PS Mommies Thread!

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/5/2008 8:11:33 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
iluv, they are moving here so yeah...can't just ignore it much longer. I asked my mom if it was crazy and she said no. I just HATE feeling like I am paranoid and overbearing. I am just trying to do the best thing for her. Like you said she eats things with regular milk and eats regular cheese, etc...so it isn't like I am a crazy person. I need to give MIL a shopping list before we come for x-mas and what will you bet that she will buy REGULAR whole milk ('oh, I didn't realize. Opps.') and juice. This is the SAME woman who put blankets on my sleeping newborn even after I asked her not to (SIDS anyone?!?) and continues to rock her to sleep AGAINST my wishes

Free babysitting. Just repeat free babysitting.

Puffy, I wish I didn't care but I do somewhat. They just gang up on me and make me feel like an idiot. After I said I read about randon in granite...whoah...I STILL haven't heard the end of that one.

Oh boy, just read this sentence!!!

Just say in a very this is final voice ' Tessa is my child and I will decide what is best for her;' and walk away. You are NOT an idiot but a very caring and wonderful Mom!

Tgal, I feel for you as having to travel that far and live in someone else's house would be scary for me, but you stick to your guns also with Amelia, and taking time out for yourself.

 

[mrssalvo]

snlee, I mentioned before that Jake co-slept with us until he was 6-7 months and has transitioned to the crib just fine. I didn't want a 1 year old in the bed with us either. If he is sleeping well with you guys now and you are getting rest than I would just keep things as is and try moving him again in a month or so. It's funny b/c I've had 3 kids and Jake is probably the most spoiled in that sense b/c I just didn't have it in me to let him CIO at all. I also believe each baby is different and what works for one won't always work for another. You just need to do what works for you all. In my opinion he is still too little to really be getting into a bad habit and used to sleeping with you. Jake is funny b/c he doesn't like co-sleeping with us at all. He much prefers his bed now and that is after 6 months of being in my room in the pack n play or our bed every night. He just tosses and turns if I try to sleep with him now..go figure. If you really do want him out of your bed now, than like the others have said, sticking to it although it's very hard will eventually pay off. My dr. told me at Jake's 6 month check up that i should be letting him CIO for one hour b/f going to him. She said if I went in sooner he'd catch on to the cry/mommy comes routine but after a few nights of the hour cry he'd learn to self soothe. She then said if I knew I couldn't then I might be in for a problem sleeping toddler. But, like I said, I never let him CIO and he sleeps through the night in his crib now no problem at all. That is just what worked for me and Jake. Good luck girl...I know it's hard just trying to figure it all out.


tgal- do not feel bad at all about needing some quiet time on your trip. 3 weeks is a long time to be away from home with a baby whether it's vacationing or visiting family. I'm such a routine person I really don't like being away for more than a few days if my kids are with me. I hope you end up having a great time and it goes way smoother than you expect. we'll miss you here though..

tacori-I'm sorry about the MIL issue. My MIL is actually very respectful of my wishes so I just don't have issues with her..thank goodness. She was also a teacher and understands kids and the effects of sugar etc. so she doesn't really have any treats at her house. When we visit she is usually making art projects and books and reading to/with them, it's like having my own private tutor

My mom on the other had loves to give my kids treats, candy/sprite etc. I've told her time and again but that is just the way she is. I just plan ahead of time for visits with her and don't let my kids have anything junk food related b/c I know they will get some with her. She gives them fruits and veggies and cheese too, but there is still the little treats that I don't allow them on a regular basis. I would probably say just keep stocking your house with the organic and if T is at your MIL's once they move and she gives her regular milk from time to time it's not going to hurt her. I do understand how little things can add up but I do think you just have to pick your battles or maybe lose a battle now and then to win the war. You can also tell her that you and your hubby prefer the organic milk and you are saving $ just buying one kid for the family to use and it really does last longer.

