@kns1988 thanks for asking. It has been an extremely disappointing week.. where do I even begin..
- my breastmilk supply has significantly dropped after dealing with a lot of family stress. So much so that now we have to start formula supplementation. I'm doing the best I can, I'm on fenugreek and a milk rich tincture, pumping as much as possible, power pumping daily, and still can't keep up. I'll keep at it, even with the formula, as I'd like DS to have as much breastmilk as possible, but it's a low blow.
- I found out I didn't get the job promotion I have been working towards. I didn't interview well, even though I thought I had, so I clearly have more work ahead of me. My (new) boss is keeping a position open so I can work for it but it still hurts. Timing is everything, so hopefully I can dazzle him when I get back and reapply.
- we have to rehome our dog who we've had since he was a puppy because his food aggression has gotten worse and he's bitten DD trying to take food from her. We are really sad about it but safety of our children comes first. He is nine so he still has a lot of life ahead of him, so we are working with a rescue organization to get him into a home with no kids.
Frankly I'm doing more than I should around the house, but it's helping me channel my emotions. I finally cried, but can tell there is more I'm holding back. Idk what else to do, just trying to keep moving forward.
Glad to see so many of you! Missed you after the great migration to hogwarts. The board actually feels alive now
@kns1988 thanks for asking. It has been an extremely disappointing week.. where do I even begin..
- my breastmilk supply has significantly dropped after dealing with a lot of family stress. So much so that now we have to start formula supplementation. I'm doing the best I can, I'm on fenugreek and a milk rich tincture, pumping as much as possible, power pumping daily, and still can't keep up. I'll keep at it, even with the formula, as I'd like DS to have as much breastmilk as possible, but it's a low blow.
- I found out I didn't get the job promotion I have been working towards. I didn't interview well, even though I thought I had, so I clearly have more work ahead of me. My (new) boss is keeping a position open so I can work for it but it still hurts. Timing is everything, so hopefully I can dazzle him when I get back and reapply.
- we have to rehome our dog who we've had since he was a puppy because his food aggression has gotten worse and he's bitten DD trying to take food from her. We are really sad about it but safety of our children comes first. He is nine so he still has a lot of life ahead of him, so we are working with a rescue organization to get him into a home with no kids.
Frankly I'm doing more than I should around the house, but it's helping me channel my emotions. I finally cried, but can tell there is more I'm holding back. Idk what else to do, just trying to keep moving forward.
Glad to see so many of you! Missed you after the great migration to hogwarts. The board actually feels alive now
I'm a lurker from June. I had to put my dog down recently because her food aggression was out of control. She viciously attacked another one of our dogs in front of DS. I chose to put her down over a rescue because I was worried what her future would look like elsewhere. Take some time to think through all of your options and then move on. It was heartbreaking but I feel a sense of peace knowing we did everything we could and now everyone including her is safe.
Random question: how long did it take for you to get baby's Social security card and birth certificate? I'm worried about getting them and adding DS to insurance. He is already 3 weeks old.
We were given a record of birth document to use for things like this, issued by the hospital and I think signed by a pediatrician, while we wait for the actual birth certificate to be ready which for the town DS was born in is at least 2 weeks from filing before it's ready. I forget how long it took to get DD's SSN but I don't believe the insurance company even asked for it. DS is 13 days today, we signed the final docs in the hospital late in a Friday night, and we do not have the SSN yet.
It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s that I don’t know you. Stranger Danger.
@chailife34 - I'm sorry to hear things haven't been going well. No one needs so much added stress on top of a new baby!
It sounds like you have some good measures in place to try to boost your supply. I just wanted to throw out that I had some good results for Mother's Milk Tea when I was nursing Isaac. Full disclosure: it upset my stomach some, but of all the things I tried, I could tell the biggest difference with that.
I hope you get some checks in the WIN column soon!
@starphish18: How was your ped appt today? Any change to the bili blanket status?
