March/April Thread #3

[Judy]

*whispering* go cole, go cole, go cole

I love the cuddles too!!! For a while there Kaia would grab my face for a big kiss then slowly bite me!! She's stopped the biting part for now thankfully. 

Nikki about Danielle's  playing the victim - I was thinking tonight how great it was that she knows you are there to help/support/rescue her.  I get where you are coming from but what a great statement to you as a mom that she knows you'll 'protect' her!! 

Off to watch the finale of Apprentice.  (of course the girls fell asleep on the floor today so they AREN'T in bed yet!!! grrrrrrrrr - I'm watching anyway and NO ONE talk to me except during commercial!! )

[Colesmom]

OMG Judy-thanks for the reminder.  I almost forgot to tape it!

And cole did wake-three minutes after I posted :oops:

I counted to 100, rather fast as I knew he needed me.  1 PD, a hand on the hip and i took it away before he even finished his mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmg.  he then rolled over and slept-without reaching for my hand!  progress.

speaking of mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmg, where is bec?

[Jayri]

okay girls, I am starting to feel a little guilty as to me not posting on here a whole lot lately. I miss you girls, and I am starting to feel a little out of sync as I haven't had the time to catch up on you girls.
BUT....... I did get my BW cards all mailed today, they do not have pics, but I will scan the ones I picked up and put them on here for you all to download if you wish.
How is everyone doing for christmas, are you all perpared or are you still winging it like I am.....I got Ri a disney princess blankie, I will be getting them personalised stockings, still stuck on Ri's pressie's, but Jay is getting thomas the tank engine and bob the builder lego sets.
I have questions,
How is everyone doing at night, I know you all chat about this, but man I am a little too tired lately to read properly, mainly cuz I spend 7.5hrs a day at a computer.
Would you girls be able to give me a quick update on everyone, I guess I am just having a bummed day and realizing just how much I miss you all/
Well girls, I gotta run, 6:30am comes real early in my home nowadays.
If I don't chat before I will see you all in the chat tomorrow.

[Nikki~Nathan&Danielle]

It's a tough one to discuss because how can you tell your parent that you think controlling your children is detrimental to the relationship without the conclusion coming that you think YOUR relationship with your parents is lacking?  And who wants to go THERE?  Not me.

Yes, exactly, and we have had a few run ins and I know I've got to be careful because, it's almost telling her that her way of raising us wasn't ideal.  In fact I defended SD's son's children after they'd been to visit and left when SD & my mum were complaining about them being awful when they came to stay and I explained that the 2yr old was actually just being a 2yr old and didn't need taking outside and hosing down!! *sheesh* I have had to ask my step dad to tone it down when he uses his "scary controlling voice" with Nathan over stuff, the other day it was over Nathan leaving his crackers on the floor and their dog ate it. Instead of using it as a learning moment he launched into a "I told you so...." situation.  At least they're not smackers, but the emotional stuff is pretty yuck, something I struggled with all my teenage years.

Do you have conversations about this type of thing? Could you just bring up that you and dh have had a change of heart on the L&L and why and what you are trying now and why it feels so 'right' to you?

I think I will bring it up with my mum to start and then in an appropriate time and place bring it up with SD.   They watch all the Supernanny type programmes, so I'm going against mainstream which does make it a bit more of a challenge.

Nikki about Danielle's playing the victim - I was thinking tonight how great it was that she knows you are there to help/support/rescue her. I get where you are coming from but what a great statement to you as a mom that she knows you'll 'protect' her!!

You're right, I guess I want to make sure Nathan's not painted as the bully too - something to work on where I find a balance for both. 

[Erin M]

Cathy - YES, the car seat takes up WAY too much room right now facing backwards.  I'm counting the days until we can turn it around.  We have a Subaru Outback, which I LOVE, but the carseat does take up a ton of room.  A warning for DH, the day after the car accident is the worst, especially for neck/back pain.  My dr. told me that your muscles all tense up when you get in the accident and then you really feel the pain the day after.  Lots of painkillers are helpful - my dr gave me a prescription for a painkiller and muscle relaxer after my whiplash car accident. 

