won’t be surprised if we’re in for a long night. It’s heartbreaking— his little sobs and he’s been soaking my sleeve with his alligator tears. When he finally starts calming down, he has that little catch in his breath that is soooooo sad. :( Poor baby.

The Dr. said his rash isn't a yeast infection, but a "contact" rash. She asked if we'd recently switched brands of dipes (no, but we did just move up from the Swaddlers to the Cruisers), and recommended putting some kind of barrier cream like zinc oxide or vaseline on it. I'll keep him in cloth more often, too, and see if that helps. There was an article in a magazine my mom read that said that a lot of babies are allergic to the dye in the name-brand dipes and if your baby has a rash that won't heal up to try switching to the no-name brand and see if that fixes the problem. Those usually don't have the fun prints that the big brands do.

On the bright side, he’s nice and average in all his measurements (almost 16 pounds now!), and the Dr. pronounced him perfect. :) She recommends waiting until close to 6 months to start rice cereal, so we’re still solely on formula for another 6 weeks or so. We’re going to switch him from apple to prune juice and see if that helps him in the rear department.

ETA: Kim, thanks for the rec for Aquafor. I had to look it up. :p I'll see if I can find it at the store tomorrow.

[KristaMB]

There was an article in a magazine my mom read that said that a lot of babies are allergic to the dye in the name-brand dipes and if your baby has a rash that won't heal up to try switching to the no-name brand and see if that fixes the problem. Those usually don't have the fun prints that the big brands do. Lisa, I found a local store brand that is dye and bleach free, but they have leaked every night I've tried them. I can get away with using them during the day when I change Megan more often, but at night it's not worth the hassle. Good luck clearing up Owen's rashy tush. I hope you find the right mix of creams and diapers soon.

[LaraW]

Poor Owen. :( Lisa, have you given him any tylenol or motrin? I think the motrin lasts a little longer, maybe like 6 hours (vs. tylenol is 4 hours). Poor guy.

I've had good luck clearing up diaper rash with plain old Desitin and swabbing some maalox on their bottom. The maalox neutralizes the acid in urine and allows the skin to heal. It was a little tip from our pediatrician, and it has worked like magic. I also like Aquaphor - I actually just bought some yesterday for Natalie for some chapped skin on her cheeks, and its a lot better after only 24 hours. I found it at Target, but I couldn't find it at the grocery store. Its kind of expensive, but it is like ointment, and you only use a little bit and so it will probably last a long time.

We're doing pretty well here - Colin seems to be getting into a routine of sorts. He's started going to daycare a few hours a week, just to get used to being there. That's going pretty well too. I go back to work on May 2.

I have a couple of questions for moms here:

1. Colin took a bottle at daycare today. I sent 5 oz of EBM, and he drank just over 2 oz of it. Can I give him the rest of it if its used within a certain period of time or do I have to throw it out? I assume I probably can't freeze it but I wondered if we can finish a bottle that he's started. Somehow I don't think you're supposed to do that, but I can't remember.

2. Naps - Colin will often wake around 5:00 am to be fed, and then go back to sleep. Sometimes, like today, he woke up around 7:00, and then took a nap mid-morning, but yesterday he slept until almost 9:00, and then didn't really take a morning nap. Should I be waking him at the same time every day, to try and get him onto a schedule or just go with it? I know that circumstances in life are probably going to require that I wake him sometimes at least, but I just wondered if he's sleeping to just let him sleep.

[DanaSD]

She recommends waiting until close to 6 months to start rice cereal, so we’re still solely on formula for another 6 weeks or so. We’re going to switch him from apple to prune juice and see if that helps him in the rear department.

What do doctor's base their decision as to when to start solids? Is it baby specific or doctor specific?

Hope he's doing better in the morning - it just breaks my heart when I see tears.

[lisas3575]

Owen's on Tylenol, not that it seems to be helping that much. I'm going to pick up some infant Motrin tomorrow.

The no-name dipes I bought early on leaked also, so I don't think they'll work for overnight, which is mainly when we use disposables. Sigh. I'd forgotten about the Maalox trick, Lara-- I have some cherry flavored left over from being pg. :D Think he'd mind? :p I used to joke that we were going to name him May Lox since I took so much of it.

Dana, I think that the recommendation varies by the doctor. I have a friend who takes her son to an older pediatrician, and since he's kind of "old school" he started him earlier on solids (as well as other more old-fashioned advice that I can't recall right now).

Lara: I'll let Owen go 1/2 hour past his "usual" feeding time if he's sleeping and then I wake him. He seems to be less cranky on a fairly regular routine, so I find that works for us. Is Colin easy going and free spirited? He might do ok without a regular routine...

[LaraW]

Lisa, yea, Colin seems to be a pretty mellow baby, and I just try and respect his need to sleep when he's sleeping for the most part. It seems a lot easier for ME :D though if I can kind of anticipate when he's going to need to sleep again, and kind of plan our day and outings accordingly.

I have the mint-flavored Maalox, and its always seems weird to me to have Natalie having a mint-smelling bum, but whatever works.

Dana, I am not sure there is a "magic" age for starting solids. I think the 6 month "rule" is because a lot of babies aren't really developmentally ready to start solids before that, and I believe there's been some research about delaying the start of solid foods and a lower incidence of food allergies. A book I've seen mentioned here a lot, and I bought it on the recommendations of several people here is called "Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense" by Ellyn Satter. We try to follow her guidelines for the most part with respect to feeding our kids. She talks about the developmental milestones a baby needs to meet before starting solid foods. I'm a little rusty on them since my DD is almost 2 1/2 and we haven't started Colin on any solids yet. It might be worth checking out.

