| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Oct 19 2011 : 09:29:17 AM
Now that the pregnancy part is over, I thought I'd start another thread. Many of you have several children, but do you remember your first? What it was like coming home, the sleep deprivation, your thoughts and choices being changed by circumstances?
Since we had so much time in the hospital, I was able to pick up lots of hints. Since mom doesn't drive well at night, I didn't get the every three hours feeding time with the baby and the nurses managed in the evening. Once we moved to Peds I was there 24/7 and had a crash course in what was to come. As much as I did not want to go to the NICU for that long, I think it really helped me adapt to what his needs would be. Coming home was a little easier though we are still learning.
Lesson 1) the nipples they use at the hospital are really soft and he got lazy about sucking, hence one reason I am still pumping.
Lesson 2) pacifiers can be your friend. I had not intended to use one, but... I do try to limit the use.
Lesson 3) finding time to pump can be difficult and I am becoming inventive. Thank goodness for battery operated pumps.
Lesson 4) chin quiver and certain cries turn mommy into mush.
Lesson 5) Thank goodness for all the family and friends that are making meals for us and coming into help.
Lesson 6) snuggle time is great.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 27 2011 : 10:04:37 AM
Looked at the link. Interesting. As I said there is so much different parenting advice out there you have to find what works for you. We never got to breast, unfortunately, and our feeding times were always in the 2 1/2 to 3 hour range anyways. For me setting up some type of routine with the eat, wake, then nap has been the most helpful. Some times the times vary, but I find if he is down for at least an hour, he's less cranky. We had many sporadic nap days before and I think those were harder on both of us. And the discussion on crying was helpful.
I don't think I would have liked to have him sleeping through the night at 8 weeks (ok maybe at the time I would have). We are at 12 now and the once a night feeding comes after a long stretch, then a short one which puts us between 6 and 7, a doable time to be getting up.
I do worry about the pacifer use, but sometimes its the only way to get him to relax enough to sleep (we have serious holding breath tantrums). He loses it pretty quickly after he falls asleep. Guess I'll worry about that habit later. For now, happy baby is good baby.
I guess this shows the trouble of a handbook (darn).
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 27 2011 : 07:41:20 AM
What is CIO?
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 26 2011 : 9:04:13 PM
That may just be a phase the one feeding a night, many babies especially breast fed babies feed through the night for a loooong time. And sometimes they stop again, especially around teething times they will start again.
I have not read babywise, so really don't know any thing for sure about it, however, I have heard that it is controversial and some of their ideas can be dangerous. Again I haven't ever read it, and in fact only heard about it a few days ago, on another forum, and there was a link given about some dangers in it's way of thinking. I didn't read the links though or anything, I will see if I can find the link for you.
http://www.ezzo.info/
This was the link put on LLL website's message board about it. Again, I haven't read the site, or the book, so really don't have any knowledge about them. But, I will say from the topic at LLL that it came up on, they were discussing CIO, and I do know there has been research for sure done on CIO causing brain cell loss, and it's relation to SIDS, and other such problems. Again I don't know if BW is pro CIO, CIO was just part of the discussion that BW was brought up in.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 26 2011 : 4:23:44 PM
I just read "Baby Wise" a comment from Arlene directed me that way. I wish I had had that book two months ago. Like any parenting advice you have to take everything and make it work for you, but the simplicity of feed, wake, nap has really become a lifesaver and the explanations of various cries. Why didn't anyone tell me that before? You would think as a grown woman I would have a clue, but nope, the only experience for motherhood IS motherhood.
But we are down to only one feeding in the night!!!
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 17 2011 : 08:10:40 AM
We talked about a video recorder for Christmas, but it will have to wait until next year. There is a little on on the digital camera we are making due with right now.
I really, really would like a manual. My poor niece. I call her all the time, with "Is this normal?" "He's doing this should I worry?" "Why won't he stop crying?" She just laughs at me as no one expected Aunt Laurie to be having a baby at this point.
Thank goodness she just went through it all with her third.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 05:15:36 AM
I do remember my first child. He is now 19 now, and turning 20 next April.
I had many challenges as I was going back to work full-time in 6 weeks after giving birth to him. I even wrote a story on another site about the challenges of breast feeding: http://www.helium.com/items/1198133-helping-new-mothers-with-breastfeeding
We now are struggling with teenage years, and recently got out family videos. We are oohing and ahhing over them, as the kids look so tiny and innocent. We are doing a lot of laughing and sighing too. Be sure to film you little one so you can watch it when they turn into adults.
Enjoy your new blessing.
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://pioneerpatchworkhomespun.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 13 2011 : 1:32:01 PM
Ahhhh . . . my son (who was born with Down Syndrome) turned 38 years old yesterday. These posts remind me of December 1973 and subsequent months of challenge after challenge.
And, my eventual realization that I was truly given a gift! He is a gem!