@RainyDays86@Louise_Belcher: I'm right there with you on the difficulty of tending to an older sibling during a nursing/feeding session. It feels half-assed, like I'm not FULLY present for either of them, and oh the guilt and sadness when seeing the look on the older one's face when I say (for the fifth time this morning) "you'll have to wait a little bit longer, honey, I'll play with you next." It literally hurts my heart. Hooray for adjusting to a new normal.
Happy last day of May to everyone! I've been looking forward to May since way back when in September. It feels necessary to mark today in some way, say, with a glass of wine. Sure: Wines-day Wednesday anyone?
@chailife34 I'm sorry to hear about all the blows this week. It sounds like you're working through each thing as to not get overwhelmed. I always love a good cry- maybe let another one our during your next shower? How's your DW handling/supporting you with all of this?
Somebody have a glass of wine for me!!! I have a bottle of my favorite wine in the fridge and 2 six-packs of my favorite beer in the garage fridge. Its killing me!
Yes, I just realized I have no NB size diapers at home (not sure we'll need them and I refuse to buy them if they end up being unnecessary) and only like 3 bottles, but I have my alcohol stocked... mother of the year over here!!
@chailife34 I'm so sorry about how your week has been. Any one of those things is crushing to deal with especially rehoming a fur family member. Hugs to you and as @mrsrep123 said maybe take a moment for a really good shower cry.
@SKZW Thanks for asking! The doctor at her peds appointment felt like Juniper's levels were good enough to go off the blanket! H and I have enjoyed a lot more cuddles today, and I took her out in the sun for 5 minutes. Plus, she's been very alert without the mask on and recently had a couple hours of cluster feeding and fussiness, so I'm hoping her schedule is already reversing and we'll have better nights (to be determined). Plus, I got to dress her in normal clothes! It's the little things in life.
Anyone have suggestions on making diaper changes calmer for the baby? I know @pshaortao mentioned (in Hogwarts) that she put up high contrast pictures to catch his attention, so I may give that a try. Any other advice? Juniper is generally not fussy, but cries bloody murder during the tail end of a diaper change when we're putting a new diaper back on and readjusting her clothes.
For diaper changes, try to shorten the process. Even an extra 30 seconds shaved off might help! I lay the baby down on the changing pad, then get things ready (before any undressing), like pull out a clean diaper and open it up, take the lid off the diaper cream, and pull out a wipe or two from the container (the ones we have right now are Always pulling out more than one at a time and it's such a pain!). Opening lids, getting out clean clothes, pulling something closer, all these things could help time-wise.
It'll get easier as she gets older, too. It'll be more routine. Plus eyesight will be better and it'll be easier to focus on things; and she can hold onto a special toy for just during diaper changes. I remember we relied on Sophie the giraffe for quite some time (great to hold and squeak and chew on). You could sing a lullaby before she starts fussing, it might be soothing to her. (And keep in mind that newborns' sense of hearing is like being underwater, it's super muffled, so singing louder than you think can often be more successful---especially if you're singing or shushing over her cries, you need to be extra loud so she can actually hear you at all). If all else fails, try a paci?
The high contrast doesnt work everytime, he gets mad when he was snoozing lol. Sometimes the shhhhh sound help. The rest of the time, just be fast! Easier said than done though.
For us the diaper changes have gotten better over the past several days, since his circ is feeling better and belly button is healed. The first few days he screamed every time, it's tough. I almost bought a wipe warmer in the middle of the night after a screaming episode. It will get better @starphish18
@chailife34 sorry to hear about your struggles. I was going to recommend the same thing as @mrsrep123 a good shower cry always helps me feel better!
@starphish18 so happy to hear the blanket is no longer necessary. Regarding diaper changes Mason cries bloody murder too, but I have noticed it has gotten better as he has gotten older (16 days old now). I agree with @skzw getting them as short as possible also helps. I know in the beginning H and I fumbled a lot. You will see you get more efficient the more practice you get (and trust me, you will get a lot of practice).
+1 over here with the newborn and toddler struggle. DD loves her new baby brother, but she's also been a bit of a pain as far as grumpiness goes. She literally cries more than DS and I'm beyonder too tired to feel like I can put up with it for too much longer. I know it's all new to her and she literally turned 2 on Saturday, but it's so frustrating.