ETA: Lisa, I remember that Natalie would often get a rash for a day or two when we moved her up in size in diapers. It seems like it would just take her a couple of days to get used to them and then no problems again.

[RebeccaT]

Thanks for the travel advice, Anita, Jen and Greta! I don't know why (probably because it involves car travel and going someplace where there won't be family to help) but I am more nervous about this trip than I am about our earlier trips with Julia (at 2.5 and 5.5 months). But we are really looking forward to the vacation!

Lisa, I hope that Owen (and you and DH!) survived the night! (((Lisa, DH and Owen)))

[buffygirl]

Lisa, Rex has really struggled with shots too. 2 things have helped. First, at Owen's weight he should be able to go up to .8ml of Tylenol, don't know if you've upped the dosage, but that really helped Rex. I think at 12-15 pounds you can up it. Also, we started dosing Rex about 1-2 hours before his appt and that seemed to really help. Again, you may already be doing that, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Rebecca, have a great trip! I can't wait to see pics of Miss Julia at the beach. I don't think I mentioned it on this thread, but our new house has a pool that is great for kiddos, you and Julia will have to come over to swim this summer! That goes for any of you other mommies who happen to be passing through Houston! :)

Kim

[RebeccaT]

Careful what you promise, Kim... We just might show up on your doorstep today! :D I can't believe it's already 88 degrees in the afternoons! Looking for air-conditioned activities for the summer, since my fail-safe trip to the park is not going to be an option once the temps get over 90...

[mst]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p702de10b5fd1cab4be1347649c28cae8/ef57c295.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p4c9ff3b1f3e690a8544ff7eda05a1cc4/ef57bdc6.jpg

Thought I would pop in and show off Ilyssa's four month pictures (even though she is five months now.)

Lisa- I have had lots of luck with "Triple Paste" for diaper rash. It is great stuff.

Ilyssa has been particularly cute recently- she is laughing lots, and holding on to her toys. DH has been away, and I put him on speaker phone to talk to her, and she reached out with both hands to grab the phone. Twice! It was pretty exciting.

[AmyY]

Diaper rash--triple paste works great. aquaphor is good too but traps in moisture so if you need to dry things out, it's not the best. Also, air time without a diaper works well.

Poor baby with the shots. My peds says no Motrin less then 6 months, only Tylenol.

Cereal--AAP recommends starting cereal at 6 months in breast fed babies but says down to 4 months is ok

EBM waste--My peds says it's good for about 30-60 minutes after you start feeding but, really, if he's fed out of it, it's contaminated with mouth bacteria and you should pitch it. You shouldn't put it back in the fridge for later.

Love the pictures--everyone is so cute.

We're still plugging away on sleep. Still no more then 3 hours at a stretch but naps are better and we've been letting him cry out a little. My peds says wait til more like 16-20 weeks to go full force.

[Luv to Cook]

Meredith, great pics! I love the roses one!

Quick question...anyone deal with a baby who goes on a nursing strike? Sahana isn't really striking, so much as preferring one side! I remember Asha striking, but she was much older (around 9-10 months), so my supply was pretty well established and she was eating other foods. Sahana is on some solids and I do not want to add anymore so I can get more breastmilk in her. She does not seem to be too interested in nursing...she would eat solids all day, if I let her. I think watching her big sister is making her more and more curious and adventurous. Any tips on what to do? She will not take my right side...even in the middle of the night!

[KathrynY]

Finally getting myself over here since I guess I'm a New Mom now. :D

Baby Henry Douglas Y was born on Monday, April 10th so he's 11 days old now. I am shocked at how quickly the time is passing already. So much to learn! After a good meeting with the lactation consultant at our pediatrician's office, breastfeeding seems to be going well and Henry is gaining weight. Fingers crossed that our good luck continues. DH and I are slowly adjusting to life as a family of three. So far it hasn't been as hard as I feared - maybe I just worry too much. :rolleyes:

Janet, I was glad to see your question about activity for Maya - people had so many good suggestions. I am filing them away for our use in a few weeks.

Such cute photos of your little ones, Jen, Meredith, Janet and Dana. I am thinking I'll try to get some professional photos taken of Henry while he's still a newborn - it already makes me sad that he's going to grow so quickly.

Looking forward to chatting with all of you! Here's a photo of Henry from the hospital - I am especially pleased that he got my red hair:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/redbird67/Family%20Photos/183e06f9.jpg

[gertdog]

Wow, lots of "new moms" activity in the past week!

We got back from our week in CA last night. I am exhausted, but it couldn't have been a nicer trip, really. Ryan was a dream on the plane- I was so worried he'd cry. Buying him his own seat was worth every penny- the flights were full in both directions so we wouldn't have lucked into an extra seat for him. Being able to put him in his carseat was great- he was able to nap and just play with toys in the carseat most of the time, but also sat in our laps and flirted with other passengers some of the time. :) The only time he cried was when I lifted him up for a diaper sniff-test and accidently bonked his forehead on the seat. :o

I was really worried about sleep during the trip, but he slept at night just fine, though he went down later than he does at home (weird since the time difference should have made him tired earlier) and napped kind of haphazardly. We just tried to go with the flow and let him sleep when it seemed like he needed to w/o stressing over it, and that worked out fine.

