Jan/Feb 05 chat - Thread #3

[branwen]

Hi everyone!

I miss you all very much.  Eirwen and I are doing good. 

Our house is still on the market :cry:  and we are no longer moving to NM- BUT we're going back to Colorado!  I am beyond excited!!!  We are moving to Boulder...I hope...I mean a lot is riding on our house but I am thinking positive.  My husband has an "in" with a company there so we are pretty much thinking it's a sure thing.  I wish someone would buy our home...it is so cute.

I have new meds :oops: but they are really helping!  The other thing that helped me out of my funk was to rent a hotel room with my husband for 4 hrs. :wink:  :oops:  I really felt for the first time in a long time like "a woman" again instead of just "mama".  It was expensive but well worth it.  We got room service and everything!

Eirwen is getting so big!  In 3 days she will be 9 months! :shock: That is how long she grew in me!!!  She is trying desperately to crawl but mostly just spins or gets her butt in the air.  She doesn't seem to have an issue rolling anymore and can go both ways.  I think it was just about time for her.  It's too funny because now she goes from sitting to tummy to back, it's like her little play game now!  she always has this beautiful satisfied smile on her face, esp when she does it when I'm not looking!

She's currently teething again- time for the top ones!!!  We had a nice 2 week break from it all.  She wakes at night sometimes but the advil is helping.  I feel like at least I know what to do this time!!!  She's very touchy about it but we're doing better this round. :wink: At least I am!!!

We have a new routine- it is a 7am to 6:30 routine and is sooooo great.    I do find my bf's coming before nap time though because we have 3 naps but feeds are 4 hrs apart.  My dh is now home to see her and help me almost every evening. YAY!!!!  We even found the magic time for my dh to sneak downstairs in the am without waking her!

We're still climbing our way out of funkness but MUCH better!

Here are some recent photos of my angel pie!

[Tammy: Ethan & Kaden's Mom]

Branwen - good to hear from you!  Eirwen is such a cutie!      Keeping positive thoughts for you to sell your house!  Boulder is so beautiful, I'm jealous!  My sis & family live in Ft. Collins, so we've been to visit a lot, and been to Boulder quite a few times.  Love the downtown walkaround area.  Well, not sure if that's downtown, but I'm sure you know what I mean!  Sounds like you guys have a good routine going - I know those teeth are always keeping us on our toes! 

Deb - good job going with the df.  I don't know about you, but I was so nervous cutting it back, and then cutting it out completely.  But here's hoping it goes well for you!  Glad to know Ethan isn't the only one not into finger foods.

Hazel - isn't it funny how they turn all around in their sleep?  Ethan is never in the same position... of course, by the time he wakes and I get up to his room, he's usually standing now!

Sarah - welcome!  good to see some new faces!

Us - well, the good streak continues!  We dropped the last of the df this past Saturday, and while he wakes a bit around the old df time of 10 pm, it has slowly gotten later and later, and shorter and shorter.  He just resettles himself in his crib, and he's off again to sleep.  Yeah!  And now that I have dropped the df entirely, he's back to sleeping until 7 or 7:15 again! 

About the time change - I honestly am not doing anything to prepare.  Ethan seems to be sleeping a little later on his own in the morning, and I personally think it has to do with the fact that it's still dark.  His bedtime is 7:30, so that one night we will have to do our best to keep him  up until 8:30, and hope he sleeps until 7 the next day, and not 6!  But if he does get up at 6, we'll just stick to the routine as best we can, and I'm sure after a few days it will be back to normal.  I wouldn't stress out about it. 

Have a good day everyone!

[julieb]

Well WTS was a disaster this morning.  He completely woke up and babbled/snoozed on and off until 6:30.   :shock:  I'm gonna give it a break for a few days and try again.  I think he may have already been awake a bit because after just 2 days, I was waking up before the alarm myself!  Add to that the 1.5 hr I was wide awake and restless in bed, I'm pooped and heading back to bed during his morning nap.

I was so excited last night though!  I found brown rice pasta at the store.  I also picked up some rice bread.  I've been trying to figure out other ways to get grains in him since he doesn't care for cereal and I'm still trying to delay wheat products.  I gave him toast this morning with homemade applesauce on top.  He thought I was nuts at first, but seemed to like it and ate the whole (tiny) slice. 

I also think he's starting to sign to me, but it's hard to be sure since it's not consistent.  I think he does "more" but he's been doing the motion for a while so I just passed it off because I thought he was too young.  Then this morning I think he was doing "banana," so maybe he does understand.  If he starts doing something resembling "water" then maybe I'll be convinced.

Nikki:  My first thought was she's not getting enough solids (especially at dinner) to last her through the night.  4 tbsp is only 2 oz.  I believe many at her age would be well on their way to 3-4 oz per meal.