Thinking of you Laurie!!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 13 2011 : 10:01:20 AM
Heather that is too funny. I was amazed you were on here as much as you were. I struggle with just one wanting to be held, but then there is the cat who thinks computer time is petting time and likes to sit on the keyboard. I'll blame her for all mispellings.
We've started a new regiment on the breast feeding front, so fingers crossed.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 12 2011 : 9:14:59 PM
oh ps I believe you can buy some kind of tester kit for paint problems, if nothing else you can probably google, each toy and see if your toy has some kind of serial number on it, I'm sure if it had anything bad with it that was recalled for any reason you would find it on google.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 12 2011 : 9:13:43 PM
Congrats new mamma's.
I can't wait for the coach to come out, I so hope they can help cause it's so much easier then bottles, we always had leaky bottles as well! I never could figure out their problems truth be told. And we had some doozey expensive ones too! (MIL loved buying bottle systems, she was against me breast feeding from the very beginning!)
Any way, as for toys, I like the old ones too. Believe it or not, so far Target has been the best as for wood/old ones, they get a lot of exclusive toys that are remakes of our old ones, the really old ones are expensive at the antique stores here! So far seems the remakes aren't that bad, at least the ones I have bought, I got the phone and a few others. We also really like Ikea, pretty good quality and super cheap/affordable, most are cloth and wood, not a lot of plastic. We love Melissa and Doug and on my FB account it was showing that Amazon has a lot of theirs on sale right now for 10 dollars (ones that are normally 25 to 35 dollars) my kids love them too.
I may be on here spottly for a while, first it's hard to type with no hands, lol one kid I had one hand typing, now with Belle and RJ I have no free hands, they both want to be held, Lela is ok most the time not being held now, but the other two. lol And then this weekend our water was a disaster, no toilets, running water at all, etc. The kids put a lot of rice and noodles down the drains apparently. Thankfully it wasn't MY kids, it was my little sisters! UHG! My brothers and I were like, whew wasn't US! We don't eat rice and noodles, we know it was the little girls on that one! lol
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 11 2011 : 08:26:35 AM
I heard they are coming back with a lot of those toys we loved including the dog on a pull string. And of course, I noticed at Target they had quite a few wooden toys, so it looks like retailors are getting the point.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| Arlene |
Posted - Dec 10 2011 : 10:12:39 AM
Laurie,
I totally agree about it being easy to fall into the Walmart or Target cycle of convenience. My mother packed away all our toddler toys and I plan to get them out and inspect them for potential use. My only hesitance is that during the 70's, when I was a toddler things were painted with lead paint. I recall a wooden weiner dog toy I had with it's tail on a spring and the legs moved when you pulled him (he was on wheels) I LOVED that thing. I hope it's still in there. I wonder how you can know if they are safe? (I mean, I survived them but the lead paint issue is a concern)
Best of luck with the bottles, sounds like a struggle.
Arlene |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 08 2011 : 3:47:13 PM
Every day seems to bring something different and unexpected. The last few days we've been struggling with the bottles leaking (the couch comes next week to see if we can get him to breast). Hubby cranks down on them to keep it from happening, but at night I can't so a close inspection of the gaskets showed some wear. Today I threw them into boiling water to try to reshape them. SO far, two of the four gaskets have behaved properly with no leaks. This is a great as I have enough trying to keep liquid from leaking out of Junior's mouth. ( A sign that he has a bubble we've learned). He's been great, though at first we thought otherwise, about not eating when he has gas, but it took us a while to figure out why.
The therapist was by today too and had a nice old fisher price toy. Whatever happened to that quality? She told us about one of the antique stores in town that carry older toys, so I may head that direction. It's so easy to fall into buy at Walmart or Target.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| JessyLynn88 |
Posted - Dec 07 2011 : 11:34:34 AM
I am 23 (yes only 23) and I am pregnant with my 5th. I get told all the time. "O my goodness how do you do it? I have my hands full with 1" haha the 1st one was the hardest. I had my mom come up when I birthed my first at 17. I was so scared. She only stayed for 3 days, but when she was about to leave I wanted to cry. I felt like I was going to ruin her or break her, or mess her up some how. The 1st night alone was hard, I think I cried as much as my baby did. After the 1st week I pretty well had it down. After the second one not much changed from 2-3 or 3-4. I am use to having little sleep children hanging on me and rude comments from people saying things like you have to many kids, or you are two young to have one kid you are crazy to have 4, (12weeks and not showing yet so Im just going to let them feel like jerks in the end), and you know where kids come from right? Nope, sure dont! Its in the water right (roll my eyes). Just ignore ignorant people and make sure you take care of yourself. You dont do your baby any good warn down and feeling junky.