Christmas cards are going in the mail today! 

After I posted about our unexpected trip to the train station last night and Katie sleeping through anyway, I put her down for her first nap, fully expecting 45 minutes and got 2.5 hours!  Holy cow!  Apparently, the way to get your LOs to sleep is to get them out of bed at 11 PM, drive them around for 45 minutes, and put them back in bed.  Who knew?

Lisa - I loved the pic - it's so nice to be reminded that it really is warm somewhere in the world right now!

Naomi - we're ok with sleep - Katie's been up about once a night, but she's been sick forever now and teething of course.  Naps haven't been very good lately.  We're in need of more A time, but having trouble getting there.

Hope to join everyone tomorrow!

[solnme]

The boy who would not bathe...

So DH has put Sol in his baby tub (which he still uses) without water and fully clothed.  They are talking about the advantages of baths over showers!    It's so cute.  A little crying and reaching out at first but they seem to be having a good time.  Lets hope we get the same result tomorrow when we attempt the real deal.

Hi Naomi! - I'd fill you in but I've had serious mommy brain this last week and often forget why I'm standing in a room.  Holiday overload.

Cathy - I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I've always had little cars (original Mini, Hondo Civic etc.) but love my SUV.  Sorry if anyone is enviro sensitive.  The convertible carseat fits pretty good but reverted back to the infant seat after weighing Sol at the drop in every week.  He's been stuck on 19 lbs and 26 inch for weeks now.  I'm literally dreading the switch.

Happy sleep throughs ladies!!  I feel like it's going to be a good night for everyone. vibe vibe vibe

[albertasweetpea]

Hi all!
Just wanted to say we are back from our pre-Christmas visit to the inlaws in Victoria. We had an amazing time, lots of laughs and tons of love and cuddles for Molly.
I won't even attempt to try to catch up on this thread just want to give hugs to everyone and say congrats to anyone getting good sleeps and  hang in there to those who aren't!

[mickymuscles]

hi girls!

roz-a thought on how to maybe make sol like his bath again.  Why don't you try climbing in with him (the big bath :wink: ) to have a bath with him then maybe he'll like it again?

Michelle-welcome back! I got your x-mas card. Cute pics!!

Ankie I got your card today-very cute pic with santa.

Jack's been cuddly lately too. I love when I leave the room and he calls for me...sometimes I come back to the room and lie my head on his lap (without my glasses!!  :roll:  :shock: ) and he just bites my nose, lip, cheek, chin, etc, etc, over and over.  I end up with drool all over me but it makes me smile!

Speaking of birth certificates...any of you canadian gals know if I need the bigger certificate with our (parents) names on it to cross the border with Jackson or is the little one ok??

[Little Bear's Mum]

Hi again, DH has been around, but busy a lot today, so I've been able to get on a couple of times. Hee hee hee. He's just gone out to his Christmas function. Silly me, should have organised a babysitter and gone, because we can, but I didn't want to go before, but now that the night is here I want to. I feel like I've missed out on Chrissy drinks and celebrations this year because I'm not working. We were invited to my work function, which would have been fabulous, but we were gardening in Wellington.  :twisted:

So, instead of enjoying my first glass of wine right now, I'm talking to my friends instead, with a reheated coffee and a Crunchie bar! Actually come to think of it, friends, coffee and chocolate is a pretty good alternative!  Oh and listening to my Christmas CD for about the 10th time, while Daniel is playing at my feet. Mmmm I guess life is pretty good, can't get much better! What a great feeling.

Roz, after suggesting before you try the baby bath, I"m with Micky, how about trying the big bath. Maybe Sol needs a bit more space.