Thanks everyone. I must have some karma I am paying for, it's like I can't catch a break! I swear I'm a good hard-working person. Hopefully things will calm down soon. DW is doing the best she can, but is basically in survival mode and is grumpy when I ask her to help me with anything (frankly she's been grumpy for weeks now since her unsupportive mom visited). Last night I got lip service for asking for her to make dinner. Just help me out a little here. Thankfully now that formula is an option, she has no excuse for taking care of DS while I rest or shower or run an errand.
The sun will rise again tomorrow and all of this will pass soon.
Thank again for the moral support.
Andplusalso, sending extra positive vibes to any mama with a newborn and toddler. Raising two (or more!) is no joke. Super moms!
I'm sorry things have been rough, @chailife34! That is a lot of stuff to deal with at once. I hope your wife steps up and helps more with the feedings now that you're using formula.
Me: 29, DH: 31 Married: October 2014 Began TTC: April 2015 BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w) BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w) BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
Anyone want to be friends on my fitness pal? I was really good about logging in it when I lost 15 lbs for my wedding, but now I can't get back in the habit. Having accountability would help. PM me your MFP name.
Me: 29, DH: 31 Married: October 2014 Began TTC: April 2015 BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w) BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w) BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
@ShadeofGreen816 I'm at least two days behind on your question but I had to use miralax regularly through the last several weeks of pregnancy. Including the day I went in for induction.
@chailife34 It seems like you have a positive outlook and I'm giving you huge props for that. I hope your DW snaps out of her funk and starts being more helpful. This moming thing is tough, but like you said all of it will pass soon enough.
@chailife34, I hope that things slow down for you soon. I cant imagine dealing with all of that, especially with a toddler an so newborn. Creepy internet hugs headed your way.
Dang @Jens_Hoes I might be the last one overall! And to you and @kns1988 I'll totally be MFP friends. But don't count on me for at least a month (I'll probably still be pregnant then )
So all i can do is laugh at this now... and wanted to share a laugh with all of you.
I was changing DS2's diaper before a feeding early this AM, like 5ish. It was at the 3 hour mark when he woke up and so, understandably, he was hangry! It was just a wet diaper until he started a crying fit that started not one but two projectile shats! It went flying through the mesh of the pack n play, onto the floor, and even on the towel covering my glider foot stool (good thing MH covered it).
Instead of getting to clean it up right away, I fed him and rocked him to sleep first and then got to scrub everything down... at 5ish in the morning!
I know we haven't started the fitness check in yet but I am going to yoga in about 30 minutes and I cannot freaking wait! I will have an hour and a half all by myself!!!! If that doesn't motivate you to workout nothing will! Happy Saturday!
Congrats @absbubbs I was excited to see your name pop up!
Does anyone remember which steam vacuum someone on here recommended? I think it was @Jkp7749. My mom got me the owlet for my birthday and we hated it! So instead I'm gonna exchange it for a new vacuum, hooray #momlife
Re: Weekly randoms, 5.29-6.2
It has been an extremely disappointing week.. where do I even begin..
- my breastmilk supply has significantly dropped after dealing with a lot of family stress. So much so that now we have to start formula supplementation. I'm doing the best I can, I'm on fenugreek and a milk rich tincture, pumping as much as possible, power pumping daily, and still can't keep up. I'll keep at it, even with the formula, as I'd like DS to have as much breastmilk as possible, but it's a low blow.
- I found out I didn't get the job promotion I have been working towards. I didn't interview well, even though I thought I had, so I clearly have more work ahead of me. My (new) boss is keeping a position open so I can work for it but it still hurts. Timing is everything, so hopefully I can dazzle him when I get back and reapply.
- we have to rehome our dog who we've had since he was a puppy because his food aggression has gotten worse and he's bitten DD trying to take food from her. We are really sad about it but safety of our children comes first. He is nine so he still has a lot of life ahead of him, so we are working with a rescue organization to get him into a home with no kids.