Jackiejas- love the pics of your boys..they are so darn cute. glad you checked in..we miss you but completely understand

 

[ellaila]

Just wanted to check in and say hi to everyone! I''m about a million pages behind so I''ve got NO clue what''s going on with you all

My news: Gabie and Katelyn are ONE!!!! Their birthday was Friday, and we had their Gymboree party yesterday - it *rocked*!! It was so much fun for all the little kiddies, and we got some supercute photos that of course I am going to share with you now ...

Family shot!

 

[ellaila]

My handsome handsome man

 

[ellaila]

Their THREE cakes! The big sheet cake I had a fellow twins momma make for me - I gave her a copy of our invitation for inspiration, and she matched it beautifully! And it was SOOO yummy! And the two smash cakes were FREE! Check your local supermarkets because ours - Shaw''s - gives out free smash cakes for first birthdays. They personalize them and everything!

 

[ellaila]

Our pretty little Girly Girl

 

[ellaila]

I *love* this photo! SO cute

 

[ellaila]

One more of them playing together ....

 

[ellaila]

Last one: our happy little girly!

 

[ellaila]

Oh and just to explain why I''ve been (even more) MIA is that we also had the stomach bug in this house, and it lasted for nine days. Nine days of the stinkiest wateriest diarrhea imaginable. Gah!!! Thankfully both G and K each only threw up once (that''s how we knew they were sick - we went in and found K in a crib full of puke on a Sunday and G in a crib full of puke two days later).



Onto a happier note -- Happy Birthday Brady!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Jas the twins are so adorable!!! Love the chubby cheeks. hehe


Ella, ah, your family is beautiful!!!! Happy Birthday to your adorable twins.

Great pictures


eta: Pricescope mommies you all have the cutest baby's

 

[snlee]

After D wouldn''t calm down in his crib last night we brought him to bed with us. He slept wonderfully - went 6.5 and 4.5 between feedings. He sleeps really well with us and can even put himself to sleep. It was great to get a restful night of sleep. I think I''ll try naps during the day in his crib and continue to cosleep for a month or so depending on how it goes.

MrsS, that''s great that Jake let you know when he''s ready to sleep in his own crib. Too bad all babies aren''t like that.

QT, interesting about the NotSox vs. BabyLegs. I also read they sell NotSox at Target but when I looked online I just saw BabyLegs. Is M teething yet?

ella, happy belated 1st birthday to Gabie and Katelyn!

The party looked wonderful and G & K are so cute! I can''t believe how big they are! I love the one with Q taking a picture of K! That''s awesome that you got free cakes from your local supermarket. I''ve never heard of that before.

Tacori, I''ve been thinking for a while now (since before D was born) what I''d want to get as a gift to celebrate his birth and I think I am going to steal your idea and do a ring similar to your Tessa Ring. I love your ring and the engraving on the side makes it extra special. I''ve emailed Julian so we''ll see! I''m excited!

puffy, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO BRADY!!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Looks like I spoke too soon about Tessa being so healthy. This morning she threw up in the car. DH took apart the seat and she went directly into the bath. Not to be gross but wow! It is adult puke now

So she was acting fine and we went out late afternoon (with the car seat back together. We pulled into the driveway...splat! She did it again. I feel so bad for her. DH is enjoying her being more cuddly and is getting good at taking the car seat apart.

Jas, you are so funny. Yay for being back to your pre-preggo weight (I hate you

) The boys are so adorable!

iluv, I wish I could loan her to you. Haha.

snlee, you remember correctly. We got married 8/12/06. He can surprise me sometimes.

I still can''t believe I was only 20 when we met. SOOO young...
Re co-sleeping just do what it right for you. If he sleeps better with you and you enjoy it don''t mess up a good thing. We had T in a bassinet in our room for 4 months. She transitioned really easily of course she wasn''t sleeping through the night yet so maybe it wasn''t as obvious. I think she kinda liked it b/c that is when she started rolling and sleeping on her tummy. I am honored to be inspiration for such a meaningful gift. Are you getting blue sapphires? Julian is great to work with.

Lor, thank you as always! You are very sweet.