Branwen:  So good to hear from you!  One of my close friends just moved to Ft. Collins CO.  She loves it and is doing SO well.  Makes me want to move to CO everytime I talk to her!  Eirwen looks like she's doing so well!  So happy!

Well, back to bed for me!   :wink:

[Leah's Mom]

Congrats Tarri on DH's job!

Welcome to anyone new!

Hazel - I always wanted to "show" Leah how to crawl too. Then one day she just started to army crawl. She sure can move on her stomach!

Hi Branwen! Beautiful pictures!!! We too are still at 3 naps per day, and Leah also gets her bottle before her nap. But the bottles are 4 hours apart too, except the last feed of the day. I'm not worrying about dropping the catnap. I've learned to just watch her and see if she needs that nap. If she does, I let her have it. A hotel room for 4 hours? And may I ask what went on for those four hours?!?!!?  Kidding, you need not tell!  :wink: Good luck with the house selling. I LOVE Colorado!

Tammy - Glad to hear that you are not planning on doing anything to prepare Ethan for the time change. That was my thought too. We'll just see how it goes......

Julieb- Are you giving Asher plain toast? Can he gum it up well enough?

Deb - Good luck with weaning from the DF. We just went cold turkey becuase like Alex, she was getting up at 2 am anyway!

US: I posted some pics from my sister's wedding this weekend. We had lots of fun. It was an outdoor wedding! The pictures are kind of fuzzy, but if you click on them they are clear.  :?  You can see the rest of our pictures on our website if you want. http://ebner.gotfamiliesonline.com
I'm doing well, just trying to stay sane right now with work and all. Busy times!

[Schae]

Welcome to all the newbies! 

Branwen, it's so nice to hear from you! You sound much better and Eirwen looks soooo cute man! Good luck on selling your house. Has the housing market in the States hit a slump?

Vidya: I think I may use your recipes.. when I finally have the chance to do some proper cooking for Luka.. thanks for sharing it.

Deb: You sound fragile.. are you doing alright?

Nikki: We were also dealing with multiple nightwakings, since our return from the doctor yesterday they have diminished considerably. Is Lise's nose okay? Not blocked at all? Maybe the weather? You mentioned that it was hot in CT. I hear the ideal temperature is 21 degrees.

Christine: Gorgeous photos! I recognise that determined look lol!  :lol:

Us: We're doing much better. We went for a second opinion, and as I suspected, Luka was having an allergic reaction. Bascially he's allergic to our dog and to grass - the doc did a skin test. So, he's got meds and is now sleeping much much better. I think I feel the beginnings of a bottom tooth and he is always sticking his tongue out of his mouth.  :lol:

When do babies start talking? I'm asking because i SWEAR I heard Luka say "All Gone" lol!! We always say that to him (and do the sign) when his meal is over, and today I swear I heard him say "Aww Gaw" after breakfast? Do you think it's my mummy ears playing tricks on me  :lol:

[branwen]

Tammy and Julie- I grew up in Fort Collins! It's such a small world really.  Yes Old Town is so cute...it was more college kid oriented when I lived there...has gotten a little more high-end if you know what I mean- new tech sector.  I am actually 7th generation Fort Collins if you can believe that!!!!!! :shock: There are streets named after my great great grandparents.  I too love the Pearl St Mall area in Boulder- it is so wonderful...sigh...it's so good to be moving home.

All of you- you are all invited to visit us!!!

[Leah's Mom]

Branwen- We are planning a trip to Colorado next summer! We have realatives in Parker. Where is that in relation to Boulder, do you know?

[sissy16]

Hi all, thanks for welcoming me to the thread. Thought Joseph's picture was in need of an update so hope a more recent one is now showing!!

Please excuse me for not knowing names here but only have one window open, anyway just wanted to make a few quick comments.

Joseph also has lunchtime solids before milk and has done for a while, at dinner we also have solids at 5 and milk at 7, seems to work for us. His milk intake has decreased (I think - breastfed so kind of guessing!!) but I figure that he is going to begin eating more and more solids and less milk anyway.

In terms of crawling I can completely understand the desire to 'teach' them to crawl. Joseph has never been that keen on his tummy although he was put on it and showed absolutely no signs of crawling or even getting on all fours but then randomly 2 weeks ago he got on all fours and 5 days later began crawling, it seems he just did it when he was ready - has to be said he can't really be bothered most of the time though and prefers to stand.

A quick question for you all to see if anyone can help - Over the last few weeks Joseph has screamed everynight when dh gives him a bath from the minute he gets in to the minute he is dressed - any ideas. Could it be ?overtiredness ?separation anxiety from mum ?suddenly hates baths. Hope someone can offer words of advice, think dad is getting cheesed off with it all and I hate hearing him scream.

Thanks all, sorry for waffling.