Rebecca, you'll be fine on your trip. We did a ton of driving with Ryan in the past week. We tried to stick to times he might be sleeping anyway, though that wasn't always possible. We also tried to stop for feedings at his regular times, which worked well and kept him happy. On a 4-hour drive we stopped twice and made sure to take him out of the carseat to stretch a little each time we stopped. I packed one of those roller sunshades for the car window which came in handy- on our way to LA the sun would have been in his face the whole way. Also pack the manual for your carseat- I needed it to figure out whether the seatbelts in any of the three different cars we drove (!) required a locking clip on the seatbelt. It was especially helpful in the rental car since there was no owner's manual for the car.

My mom bought a pack-and-play and booster seat to keep at her house, so we had those to use, and then bought all other items when we arrived- formula, diapers, wipes. A roll of paper towels and a package of gallon-size ziplock bags were my best friends. The ziplocks were great for sealing up smelly diapers on the go, damp or dirty clothes, keeping clean and dirty feeding utensils separate, keeping toys together, etc.

I definitely overpacked toys and books (especially since Mom had more waiting for us at her house!). I packed enough clothes to last half the trip and then washed as needed, which seemed to work fine.

All that said I am glad to be home with my own familiar stuff, but much, much more confident about traveling with a baby!!

Okay, I've written a book- sorry. :o

Great pics of Ilyssa, Saskia, and Maya!

Meredith, we have the Fisher Price Healthy Care High Chair and love it (the one Baby Bargains likes). While in CA we used the FP Healthy Care booster seat and also liked that, but I'm glad we have the full-size chair at home. I can see switching to the booster at home when he's a bit bigger, but I like the features of the full-size chair for now (padded, reclining seat, large tray, wheels).

Dana, I hope Brendan stays nice and healthy. Lisa, I hope Owen's rash clears up pronto! And Kim, I'm so sorry you're having to worry about poor Rex's wheezing. I hope that the doctor is eventually able to figure something out that helps.

[gertdog]

And welcome to Kathryn and Henry! He is so sweet! :) :) :) Glad to hear everything's going well so far.

[ggs830]

Quick post-partum question:

Anyone start having their hair fall out at a rapid rate after giving birth? I've always had really really thick hair, and have shed at a normal rate pre-pregnancy. The last month or so (3-4 months post partum), my hair has been falling out in clumps. Sometimes, the shower won't drain right because there is so much hair clogging the drain!! :eek: I've got a lot of hair to spare, luckily, but it is starting to get annoying, especially since I find strands of hair wrapped around Shaelyn's fingers and toes.

We're doing really good over here, settling in nicely to a routine now that I'm back to work. Only exception is that Shaelyn was sleeping completely through the night, going 12 hours between feeds. This last week, she started waking up once a night again to eat, even though I took everyone's advice and upped her amounts during the day (she at nearly 7 oz!! I can't believe she started off at barely 2oz!). I'm not sure if she's hungry or it's become a habit. We have her four month appt. the first week of May, so I'm going to talk to the doc about whether I should be going through with the night feed.

Otherwise, we are loving our baby girl more and more every day! Lots and lots of smiles, she's starting to giggle and coo a whole lot more, she gets so excited when she sees or hears me or DH, and she's making some effort to roll over now. 16 weeks old today-- I can't believe how quickly time is going by!

[mst]

Thanks everyone for the compliments on Ilyssa's pictures. I love all of the pictures of the other cuties too. Saskia looks like such a big girl! Amazing.

Congrats Kathryn, and welcome Henry! I love the red hair!

Stephanie- thanks for the insight on the highchair. I probably am going to go the Fisherprice route. I feel funny buying the cheapest chair at BRU though! I feel like I should be getting a more expensive one...

Anita- My neices and nephews all ended up refusing the boob. For all three of them, it was the beginning of the end. My sister was able to trick them to do the morning feeding- getting them when they were sleepy. As for the one side thing- one of my nephews did that too. My only advice would be to make sure to pump the other side so that you don't lose you milk supply in case she changes which side she wants. What size summer clothes are you getting for Sahana? Ilyssa is just now into 3-6 months (she is five months), and only the tops. She is still 0-3 for pants. I feel funny buying 3-6 when I want her to wear these clothes through August, though...

ggs- I hear you! I am losing hair like crazy. I have to clean the drain twice during each shower. I am surprised how late it is happening. Amazing that five months later, my body is still adjusting to not being pregnant.

[Megan James]

GGS Rebecca did the exact same thing with sleep right aroudn 3 1/2 - 4 months. Unfortunately she hasn't gotten much better. She now wakes 1-3 times/night. I've started not nursing her (to many tears and wails) if she wakes up less than 4 hours after the previous time. I've done that 2 nights in a row now and once she went back to sleep she slept another 3-4 hours which tells me she wasn't hungry. My ped told me that at 4 months the sleep cycle changes and they will wake up and they will cry out for attention. I have been getting up and nursing her more than he recommended but it was what felt right for me at the time. Now I am slowly starting to toughen up a little bit.
Tomorrow is a big day for us. We have our first mommy and me swim class in the morning. In the afternoon we are going to a friends house and her sitter is going to watch Rebecca while we go for a bike ride. Then in the evening my inlaws are going to babysit while DH and I go out to dinner. This is close to our first time with a babysitter other than daycare so it will be interesting to see how it goes. I've been procrastinating about babysitters but really just need to take the plunge.