MrsS, your MIL sounds dreamy! Haha. I do have to pick my battles, she seems to pick *every one*

TGal, you poor thing! After 2 weeks at my ILS I wanted to kill myself. Seriously it is so hard and with baby in tow makes everything worse. DH doesn''t understand but at home you have your own routine, her things, YOUR things, etc...Good luck. Can you pretend like you have to do work?

Ella, sorry the kids were sick! I cannot imagine two at once. Yuck! Happy birthday K&G! Looks like they had a blast. Adorable pics and yummy looking cakes! Did they make a total mess?

Puffy, happy first birthday to B!!!

 

[iluvcarats]

Jas Sorry! I didn't realize they were twins! They are both adorable

Tacori iluvcarats daycare is open anytime for Miss Tessa! I really feel for you. I love my inlaws. They are wonderful, like the parents I always wish I had. But that doesn't mean I want them as neighbors

Sorry Tessa is sick! (This is why I have leather in my car!)

Ella Beautiful kids! Happy Birthday!

 

[Burk]

Sooo far behind but wanted to pop in and say hello!

Ella~Happy Birthday to G and K!! Looks like they had a blast at their birthday. Either of them walking yet?

Tacori~So sorry for your MIL issues! That makes things so hard. She''s your daughter and you have to do what you think is right so your MIL is just going to have to live with it for the next 20+ years!

Also wondering how she doesn''t get the bennifits of organic milk and no juice?!?!?! WOW. Sorry T is sick. Yuck. Our T is always cuddly when she''s sick, too. Hope it''s just a quick bug and she''s back to herself soon!

Snee~sorry D is having a rough time transitioning. I have nothing to add that hasn''t already been said, but wanted to give you my support!!

Jas~your boys are so stinking cute!! Congrats on making it back to pre-baby weight!

Tgal~We''re gonna miss you around here while you''re on your trip!!

Sorry to anyone I missed. We finally got to look at the bank repo house and it''s even bigger than we though. 4200 finished SQ FT, 6 br, 4.5 baths, potential toy room on the main floor (currently a sun room) and a great yard with a pool. It would be a lot of work, though. Built in 1998 and the people who were in it were making updates but when the bank repossessed the house they took with them all the appliances, carpet, island for the kitchen, kitchen cabinet hardware, the list goes on (yea, sooo not legal

). Needless to say, the list of project would be a mile long. We''re putting our house up for sale and looking at our finances (spent most of yesterday calling to check on what the bills would be like for the new house-WOW it costs a lot to heat a big house!) because even as a repo it''s stil a lot of money due to location and size so we''ll just see what happens.

 

[Gemma12]

Hey everyone, another quick check in! Thanks for your comments on my little girl-I love her to bits and she is just so precious to me

Jen, great to ''see'' you-how are your gorgeous girls?? I have skimmed the last 20 or so pages and the photos of M & S are soooo gorgeous. Very surprised that the medical staff were querying whether they were identical-did that get sorted out?? They look fraternal to me but equally lovely.

Ella, congratulations on your little ones turning one! I love the photo of Katelyn posing for the camera. Gorgeous kiddies!

Puffy, happy birthday to little B too!

Jas, glad to ''see'' you again too! Your boys are so gorgeous-I just want to snuggle them! 8 oz??

It''s all going to that gorgeous chubbiness though so keep it up-I love me some chubby babies!

Can''t wait to hear when your book is out. Plus eek on the AF-have you seen your dr about that? I just ask because I had to have a D&C to clear up my postpartum bleeding (although a lot earlier than you are now....) I hope it settles down.

Snlee I am so sorry to hear that you are having these struggles. The moms are giving you great advice and I''m listening in! We put P in her own room from the start not by choice but because she is such a noisy sleeper! I hope this gets resolved for you

TGal, glad to hear you are getting better! Where are you going in Australia? From memory your DH is from Adelaide...