Frankly I'm doing more than I should around the house, but it's helping me channel my emotions. I finally cried, but can tell there is more I'm holding back. Idk what else to do, just trying to keep moving forward.
Glad to see so many of you! Missed you after the great migration to hogwarts. The board actually feels alive now
It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s that I don’t know you. Stranger Danger.
It sounds like you have some good measures in place to try to boost your supply. I just wanted to throw out that I had some good results for Mother's Milk Tea when I was nursing Isaac. Full disclosure: it upset my stomach some, but of all the things I tried, I could tell the biggest difference with that.
I hope you get some checks in the WIN column soon!
@RainyDays86 @Louise_Belcher: I'm right there with you on the difficulty of tending to an older sibling during a nursing/feeding session. It feels half-assed, like I'm not FULLY present for either of them, and oh the guilt and sadness when seeing the look on the older one's face when I say (for the fifth time this morning) "you'll have to wait a little bit longer, honey, I'll play with you next." It literally hurts my heart. Hooray for adjusting to a new normal.
Cheers to Wines-day @SKZW!
DS1 7/24/15
DS2 5/7/17
Another cheers to wines day!
11.2011 - DS1
02.2013 - loss at 6 wks
06.2014 - DS2
10.2015 - loss at 12 wks
03.2017 - DD
DS1 7/24/15
DS2 5/7/17
Yes, I just realized I have no NB size diapers at home (not sure we'll need them and I refuse to buy them if they end up being unnecessary) and only like 3 bottles, but I have my alcohol stocked... mother of the year over here!!
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
prioritization to me!!!
Married:09/14/13
Baby 2 - Due: 5/4/17
It'll get easier as she gets older, too. It'll be more routine. Plus eyesight will be better and it'll be easier to focus on things; and she can hold onto a special toy for just during diaper changes. I remember we relied on Sophie the giraffe for quite some time (great to hold and squeak and chew on). You could sing a lullaby before she starts fussing, it might be soothing to her. (And keep in mind that newborns' sense of hearing is like being underwater, it's super muffled, so singing louder than you think can often be more successful---especially if you're singing or shushing over her cries, you need to be extra loud so she can actually hear you at all). If all else fails, try a paci?
@starphish18 so happy to hear the blanket is no longer necessary. Regarding diaper changes Mason cries bloody murder too, but I have noticed it has gotten better as he has gotten older (16 days old now). I agree with @skzw getting them as short as possible also helps. I know in the beginning H and I fumbled a lot. You will see you get more efficient the more practice you get (and trust me, you will get a lot of practice).
DW is doing the best she can, but is basically in survival mode and is grumpy when I ask her to help me with anything (frankly she's been grumpy for weeks now since her unsupportive mom visited). Last night I got lip service for asking for her to make dinner. Just help me out a little here. Thankfully now that formula is an option, she has no excuse for taking care of DS while I rest or shower or run an errand.
The sun will rise again tomorrow and all of this will pass soon.
Thank again for the moral support.
Andplusalso, sending extra positive vibes to any mama with a newborn and toddler. Raising two (or more!) is no joke. Super moms!
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
@MiaQuiche84 due 5/25- Waiting for baby
Jens_hoes due 5/27 – Induction 6/6
@mamaz326 Due 5/28 - Induction last weekend?
Shadeofgreen816 due 5/29 – Induction end of next week?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was changing DS2's diaper before a feeding early this AM, like 5ish. It was at the 3 hour mark when he woke up and so, understandably, he was hangry! It was just a wet diaper until he started a crying fit that started not one but two projectile shats! It went flying through the mesh of the pack n play, onto the floor, and even on the towel covering my glider foot stool (good thing MH covered it).
Instead of getting to clean it up right away, I fed him and rocked him to sleep first and then got to scrub everything down... at 5ish in the morning!
DS1 7/24/15
DS2 5/7/17
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
Congratulations @absbubbs!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
DS1 7/24/15
DS2 5/7/17
Does anyone remember which steam vacuum someone on here recommended? I think it was @Jkp7749. My mom got me the owlet for my birthday and we hated it! So instead I'm gonna exchange it for a new vacuum, hooray #momlife