Welcome Kathryn!

[emlaw]

Hi! I've been lurking the last few months, but I thought I would join in. I've gotten great advice and you all have given me encouragement and you all haven't even known it!

Me: Emily, 32
Husband: James, 31
First child: Sutton (a boy:)), born 1/30/06

Challenges: returning to work full-time tomorrow, while exclusively breast-feeding. Luckily my situation is such that I work from home 4 days a week, and either my mom or my m-in-law will be watching Sutton while I work. Thus, I only have to deal with pumping for the one day a week I go into the office. Still, I'm apprehensive about others spending so much time with Sutton. I worry that he will forgot I'm his mom. I realize this is very selfish, and I should just be glad that I have family so willing to watch him (and be glad I can see him during the day when I BF), but I can't help myself. . .

My two-cents: I've noticed some threads about diaper rash. Here's what I use: 1 part Aquaphor mixed in my mini-cuisinart with 1 part regular strength Maalox. After those are mixed, and I've removed the cream from the food processor (I store it in little disposable Gladware container), I stir in a little Lotrimin. My doula gave me this recipe. It pretty much takes care of all diaper rashes, irregardless of the cause. I've found it to work great. I just use it once a week or so if i notice any redness.

Luv to Cook- I noticed that you took your daughter to Disney when she was 8 months old. We are going with Sutton when he is 9 months old (in October). Because it's Disney, I'm having to make a lot of plans now (for example dinner reservations apparently need to be made within the next week!). How did the trip work for you? How much time did you actually spend in the parks? What parks did you go to? How did you all handle dinner? Was she welcome in restaurants? We'd like to go to some of the nicer places with Sutton, but are a little apprehensive. Any thoughts appreciated. . .

Glad to be joining in!

Emily

[ggs830]

Welcome Emily!

I hear you on going back to work. I went back to work at the beginning of April, and had similar concerns as you do regarding whether or not my DD would remember me. Like you, my parents watch her 4 days a week, and I work from home on Fridays. However, it is so true what everyone says-- your child will always know his mom and dad. Shaelyn always amazes me-- she has a special smile for me and DH and gets so excited to see us. It doesn't matter who she is with, she always is so happy when she sees us at the end of the day. So, don't worry about your DS. It will be hard at first (and it still is for me), but your son will ALWAYS know you.

Shaelyn is still so inconsistent with her sleeping. Friday night she slept straight through, not a peep from 7 pm to 7 a.m. Last night, she was up at midnight, fussy at 4 a.m. (but talked herself back to sleep) and up for the day at 6:30a.m. I wouldn't mind the night wakings, if she would just be consistent. Arrgh!

Since people seem to be sharing, here is a picture of Shaelyn from a couple of weeks ago. Hope it isn't too small!

[MinEaston]

welcome to all the new little ones! The pictures are so sweet.

re: hair loss. yep, it fell out for me big time. I too have very thick hair and at the time it was long - all the way down my back. In July, about 5 months post-partum, I chopped it all off, donating 15 inches to locks for love. I haven't regretted it at all, and boy it's nice not to have to clean the tub or shower drain every time! FWIW, the hair loss seemed to slow down, for me anyway, around 8 months post partum, I'd guess.

[mst]

Emily- Welcome! I am glad you de-lurked so we can get to know you too! I am impressed by your homemade diaper cream. As everyone has said, I think babies do know their mommy and daddy. DH was away all last week- and he was so sad about it. Ilyssa definitely perked up and got excited when he came home. The other thing I did, was I would put DH on speaker phone so he could talk to her, or while he was talking to me, just so she could hear his voice. I am still glad that he is home, though.

Shaelyn is adorable.

MinEaston- so cool that you donated to locks of love. I have always wanted to do that, but I hate myself with too much hair. I wish they took donations of shorter hair.

I am finding myself becoming kind of a crunchy mom. I am back into my whole wanting to be holding her in a sling or something like that more. I am thinking of sewing a mei tai. Does anyone have one? Do they like it? I have a bjorn, and a homemade sling, and a nojo sling. I like the bjorn best, but all of the "babywearers" on other websites seem kind of down on the bjorn, but I can't figure out why (and I am too lazy to register to those sites to ask why!) Any thoughts on this type of thing?

I am getting frustrated about selling our house. It has only been a month, but I just want it done! Grrr....

[AmyY]

Emily--I'm with you on your concerns about returning to work. I worried too that DS would not know me. I returned 3 weeks ago and this has not been the case. Things have gone much more smoothly than I had thought. I didn't even cry on my first day back (though I did cry the whole day before). My little one is BF exclusively, too. I pump 2-3 times at work. My parents and husband care for him in the day and he's been taking the bottle without qualms, though I know he prefers the breast. It's actually been nice for me to go to work (I work part-time), so that I get a break and then I find that I really appreciate and cherish the time I'm with DS more. Good luck and feel free to de-lurk if you need encouragement!

Amy

[TerriS]

Hair definitely falls out. Mine still is, 9 months later - to some extent.

mst, I know a few girls who have mei tais and they seem to like them. If the bjorn works for you then go for it! I have a hotsling but haven't used it in ages. I need to dig it up as Caroline is getting to be heavy when I carry her for any length of time! your girl is adorable. love all that hair!