Tacori, I''m so sorry to hear about your MIL. She sounds like mine-passive aggressive, interfering, thinks she know best (my MIL that is!) I find her super manipulative at times. Fortunately DH supports me so when she starts sniping, I just open my eyes really wide and say in a sweet innocent voice: "Really? Oh, I think we should talk about that with (DH), he would be very interested to know that you think that!" Still not sure how she''s going to be when P is a bit older but I won''t be able to use her for babysitting so it''s less of an issue. I agree with the statement that babysitting is as much a treat for her as for you-and she can be deprived of it if she doesn''t follow your rules. You are such a great mom and so conscientious of T''s health and it is no one''s right to try to undermine you. Okay, rant over!

Quick question: When did your babies learn to put themselves to sleep? P is just over 5 weeks old and is a fairly good sleeper (feed for 1-1.5 hours, sleeps for 3-4 overnight) but I am usually puting her down pretty sleepy or completely asleep. She grizzles when I lay her in the bassinet but doesn''t always open her eyes. If I put her down wide awake there is NO way that she will get herself off to sleep. If I put her down pretty sleepy sometimes she dozes off. I am a bit paranoid about having to cuddle or feed her to sleep but I''ve had conflicting advice on when bubbas are old enough from ''Start from day one'' to ''she will turn into a psychopath unless you pick her up every time she cries''. Help!!

Oops, yelling-got to go!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

iluv, thankfully I have leather seats too. Otherwise...ewww...

Burk, that is actually *really* common for repos. Banks used to offer (maybe they still do) cash for keys. They would give them $500 if they don''t destroy the house. Guess they should up it. I forgot is this an MLS listing or courthouse? Courthouse homes are sold as is, MLS you have more power but you pay more. The bank may be willing to work with you. If you aren''t embarrassed by your first offer, you are offering too much

This economic climate can work to your advantage. I grew up in an old, 1920s house that was 6,000 sq ft...yeah the heat was NEVER on very high and there was no A/C since it was such an old house.

I don''t understand my ILS *MOST* of the time.

 

[Burk]

Gemma~I read at 6 weeks to put them down drowsy, but not asleep. For us, we put T down asleep at night until she was 6 months old mostly because she had reflux but partially because I liked that time with her. Naps she typically put herself to sleep since we did swing naps (again due to reflux). When her reflux got better we decided to try CIO and the first time we put her in her crib she didn''t cry a bit and put herself to sleep. It''s different for everyone. I loved my cuddly time with T at night but worried that if she couldn''t put herself to sleep we were going to have a train wreck further down the road....no train wreck here. One of my great friends did CIO from early on for fear of having a baby that neede to be rocked to sleep (she started at like 5 weeks which I think is too young) and regrets it because she feels like she missed out on time with her baby. Rambling, but my point is, please don''t think that if you put P down asleep now that will mean she''ll never be able to soothe herself to sleep. I think putting her down drowsy now is a great start! Good luck!

Tacori~The house is not on the market. DH''s friend is the president of the bank so we''re just working with him. Since it''s DH''s friend we also got a lot of info about the people who lived there before which is what makes the missing appliances, ect so interesting. Apparently the wife didn''t know that the husband was kiting checks (and having an afair and a whole other 2nd secret life) and so when the bank put a lien on the house and the wife was completley in the dark she wouldn''t have been liable....until she took all the stuff with her when she moved out! It''s a crazy mess. We may not have the heat on very high and the A/C even less. We live in a 2200 Sq Ft house now and our bills would triple in the new house! I''m also one of those crazy people who likes a good project so that aspect makes me very excited!!! If we do decide to make an offer-it will be an embarrassing one for sure!!

 

[iluvcarats]

Date: 12/7/2008 8:45:28 PM
Author: Burk
Sooo far behind but wanted to pop in and say hello!

Ella~Happy Birthday to G and K!! Looks like they had a blast at their birthday. Either of them walking yet?


Tacori~So sorry for your MIL issues! That makes things so hard. She''s your daughter and you have to do what you think is right so your MIL is just going to have to live with it for the next 20+ years!

Also wondering how she doesn''t get the bennifits of organic milk and no juice?!?!?! WOW. Sorry T is sick. Yuck. Our T is always cuddly when she''s sick, too. Hope it''s just a quick bug and she''s back to herself soon!


Snee~sorry D is having a rough time transitioning. I have nothing to add that hasn''t already been said, but wanted to give you my support!!