As for car seats, we were lucky cos we bought our car knowing we'd be having babies. And DH loves biggish cars, so we've got a Ford Falcoln XR6. Personally I think it's ugly, it's a 1996 and I prefer the slightly newer models, but at the time couldn't afford it. And now on one income I guess we won't ever afford it!!! So lots of space. We've also switched the carseat around as Daniel is between 9-10kgs now and the Dr said he was big and strong enough to go forward. It's heaps better, much easier to get him in and out and Daniel loves being able to see us. Talks lots more while sitting there which is nice.

Well no more updates from me. Happy sleeping everyone.

Oh yeah, I did want to tell you all I'm very proud of the fact that we've now given Daniel roast chicken, spag bolonaise and apricot chicken. This is coming from me who was too scared to introduce him to foods as I kind of had a 'thing' about giving him foods. Can't explain, but anyway, he seems to be enjoying food mostly now so long as I time it right. Still struggle with breakfast, but lunch and dinner is good.

[Olivia's Mommy]

Finally getting caught up after a looong and busy day!

First off...

ANKIE--don't feel guilty for spending time and cuddling with Arwyn. I love Liv's cuddles, too. Tonight I did bedtime by myself as DH caught a catnap b/c he had to go BACK to work tonight after working all day. When he woke up, he said, "I'm so glad you're smiling." And I just said, "Who wouldn't smile when you get to hang out with her (Liv) all day and all evening." (I don't ALWAYS feel that way, mind you, but it had been a good day, and she was exceptionally cuddly.)

RICHELLE--sorry to hear your trip (and arrival) home was lacking...MEN!!! They're helpless without us!

CATHY--glad DH is home safe & sound. Your prayers must work! I also hate putting in/taking out of the car seat. And it's worse with winter coats on! I drive a Honda Passport and DH drives a Dodge Dakota (4-door quad cab). The Passport is nice, there's plenty of room for the carseat...even rear facing. But the Dakota sits so high up, it's hard to hoist her 24 pounds up into it!!!

TRACI & MICKY--Liv has also started head banging, although hers is more of a drastic nod. She does it whenever you talk to her. So, she seems really intelligent. The other day we were at the mall and the sales lady asked her, "Are you shopping with Mommy? Do you like to shop?" And Liv just nodded her head enthusiastically. The sales lady looked at me and I just smiled as if to say, "Yes, she's a genius."

Welcome back MICHELLE!!

Well, had my non-BW friend over for lunch today. It was nice to have the company (didn't make moms group this week, so I'm feeling a little shut-in). You will all be so proud of me, too. I refrained from mentioning BW, even when she said he still eats every 2-3 hours (!!!!) and kept making comments like, "I just wish he'd get on a schedule" and "We don't really have a feeding schedule, so I don't know if he's getting as much as he's supposed to." I just bit my tongue, smiled, and tried to change the subject. Whew! It was exhausting!!

DH will be at work for awhile still, Liv is asleep, all my Christmas presents are wrapped and my goodie bags ready for delivery, so I think I'm going to bed, girls!!

Sending out good sleep vibes to all the LOs!!!!

[Taylor's Mommy]

Hi girls,

A quickie tonight because I am on Super Mod duty today and need to help out in the nap forum and DH says my BW site time limit is almost up! :oops:   

So Nikki and Judy-love reading your views on parenting styles....BTW what is L&L???

Cathy-I too miss the infant carrier sooo much!

Richelle-how's that laundry coming?   :lol:   what a  head dh is!

glad to hear the 100 thing is working for some of you.  And traci, I use it strictly in the middle of the night for night wakings.  It helps me to sit there with my eyes closed and count rather than looking at the clock.  Gotta get any extra rest you can right?   :wink:

So cards are all in the mail today!!!  Yippee!  Hope they all get there in time.  Was surprosed to find that it only costs $.60 to mail to Canada and $.80 to mail to Aus and NZ!  In the new year stamps will go up to $.40 to mail across the street!  geesh!

Oh ya Halley, you always come up with the coolest toys!  thanks for the tips!