Emily, you are SO LUCKY that you have family watching your boy and will be able to BF him any time you need to! It kills me that someone else gets to be with Caroline during the day, but I just try to focus on the time I'm with her. Despite me being back at work for almost 6 months now, she still lights up, laughs, and smiles, not just when I pick her up at daycare but when I walk into the room after being out for just a few minutes! She does the same for her dad! She knows her mommy and daddy and loves us. No doubt. She is starting to say "ma ma" more consistently when hungry or upset, too.

[gertdog]

Lots of hair loss here too. I normally have pretty thick hair, but it got even thicker while I was pregnant. I lost a lot of it over the first four months postpartum; it's slowed down now.

I had another pp thing that I'd never heard of- I have a single horizontal ridge across each fingernail, particularly noticeable on my thumbs. I first noticed them about a month after Ryan was born, when they were down near the bases of my nails. Now they're about 2/3 of the way grown out. My doctor said these kind of ridges can result from physical stress, but she'd never actually seen them related to childbirth! Did anyone else have these?

[DanaSD]

mst - you asked about clothes. One thing that I was told by others and was true for Brendan, is that they don't last in the 3-6 month clothes very long. Not sure if this applies to all babies or just chunkers. Brendan is wearing 6-9 month and even 9-12 month size clothing especially for carters which runs small compared to Gap and gymobree. I think he wore the 3-6 month size for a few weeks.

For those of you with smaller and average sized babies you will definately get more use out of your toys and clothes - Brendan has many clothes that he only wore once and we bought some fall clothes in 9 month size which he could wear now (and living in AZ, weren't not going to get any cool days for awhile). We have to go get him a new carseat and he's getting too big/heavy for his bouncer and swing.

I start work this week and I'm a little stressed out - its hard to have been off for 4 months and then go back especially after 2 major life changing events (Brendan and move to AZ). I have to start right into a project that involved configuring a software application and I don't know how much I remember. Also, I'm worried about being able to focus and how I'm going to deal with BF while working. In case you don't remember my situation, I'm returning to my job that I had in San Diego but since we moved I'm working from home. Our au pair arrived yesterday and she will be taking care of Brendan while I work. I want to switch him to a bottle but he isn't going along with our plan so far.

Sleep has been random. Thursday night he slept 11 hours straight and the last 2 nights he was up several times and last night he ate so much each time - way more than normal. another growth spurt???

[lisas3575]

Owen outgrew the 3-6 month size quickly too, but not as quickly as he seems to be outgrowing the 6 month size. :eek: There was an alarming article in our paper yesterday about how many babies and toddlers are outgrowing the limits on their carseats before their ready to be moved up into the next size seat. Apparently it's becoming a huge issue and the car seat mfgs aren't responding to the need.

Lots of hair loss here, too. I was surprised it took so long to get going, but I'm another one who's having to constantly clean out the drains.

MST-- I *think* the main concern with the Bjorn is some people think it puts too much pressure on the pelvis and hips of the baby to have them upright in there. Seems like I read that somewhere. I don't personally have an issue with them.

In the last week or two we've really gone backward in the nap/sleep department. :( He just fights going to sleep. It's gotten to where he starts crying as soon as we walk in his room. Rocking isn't working anymore, he now only settles down if we walk (or better yet, jog) around the house with him. I know it's just a phase, but it's making me crazy. He's in his crib right now, screaming at the top of his lungs. I've already been in there to soothe him twice, and he's clearly tired, so I'm just letting him cry for a bit and see where we get. Ugh. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm trying to not take him out of the crib when I go in unless he's really not settling down. Is this the age when they start getting seperation anxiety?

[Luv to Cook]

Meredith, thanks for those stories...I sure hope that does not happen to us. I am really enjoying nursing her and I really want to make it as long as I did with her big sister. I think she just may be too into life around her. Also, I changed back to my old lotion and she seems to be nursing well again. She did throw up twice this weekend...it was so sad. It happened in the carseat both times, but not while driving. DH seems to think it is because her tummy is compressed in there and it just forces the food up. I hope it is just that and not that she gets carsick!

As for summer clothes, right now I am buying 3-6 months, but they are just right. The 6-9 months are huge, but it would probably be better to get those. It is so hard in between seasons and sizes. She is still petite, but must be about 13-14 lbs. by now. She just turned 5 months old. I cannot believe it!

As for the sling, I like mine...its a mayawrap. Not sure why the sling sites bash bjorns, but I like mine for the first 6 months, and then when they can sit on the hip, I like the sling. Do whatever works for you. I think they don't like the bjorn because the baby can't see you...but Sahana likes the bjorn and can hear my voice, so it works for us.

Tons of hair loss here too. With Asha I started losing it the day after she was born. With Sahana I thought I got away with not losing any, but it suddenly started all coming out in the past week or so. Not happy about that. I find hair everywhere! It is really gross.