Jas~your boys are so stinking cute!! Congrats on making it back to pre-baby weight!


Tgal~We''re gonna miss you around here while you''re on your trip!!


Sorry to anyone I missed. We finally got to look at the bank repo house and it''s even bigger than we though. 4200 finished SQ FT, 6 br, 4.5 baths, potential toy room on the main floor (currently a sun room) and a great yard with a pool. It would be a lot of work, though. Built in 1998 and the people who were in it were making updates but when the bank repossessed the house they took with them all the appliances, carpet, island for the kitchen, kitchen cabinet hardware, the list goes on (yea, sooo not legal

). Needless to say, the list of project would be a mile long. We''re putting our house up for sale and looking at our finances (spent most of yesterday calling to check on what the bills would be like for the new house-WOW it costs a lot to heat a big house!) because even as a repo it''s stil a lot of money due to location and size so we''ll just see what happens.

We live in a similar size old house in a COLD part of ny. Last year we updated our storm windows to heat efficient ones and it has made a big difference in our heating bills. Our bills have not gone up, even though the price of natural gas has. We added on a couple years ago, and I keep the new part of the house at around 65, and it is very comfy, and the original part of the house at 67-68 when it is really cold. The storms have really helped. I hope it all works out for you!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

iluv, we used to beg my dad to set it at 60! Yeah it was cold. Extra socks and sweaters for all.

Burk, well good luck. Hope you guys get it. I love renos. Well the planning part anyways. So I think we are going to go to WI over Easter weekend which is a bummer b/c you probably will have plans (as well as everyone else besides us). I''ll keep you updated of course.

 

[iluvcarats]

Date: 12/7/2008 9:44:08 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
iluv, we used to beg my dad to set it at 60! Yeah it was cold. Extra socks and sweaters for all.


Burk, well good luck. Hope you guys get it. I love renos. Well the planning part anyways. So I think we are going to go to WI over Easter weekend which is a bummer b/c you probably will have plans (as well as everyone else besides us). I''ll keep you updated of course.

You are from Ohio, right?
60 in Ohio during winter?

 

[TravelingGal]

Evenin'' ladies!

Jas, you will laugh at me...I showed Amelia the light switch. I pointed to the light and said, "See? Light!" I flicked it on and off a few times and said "now you try." She wasn''t interested I said, "Hmph, well you obviously aren''t a genius," and moved on.

Ella - I was just thinking last week that the twins are one! Happy birthday to G&K...they are truly two gorgeous babies...they have blossomed so much it''s amazing! Their personalities just sparkle through the computer. And I have to say, DANG GIRL, YOU LOOK GOOD!!!! Congrats to you and your DH for a year well done!

Puffy, happy 1st to B!!!

Tacori, is Tessa a better now? That does not sound fun at all. And I agree...home is so easy because everything is there. It''s like a gym...all the machines are there and ready and you just circuit train around the room to keep the kid occupied!

Burk, that house sounds interesting. I hope your home sells that this could be a real possibility.

Gemma, yup Adelaide. I hear the flies are out full force.

I love Australia, but I am not a fan in the summer. I''m a California wimp, I must admit. As to your question on sleep, I think you are doing great. It''s not like I shook Amelia wide awake until she was giggling with glee, then put her down. If you are putting P down and she''s not 100% asleep, that is fab. She will continue to get the hang of it. I honestly can''t remember if Amelia was wide awake at 5 weeks, but I doubt it. However I do remember that I put her down wide awake by 8 weeks.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

iluv, it was such an old house and so drafty heating it was probably pointless anyways but yeah it is cold in Ohio. I guess I am tough. DH not to much. He keeps the house at 70-72 in the winter.

TGal, well she is sleeping so that''s good. She doesn''t act sick except right before and 20 mins or so after she barfs. I have NEVER seen that sick face before it broke my heart.

 

[iluvcarats]

Date: 12/7/2008 9:57:52 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
iluv, it was such an old house and so drafty heating it was probably pointless anyways but yeah it is cold in Ohio. I guess I am tough. DH not to much. He keeps the house at 70-72 in the winter.