-JessyLynn
Farmgirl Sister #3675
http://www.facebook.com/americangirlsrule |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 07 2011 : 10:59:51 AM
Arlene,
Congrats! Twins. oh my! I can't imagine taking care of two, but am sure you'll do fine. Sleep as much as you can. That's the best advice I have. The rest will come and change daily. If anyone volunteers to help at night, take them up on it, ok that's advice #2. I didn't enough when my sister was here.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| Arlene |
Posted - Dec 06 2011 : 6:55:00 PM
Ladies,
I am pregnant with twins and while I have a wonderful MJF sister chapter here in Central Texas I am the only memner starting a family (the other ladies either have empty nests these days or have decided to live child free). I am currently 8 months pregnant with twin boys and want to say I really appreciate the advice and insight posted here. I have no real network so I'll be turning to ya'll!
Cheers,
Arlene
http://horsefeathers24.blogspot.com/ |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 03 2011 : 11:01:58 PM
You for sure have a chance, it's not too late for sure. I hope the lady can help you. But, if not you can keep being a great mom any way as well. But, it's for sure not too late. You are still very new in it. From what I hear it takes a LOT of mom's at least this long to get it, a lot give up by now but I've had other friends tell me that it took them this long, they told me that when I was having so much trouble too. So not not too late for sure. I will be praying she can help you! Baby yoga sounds too cute!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Dec 03 2011 : 09:40:05 AM
Thanks ladies! He is a bundle of joy (most times) and we are learning every day. We have an occupational therapist working with us due to the stroke and already seeing changes in the little things. As you have all said, every child is different and every situation is too. Now I get to hold him more! as we are trying to get him to self correct and not go into the breath holding tantrums that were happening way too often. Daddy does baby yoga with him and it is so adorable. I love the frowns DS gives when dad tries something new.
And yes, just as I think we are getting into a new routine he switches it up. The OT also talked to her supervisor who is well trained in breast feeding and she is going to come out and see if we still have a chance to get him on. I know I want it, but it's another change and I'm a little hesitant since we have a bit of routine going with the bottle feeding. Can you tell I like being in control? Motherhood sure changes that!
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 02 2011 : 6:20:59 PM
I am so sorry you didn't get more support in your area to help you out.
But, as Suzanne said you sound so sweet and I know you are doing the best you can. And that's all any of us can do. So hang in there mommy! And keep doing your best.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Dec 02 2011 : 11:54:13 AM
Laurie - I'm sorry you have had so many challenges your first time around, but you sound like a sweet person and a great mom, so hang in there! And, if there was a mommy manual, the rules in it would have to change every day. I read every book imaginable on motherhood while pregnant with my first and she and my other three daughters still threw me curveballs every single day (several times a day, in fact!) No matter the rocky road, cherish this time - it goes so, so fast!
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 7:33:53 PM
Hindsight is 20/20. At nearly two months old, there are things I would do a little different if I could go back. We've already decided only one for many reasons, but I can see how the second child a mother is much more in tune with what to do. I would have taken my sister up on her offer to pull night duty and get some sleep. Silly me trying to be he-woman and do it all.
Yes, the little one changes the rules quite often and of late has been having quite the attitude! Ah the joys of minority rule.
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 11:58:07 AM
Hey Laurie,
Been thinking much and much about you and your little family. Someday I'm gonna find opportunity to come that way to see you all.
Motherhood is a never ending saga of events, changes, challenges, pleasures and immense joy!
God Bless you all!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 08:21:31 AM
Well, the breast feeding has not happened. No matter what I tried he just would not latch. I'm pumping, but not as much. Motherhood decisions. I was too stressed with the schedule of every 3 hours, so though it is not what I hoped how I would feed our son, I pump a few times a day. It's not perfect and I may loose it, but I'm not so wound up. Guess that was the best for all of us.
Hubby has taken over the morning feeding and though I hear them, I am getting a bit more rest to last the day. I still think there needs to be a manual! Last night I got to change clothes as he threw up on me. Lesson learned: When baby is fussy while feeding, don't force more, but burp, burp and burp again.
I love watching daddy play and interact. It is so different from my relationship with him. He'll do things I never would have and has the patience to work on some of the therapy we were given to help pathway development from the stroke.Taking lots of photos and have to get them organized so when I have time to work on his scrapbook I'll remember why I took the photo.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Nov 14 2011 : 1:15:39 PM
We term it mommy brain. While pregnant your brain actually shrinks due to water loss-water goes to baby. It goes back to normal after some months/years. lol But, it's a fact that your brain shrinks and it causes this, the sleep deprevation probably doesn't help though. lol
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 14 2011 : 09:12:36 AM
Lost my.... hmm, can't remember. Not that I can remember much of anything these days. I try to talk and words just vanish. Now, I've had a slight case of this for a while, but that was the stress of my job. Now, I can barely get out a whole sentence without having to stop and find the word I know is in my head. My mom just gave me a hug and said sleep deprivation.
Another one of those things they never tell you. We really do need a manual for this motherhood thing.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
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