Emily, Disney was a blast with my older DD. We were kind of worried about the whole trip, but we all had so much fun. We tried to get to the parks early in the morning, when there was a little less of a crowd. We skipped her AM nap, but then tried to get back to the hotel by the afternoon, so she could at least get one nap. We needed it too! We spent the most time at Magic Kingdom, since they have the most kiddie rides...mostly in Fantasyland I believe. They really are fearless at that age, so everything was just lots of fun for her. We reserved our reservations for the character breakfasts in advance, but not much of anything else. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and ate their brunch in the morning and occassionaly had dinner there. Otherwise, we ate in Downtown Disney. I would say since it is Disney, she was welcomed pretty much everywhere. I guess they expect the little ones. We also brought a adjustable shower curtain rod for our room. When Asha was ready for bed, we were able to set up the pak-n-play in the hallway of the room and then put up the shower rod and swing a blanket over it. She was able to sleep in quiet and we were able to stay up and watch TV and order room service. This also worked great for naps, since if she saw us, she would want to play. A couple mornings we stayed at the property and just swam in the pool...take naps and then headed to the parks in the late afternoon. We seemed to miss alot of rush that way. It was awesome and I cannot wait to go again...perhaps when Sahana is a little older.

Sleep is all over the place for us as well. Sahana was doing really well when I put her on her tummy. But now she figured out how to roll and wakes up screaming on her back. It really is frustrating. I think we will wait until 6 months and then if her ped says its okay, I will probably CIO and stop the night feeds. By then she should be able to roll both ways and I won't feel so bad. We will see.

Lisa, I think you are doing the right thing. I don't think its separation anxiety yet, more like, the world is sooo cool and I don't want to miss anything. I just always put my kids in their cribs for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon...what they did in there was their choice...you can sleep, you can play, you can cry, but I am going to give you some time to sleep. And most of the time they did. We definitely have bumps in the road, but it has paid off. I have an almost three year old who naps most of the time and if she doesn't she plays quietly (or not so) in her room for 2 hours.

Anita

[DanaSD]

so I had my first emotional breakdown this morning about going back to work Tuesday (I called my husband at his working crying telling him I can't go back to work). I think going back to work will be good for me and I'm working from home so I can still keep on eye on my son (and his nanny) so everything should go fine - I think its just a big change and I'm worried about being able to focus on my work and the BF challenges while working. I still see him throughout the day when I'm feeding him and without a commute I get more hours with him than if I was working out of the home.

this is hard....... (can't imagine the mess I'd be if I was working out of the home)

[mst]

(((Dana))) The work/home balance is so hard. I don't think there is a right answer. I am definitely meant to be a SAHM, but I am completely panicked about money. I wish there was an easier way- for all of us.

[emlaw]

DanaSD-

I hear you. Like you, I work from home (4 days a week, on 5th day go to office), and I have caregivers on the 4 days I work at home (mom and m-in-law alternate days) watching DS. I also BF. While I just started back to work full-time this week, I had to work sporadically during maternity leave on various projects so I have had a little experience doing this. My advice is to have periods you go to your home office (I know this can't really be set out in advance since you BF) and during that time, WORK! I have my caregivers bring DS to me when he wants to BF, and I really relish that time together (although I'll admit I sometimes catch up on internet reading then:))

I agree, it's so hard when you hear your child crying, but if you want the work thing to work, you pretty much have to ignore it(: It will get (a little) easier as you get into work projects:)

Emily

[DanaSD]

thanks for the support. Its going relatively well despite a crazy day. Brendan didn't sleep well again and has been eating more than normal. He fell asleep at 7 without eating enough so he woke at 8 and 10 (at this point he had the normal amount of eating) then woke at 2 and ate a lot (both boobs) and then 6 and never really fell asleep again. I had a crying fit around 3 when I tried to put him back to bed before realizing he wanted to eat more cause I was worried about being tired today for my first day back. Besides work today we've had workers show up to move our fence, start our front yard landscaping and install our satelitte TV. Plus Brendan was tired from not getting enough sleep so he's had an unusual nap schedule today, been a little fussy and still eating more than normal - sometimes evry 1-2 hours. If this is a growth spurt, its been 3 days now and I thought those were just supposed to be 1-2 days.

Maybe its teething or the adjustment to our nanny and he's using eating as a soother? I tried not feeding him but he was so demanding about eating and eat for a long time. During the night I let him cry for 15 minutes before getting him - previous to this week I would just have to let him cry for around 5 minutes and he would go to sleep.

The hardest thing with BF and working is that I'm worried about being on a conference call and that they'll hear him. The people in my departmetn know my situation but not everyone at my company and I don't want them to think I"m taking care of my child while working (so that they'll think I"m not getting much work done when I do have a live in nanny).

ok I've babbled and should be working,

[buffygirl]

Dana, about going back to work, what you are feeling is completely normal. I was a complete emotional wreck starting about 2 weeks before I went back. But I truly enjoy my career and decided to go back, then re-evaluate after a few months. I now really enjoy the balance of working and being a mom. I like the accomplishment that I enjoy as a career woman, but the snuggies I get from being a mom. My goal is to eventually work 4 days a week instead of 5, but for now I've struck a balance that works pretty well. You'll get to a point of balance, don't worry. And if you go back for a few months, and still feel torn, you can always re-evaluate. Nothing in this life is truly "permanent". :) Hugs.

[DanaSD]

thanks buffygirl. The plan is for me to work for a year and then re-evaluate if I want to keep working. I too would like to go to 4 days but for now, there's so much work to be done that I need to do 5 days and I think I lose a lot of my benefits if I go down to 4 days.

The hardest thing right now if trying to train our au pair on how to take care of him (when he needs naps and feeding) when I haven't even figured it out. Its such a judgement call as to when I get him up and when I let him cry for a few minutes to see if he'll go back to sleep.