TGal, well she is sleeping so that''s good. She doesn''t act sick except right before and 20 mins or so after she barfs. I have NEVER seen that sick face before it broke my heart.

70-72 in NC? That''s funny! When we lived in SoCal, people would wear HATS and GLOVES when it dropped below 65! We were still in shorts

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 12/7/2008 9:44:08 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
iluv, we used to beg my dad to set it at 60! Yeah it was cold. Extra socks and sweaters for all.


Burk, well good luck. Hope you guys get it. I love renos. Well the planning part anyways. So I think we are going to go to WI over Easter weekend which is a bummer b/c you probably will have plans (as well as everyone else besides us). I''ll keep you updated of course.

We''ll be here! Don''t know if the boys will be old enough for me to get out, but if so...

 

[mrssalvo]

ella: the party looks so fun. I cannot believe the twins are 1..where does the time go. they are truly adorable.

tgal- I tried the lights with Jake too and he watched the light go on and off and then looked at me like...yeah..so

. he didn''t really care to try the switch himself either..hehe..

tacori- you hubby is like me. We keep the house at 70 in the winter during the day and turn it back to 67 at night. my dad kept the heat turned down when I was growing up in ohio too..brrrr. I always said when I had my own house I would not keep it that low. I don''t mind bundling up a bit but i just hate being cold or too hot in the summer.

 

[Burk]

iluv~My husband thinks we''d need to install new windows for sure. Of course, he sells high quality, expensive windows (mostly for commercial property) so he would say that!

But, if that would help our bills, I''m all for it!! We live in Nebraska and it gets COLD!!! Kills me how people in California think 60 is chilly!

Tacori~I love renos too! Not so much the working, everything is chaos, but the planning, designing, picking everything out is fun! I doubt I''d be able to come Easter weekend but we really haven''t made any plans. My family all lives here so I''m sure we''ll get together but don''t really have details yet. Keep me posted, as I''d love to meet!

How is Tessa doing today?

Tgal~Thanks!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Hey all! Tessa seems to be doing better. I am thinking it was just a bug *not* the flu. She only threw up twice and no fever so that''s good. She woke up happy so keep your fingers crossed.

iluv, I get cold easier now. Got used to the mild climate.

TGal, yes being home is 100% easier. But you will be okay. Just once a year right?

NF, you are CRAZY. If you still haven''t left the house in April you will go crazy! Won''t they be like 4 months old?

Tacori, he is a creature of comfort for sure.

Burk, we will be back in town in August for my sister''s wedding. Hopefully it won''t be too crazy where we can get away for the day. I am sure if it is not this spring we will meet *someday*! Tessa''s tough. She seems fine.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

Jas & Ella - Cute babies! Jas your boys are soo big and I can''t believe Gabe and Katelyn are already a year old. Time flies by these days.

Tacori - sorry about your in-law problems. I love my MIL because she minds her own business. I wish I could say the same about my own mother.

Snlee - I agree that you should try to put D down for his naps in the crib and see if that helps for nighttime. Also, make sure that it''s not the cold waking him up at night. We put James in his crib at about 10 weeks and have always covered him with a blanket because he''d wake up screaming and we finally figured it was because he was cold. We also have a nighttime routine that we really try hard to stick to. Play, bath, lotion massage, eat, snuggles and bed. He''s usually in bed by 8pm and sleeps until 7am most nights. Good luck!

Speaking of weather - Old Man Winter is officially here in NW Ohio. We had about an inch of snow Friday night/Saturday morning and there were so many accidents. Why can people not drive in the snow? I''ll never get it. We''re supposed to have an ice storm tonight. I''m snuggling in with my new tv and my James and keeping warm.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

<---- would these be a good picture for x-mas cards or is there a cuter one I have posted? Yes I am bad and STILL haven''t ordered them!

Diva, thanks. Sorry about your own mom. I guess we all have SOMEONE who drives us crazy. I bet it is cold. Not looking forward to going to Ohio myself. Oh well. Enjoy your night in!