[julieb]

Oh, don't forget to get your powerball tickets, ladies!  $340 million     Hmmmm, what I'd do....  pay off the mortgages of my family and close friends, buy two new Saturn VUEs, remodel my house, and hire a maid, gardener, personal chef and personal trainer!  But first, I'd take all of my family and friends to Disneyworld for 2 weeks!   :wink:

Christine: it was lightly toasted, with a tiny amount of olive oil butter, and smeared with applesauce (instead of jelly).  I also cut it into small pea-sized pieces.  He gummed it quite well.  But I decided the crust was a bit too hard on this particular bread, so I ate off the crust before giving those pieces to him.

sissy16 (sorry, don't see your name on your post and can't remember due to "mommy brain"  :lol: ):  Could Joseph be cold?  Maybe it's the cooler weather for all of us now?  Does he scream when you give him a bath as well?  How about some new tub toys?  Did he maybe have a bad experience in the tub recently?  ie, falling, soap or water in eyes or ears, etc?

Well, I'm officially on the lookout for shoes.  I just went to two second hand shops but neither has any used Roobez.  I'm gonna try bidding on ebay as well.  I hate to pay $24 for shoes he'll only wear a couple months, but I don't ever see any other brand of soft leather shoes.  I also can't figure out what size he wears in normal shoes.  3?  His foot is so fat (not wide, but thick), so even though they appear to fit in length, I can hardly get his fat little foot in the front.  :?

[HeatherC]

Since I have a few minutes, I thought I would jump in and say hello.  To introduce myself, I'm Heather, 27, and a first time mom to touchy/textbook Kelsey.  She is 8.5 months.
I haven't had much going on worth talking about lately, as to explain my absence from the thread, but I have been reading the thread and trying to keep up with everyone.  I was particularly thrilled to see a post from Branwen.   
I am trying to work on introducing more finger foods with my texture-adversion baby.  I feel this is an appropriate conclusion because she loves her pears, but gagged at a piece of pear.  She also gags at cheese.  Even still, I'm going to keep trying, and I'm being brave enough to lay the veggie puffs on her tray and let her eat them whole!!!  She's great at it and has fun, too.
I tried the 3 bottle thing today, and she accepted it well.  However, I didn't feel comfortable with the feeding schedule change, and, therefore, am going back to the usuall for a bit longer.  I'm rereading BW trying to figure out exactly when the milk intake is supposed to decrease and the solids increase.  I didn't really decrease her formula today, just consolidated by offering more at 3 bottles; still 24 oz.
Anyway, good to chat.  I'll try to pop in more often.  Thanks for asking about me.

[Tammy: Ethan & Kaden's Mom]

Very quickly before I turn in for the night (yes, it is 8:21 pm here now, but I don't care, I'm exhausted!)...

Branwen - you better watch out, or we'll all wind up coming to visit you!  I haven't been to visit my sis in Ft. Collins since Ethan was born.  Mostly because they have a 3 bedroom house, 1 bed is theirs, 2nd is my nephew's, and the 3rd is a guest room.  I just don't know where Ethan can sleep.  Yes, I know he *can* sleep in the same room as us, but he is such an easy waker when you even walk by his door sometimes.  I suppose we'll take the plunge and try it out next year sometime.  Anyway, you'll have to let us know when you actually get to move.  Yeah!  I'm so excited for you!

Us - most of you know that Ethan was acting completely uninterested in finger foods.  I tried the veggie puffs, fruit puffs, very ripe banana, he had no interest at all.  Kind of played with all of it, but didn't even try to put the stuff in his mouth.  Which is so crazy if you think about it - everything else goes directly to his mouth!  Anyway, so today, at lunch, I once again put 3 veggie puffs and 3 fruit puffs on his tray.  And he ate them!  Actually stuck them in his mouth and chewed!  And no gagging!  I was so proud of him - how silly is that?!?   :roll:  :oops:  :lol:   I attribute my success to making his fruit thicker by adding oatmeal cereal to it.  A week and a half of getting used to that, and I think he's figured out a bit about this whole chewing thing. 

Anyway, had to share, I was excited! 

Have a good evening ladies!

[Daniel's mummy]

Branwen, it was lovely to hear from you.  Wow - sounds like you are doing really well, and as for Eirwen, she is just sooooo cute.  The photo of her sitting in the bath is adorable.  Such a cheeky smile.  Renting a hotel room for 4 hours sounds like fun :wink: Hoping that the house sells soon.  Must be an exciting (and little bit scarey) time. 

Christine - the wedding looks really beautiful.  My sister got married in July and I was a bridesmaid.  Seeing the photos you posted brought it all back again.  I'm glad you had a good time.