I keep switching from thinking this is going well and I can do this to no, this isn't going to work and I even pulled out the au pair contract to see how much money we would get back if we cancelled. It'll get easier and I know everyone goes through this. DH doesn't like to see me upset so he's stressed about me and he brought me home flowers last night which was very sweet.

[KathrynY]

Me: Kathryn, 39
DH: Brian, 39
First child: Henry, 2 weeks (born 04/10/2006 - 4 weeks early)

Hello! I'm still here, and we're doing well. Gradually adjusting to life at a new pace - it's very strange after 16 years of full-time work to have such a long break at home. Seems like all I do these days is nap and feed the baby! We have been getting out for a walk most days - thank goodness the weather is warming up here.

I can also report that my New-Mom Initiation is now complete - I was peed on during diaper changes twice last week! :D

Thanks to those of you who are working/returning to work for sharing your thoughts on the subject. I will do some part-time work later this summer, and go back full-time in September. Kim and Dana, I would also like to eventually do a 4-day work week if possible. I'm lucky that I am the person in the office who would set and implement a flexible scheduling policy, but that also means my staff would probably think I did it just for my own benefit. :rolleyes:

I am still wrestling with a small bit of guilt over unfinished work that I left behind - didn't anticipate delivering 4 weeks early. Ah, well - my boss is great and not at all concerned about it so I try not to dwell on it either.

Question for moms who have bf'd and pumped - my ped's office says I can try giving a bottle of expressed milk between 2-3 weeks, which is right about now. DH would like to try and take a nighttime feeding, but I am confused about exactly how to go about doing that. What I've read so far (and I have so many baby books in the house at the moment I'm not even sure which one this came from!) indicates that I should pump at the same time I'd normally do a feeding. So how will that get me extra sleep? :confused: They must mean pumping immediately after a feeding, no? Thanks for any advice you can offer! :)

[Luv to Cook]

Kathryn, just wanted to chime in. First off, Congrats! Right now, your milk supply is probably quite copious, while it gets regulated. I would just pump about a half hour after a nursing session. Or you can always pump one breast while you nurse on the other, if your son takes only one during each feed. Good luck and enjoy the nighttime sleep!

[greta]

hi kathryn!!! (and everybody else!!)

i didn't have to worry about the going back to work thing with laith, as i wasn't working...but i did start back to work at 10 weeks after saif was born. it's a bit different for me as saif is with my mother--so the level of guilt was much less than it would have been otherwise.

that said, saif is now 6 mos old, and although i prefer him to be with my mom--i would definitely be open to having him in the daycare that laith attends. there are definite advantages and disadvantages to each scenario. we brought saif into visit laith's class yesterday and he was cool with it at first, but when all the kids started making a big fuss over him--screaming and such--the bottom lip went out and he started crying! he does not like when laith screams, nor anyone else for that matter! ;)

ok, now onto your question about pumping (which is why i replied in the first place)...as long as you have a healthy supply, you can definitely skip the night feeding and pump after a daytime feeding or 2. have you pumped yet? if so, how much did you get? you may need to pump a couple of times during the day to get enough for the nighttime feeding--sometimes early on, you don't get as much when you pump...in time, you'll get more.

HTH.

greta

[BethH]

I am finding myself becoming kind of a crunchy mom. I am back into my whole wanting to be holding her in a sling or something like that more. I am thinking of sewing a mei tai. Does anyone have one? Do they like it? I have a bjorn, and a homemade sling, and a nojo sling. I like the bjorn best, but all of the "babywearers" on other websites seem kind of down on the bjorn, but I can't figure out why (and I am too lazy to register to those sites to ask why!) Any thoughts on this type of thing?

Crunchy mom -- checking in! I LOOOOVE my mei tai! Mine is a kozy carrier I got online and it is super comfy. I think the problem with the bjorn is that it becomes uncomfortable as baby gets bigger -- the straps on the kozy are really wide and padded. I also have a sling but the kid really prefers the kozy. DH and I both can wear it because it just ties on. I've found it to be really convenient because it is so adjustable -- DS used to ride facing me when he was little, now he faces out so he can watch everything, but he can also ride on my hip or on my back. And its in such a pretty fabric, I get compliments on it where ever I go! HTH!

Back to my now regular lurking ...

[DanaSD]

Crunchy mom -- checking in! I LOOOOVE my mei tai! Mine is a kozy carrier I got online and it is super comfy. I think the problem with the bjorn is that it becomes uncomfortable as baby gets bigger -- the straps on the kozy are really wide and padded. I also have a sling but the kid really prefers the kozy. DH and I both can wear it because it just ties on. I've found it to be really convenient because it is so adjustable -- DS used to ride facing me when he was little, now he faces out so he can watch everything, but he can also ride on my hip or on my back. And its in such a pretty fabric, I get compliments on it where ever I go! HTH!

Back to my now regular lurking ...

I have a maya wrap. I've started to use it to carry him on my hip but I'm always afraid he's going to slip out - I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly. Because Brendan got so big before he had head control I couldn't use it when he was younger - he was too squished in the laying down position.

The mei tai looks nice - is the kozy a specific type? Do you have any pictures of carrying a baby facing out - everything on the internet was facing in. Also, how difficult is it to use for back carrying? Whats a good website to purchase one from?