Taylor is getting really cuddly not too and reaching for me!  It just breaks my heart but in a good way!  makes it all sooooooo worthwhile!

later chicas!

[Nikki~Nathan&Danielle]

Andrea, L&L is Love and Logic.  It was talked about heaps on this site about a year ago and I got the book and it gave a few good tools that I  implemented, the main message I took away from it was to give choices: kind of meaningless choices throughout the day where the child feels empowered about making their own decisions.  Do you want cheerios or ricies for breakfast?  Do you want to use this toilet or that toilet?  These sorts of choices to me are harmless enough and I use them in an upbeat tone where it's kind of a game and like I'm his pal.  But it also uses them in the form of getting your child to do something like picking up toys - "are you going to pick up your toys or am I going to put them away in the cupboard? "- so it's more of a threat (Dr Phil also uses this method).  They also use a lot of time outs for crazy little things (like a 10mth old baby dropping food on the floor WTF?  :shock: ). The only one of these types of choices that I tend to use is when we're out shopping and I want to keep him close and particularly in carparks - I will ask him to walk with me and hold my hand, if he refuses or pulls away I give the choice "are you going to hold my hand or am I going to carry you?" - he may choose neither, so I pick him up and carry against his will, he will then say he wants to walk, so same message to walk with me, if it happens again I give the choice and we repeat (all done in a calm tone and manner).  It actually hasn't taken much for that message to get through and he's really good and will always walk with me when we're around cars.  Of course praise goes a long way and now that he's 2.5 he understands that we need to look for cars and that cars can cause owies (as much as he can understand that) - there's still no way I'd let him walk on his own yet outside.

So yep, I take bits and pieces of all sorts of methods and find what works for me.

[Little Bear's Mum]

Guess what, I've just finished writing my cards to you all. After saying I wouldn't get a chance, it's funny how you find time when the LO's are sleeping and it's night time. I'd just like to say now I hope none of the DH's are offended..... as I didn't know all of their names.  :oops: Hopefully I'll be able to get some envelopes over the weekend and get them posted soon. But they may arrive after Christmas.

[BiancaB]

Hello
Well I have attempted to do some catch up reading but 30 pages + after only a few days away is far too much for me...especially with my horrible slow connection!
But had to share...SIENNA up on her knees and crawled today!!! WOW it was like she just bypassed the practicing stage and already knew how
So cute she looks with her little bottom up in the air as high as she can get it too.
Nikki-re The "victim"--Sienna has the most heartbreaking sob when she gets going and after once or twice turning on the waterworks at Kyan swiping her toy, he has now taking to doing a swap---ie He replaces what he has taking with another toy...SMART KID I reckon :wink:
He has never been fond of loud noises!
Take care everyone and happy holidays

[Colesmom]

Hayley-Don't feel bad about the DHs names.  I didn't know either.   :oops: In fact, I was soooooooooo tempted to put Hayley, Daniel and DH on a few.  Thought I'd get a laugh or two but not sure :?

so, last night not too bad.  woke once before 10:15 feed.  Tried to offer second boob here and he gagged so I'm hoping this feed is on the way out.  Then woke at 12:30 (seems to be habit), then he was kind of up from 1:30-2:45...would settle with my hand on his hip but when i was gone he'd start up in a couple of minutes soooooooooooooo at 2:45 I got my game face on. I did PD for 15 minutes and I DID NOT TOUCH HIM.  Not until he was almost asleep I put my hand ever so softly on his bum to help with the jolt (he jolted once and started up again). Didn't hear from my little smuggies until 5:40!  Still working on this time, as I think he should go to 6:15 (down at 7:15 last night).  soooo progress girls!

Bianca-Congrats on the crawling!  And have I ever mentioned Si has the most ruby red lips ever

Welcome back Michelle.

alright girls, you won't see me as much because we moved the pc upstairs.  no more checking in while cole is hanging in the LR :cry:
and i've been given my moderator sched too so that will keep me busy.