Sarah - lovely new avatar - Joseph looks a very happy bunny!  It's funny you should ask that about bath times because we recently went through exactly the same thing.  My dh does the bath and Daniel used to start crying the moment he started to undress him, he'd winge right through bathtime and only stop once he was dressed again.  Poor dh used to get so discouraged and fed up.  In the end we put it down to Daniel being cold.We started putting the heating to come on about half hour gefore and, hey presto, he now chatters and laughs all the way through (apart from getting dried down - he hates that for some reason :? )  Overtiredness may also be an issue though.  We have to time Daniel's bath quite carefully as if he's tired he will just cry.  I guess it can be a lot to cope with when you're tired.

Julieb - I smiled when I read your post about not being able to get shoes on Asher's fat feet.  Daniel's feet are EXACTLY the same.  Not wide, just thick.  I have one pair of soft shoes that can fit on him but most just don't even get over his toes.  Plus he curls his toes up ALL the time so that stops it as well :lol:

Tammy - happy news about the veggie puffs and fruit puffs!  It is funny the things that brighten our days isn't it?!!!  But it's these small things that sometimes seem so important. 

Us - we had a nice day out yesterday.  Went shopping with my next door neighbour and her 7 month old dd.  Today we're off to try out a
local mums and toddler group.  I'm hoping people will be friendly and we'll feel like we want to go again. 

Have a good day / night everyone.

[Deb_in_oz]

Branwen and Heather - welcome back  :wink:  beautiful photos as ever of your lovely angel Eirwen!

Nikki - and Julieb - my understanding is that 1 oz = 1 TBS= 1 standard ice cube so i don't see 4 TBS as 2 oz (at least not that i have read)

Christine - i just want to tell you that I thought you looked beautiful in those photos - did you feel all special ?? last wedding we went to olivia was 4 weeks old and i had to wear what fit KWIM so was not dressed as well as i might have if i had more options (plus BFing at the time limited what i could wear since we brought olivia and i needed to feed her several times  :roll: )

Schae - i am allright.  i have ups and downs (putting too much pressure on myself about "doing right" by Olivia, etc) what made me sound "fragile" out of curiosity....

Us - well after posting about the finger foods we had success at dinner last night and tonight - just minor but i was so happy - last night she finally TRIED to bring the food to her mouth and got the back of her hand instead  :?  but then she connected and ate a little cracker type thing (called "Cruskit" here) and she did it again tonight with a few successes. I know i just have to offer her some at every meal and show her what to do by me eating it too.  she will get there in the end...

had my 3rd PPD support group today and it was great - today we got past the niceties and got into some "work" and thanks to another woman in the group i got some insight into some of my anxiety - she (who is also a 2nd child) sussed out that part of my problem is that i was a 2nd child and don't want olivia to ever feel she got short-changed etc by being 2nd so i overly stress out and put pressure on myself to make sure i do everything "right" just the same as i did for alex, when that is just not possible as i have less time and energy, our circumstances are different, i have PPD, etc I thought that was such a revelation! just thought i woudl share.  Dh is out tonight at one of the 2 "husband" nights -  they have 2 x 2hr sessions for the husbands to talk about issues dealing with PPD.. i am so excited for him to have that 

[Leah's Mom]

Very quickly before I turn in for the night (yes, it is 8:21 pm here now, but I don't care, I'm exhausted!)...

Ha! I went to bed at 8:45 last night! Don't feel bad. Late for us now is like 9 pm!  :oops:

Christine - i just want to tell you that I thought you looked beautiful in those photos - did you feel all special ??

Of course, just like a princess!  :lol: Thanks for all the compliments everyone! It was such a wonderful day and the first time I have really done my hair and makeup in a few months. Yes, I do work, but my hair is in a pony tail everyday. Hey I work with 5-9 year olds. They could care less what I look like!

[Kinlagh's Folks]

Just need a little vent to my BW girls.  It's been a really rough week.  I have a history of back problems since 2000 and it's expected that I will be bed ridden for a week or so a few times a year for the rest of my life.  (fun huh)  Well this has been one of those weeks.  I don't know what set it off this time, but I woke on Tuesday unable to move my head, neck and left arm.  So dh stayed home from work Tuesday and i didn't lift Kinlagh once - so I could heal.  On Wednesday, dh tried half a day at work and things were ok with us girls at home.  But he came home for the afternoon shift anyway to give me a break, although I did end up doing too much (typical mother huh?).   So this am, I was hoping to be at 100% and I lifted Kinlagh and yet another spasm happened in my neck, this time on the other side.  Grrr...  And dh has work out of town so I'm on my own.  If you don't already know, I don't have family out here and dh's family has their own issues to deal with (SIL is sick) so that leaves me.  I do have a girlfriend nearby that has been gracious enough to invite us over for the afternoon (as long as we need her).  However, she too has a 10 mth old so it's gonna be pretty hectic I'm sure. 

Wish me luck for tomorrow - just hope I can make it to the weekend withouth totally being broken down.

Pfew...there, that's my story.