I also have a bjoern which we use almost everyday. I got the active carrier which is better on your back. But it looks stupid with all the extra straps hanging out. I'd like to get something a little more fashionable since I use it so often (DS likes this much better than the stroller and carrier).

[gertdog]

I have a maya wrap. I've started to use it to carry him on my hip but I'm always afraid he's going to slip out - I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly.


Okay, I'm glad you said this. I have a maya sling and a hotsling and I cannot figure out how to do a secure hip carry. I feel like he's going to fall right through. We've been using the bjorn almost exclusively because I don't feel I have the hang of the slings and he doesn't like the front carry in the sling with his legs crossed in front of him anymore.

[DanaSD]

Okay, I'm glad you said this. I have a maya sling and a hotsling and I cannot figure out how to do a secure hip carry. I feel like he's going to fall right through. We've been using the bjorn almost exclusively because I don't feel I have the hang of the slings and he doesn't like the front carry in the sling with his legs crossed in front of him anymore.

glad I'm not the only one. The mei tai looks good because on the hip carry, the strap still holds their legs.

[TerriS]

Last time I tried a hip carry in my hotsling I had the same problem, Caroline actually did almost fall out! I couldn't tell if it was just that I set it up wrong or if she was squirmy or what. Which is a bummer, I love the idea of strapping her to my hip, especially these days when she is heavy to carry!

[KathrynY]

Thanks very much Anita and Greta for the pumping advice. I used it initially to try and get my supply going, but not since the first week. We will give it a try this weekend and see how it goes! :)

[Luv to Cook]

When I use my sling, I make sure that I pull the fabric under her butt and up through her legs and then tighten...so its kinda like a little hammock that she sits in. I haven't actually done it with Sahana yet, but that is what I used to do with Asha and it wasn't until she could sit on my hip that it worked. Right now, Sahana's legs are not long enough to wrap around my hip...so we use the Bjorn.

[AmyY]

kathryn-
congrats on henry-what a cutie. I work 3 days per work and pump 2-3 times at work. As per your pumping question, I have also found that pumping AFTER the am feeding is a good time. I'm usually still pretty full, even though DS feeds every 3 hours during the night (it's just not as good a feed now that he's almost 4 months). Since DS sometimes only feeds off of one side at night, too, I'll pump the other breast before I go to bed so I'm not too engorged. If you think about it, all that you really need is one days worth of milk stored eventually because you'll pump for the next day. Also, make sure you do give a bottle at least a few times a week; DS would take a week or more off and then was more fickle to go back to it. Now, he's a champ.

As for me, we're going whole hog with CIO this weekend. DS cried for 45 min last night and 30 tonight. We're also transitioning him to the crib from our room. I almost cried thinking about it--he's getting so big so fast! :( But, it's now a safety issue since the bassinet only goes to 15 pound and he's 16+). I've been sleeping with him more too lately to get sleep for work. I've really come to love it and will miss that too, but I know it's best for him. Wish me luck!!

[mst]

Beth- Grr! Did you have to love this? That is what I am looking for- but am trying to convince myself that it is too much money! I am interested in getting a Charlotte Kozy with natural straps and a pocket. My DH said that I should get this for Mother's day (there is nothing that I want- so he thought it would be a good excuse for me to get it.) I am trolling different places, seeing if I can get one used for less money. It looks like used ones sell for only about $5 less than new ones- I am waiting for a good deal. And, you have to wait two weeks for the new ones, which makes me lean more towards the used ones. Which one did you get? I also like the Gwynn pattern...

Dana- check out www.kozycarrier.com. Seems like lots of people like this brand. Also, if you are interested, www.babywearer.com has lots of info. Kozy carrier website shows carrying with the baby facing out.

Amy- Good luck with everything with DS. Sounds like big transitions for you too! I miss sleeping with Ilyssa, although I sleep much better without her.

Kathryn- I am a little crazy because I have a really low milk supply. So, I won't bother you with my opinions, except to say that if you find any signs of your milk supply decreasing more than you want it to, then I would pump or feed for every feeding.

[Megan James]

Baby Carriers: I made a simple sling that I used up until about 3 months and then she wasn't as into it. I got 2 Bjorn's as hand-me-downs and that is how we get errands down. She loves facing outwards and seeing everything. I really like the Bjorn too.

Babysitters: We had a rough experience with a sitter last weekend (Rebecca cried every second she wasn't sleeping) but a much better experience last night. We went out for 5 1/2 hours and the only time Rebecca cried was when the sitter tried to take her to her parents house (they live right down the street). I guess a new person and a new house was too much. I was so happy when we got home to hear the sitter say "call me anytime". I really need to start getting out a little more, if nothing else to ride my bike!

Sleeping: We've been working on sleeping through the night. Rebecca was sleeping 10+ hours straight at 7 weeks and then at 4 months digressed and is waking about 3 times a night. When we went to the pediatrician Wednesday he said to start working on getting her to sleep through the night or at least sooth herself back to sleep. It's something i know I should do but I usually just nurse her b/c it's easier. So the past few nights I just go in quick when she wakes and hand her a animal or pacifier and tell her to go back to sleep. about 2/3 of the time she falls back asleep quickly. The other 1/3 she cries and fusses for a while and I have to go back in a couple of times. I've only caved and nursed her once in 4 nights (and about 12 wakings). I'm trying to stay tough b/c lack of sleep is really starting to take it's toll on me. I know not everyone agrees with being tough with a 6 month old but it's what I feel is best for us.