How far along are you? How big is baby? 20 weeks and 1 day, size of a banana.
How old is/are you other spawn? 18 months
Nails and fails from this week: I guess a nail is that yesterday my son had a morning appointment and an afternoon appointment, and everything went just fine and he didn't miss his nap. This one-nap thing sucks to get onto, but is nice when it's finally a thing. Fail: any time I have to bring my child in from outside
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: My kid didn't pass the MCHAT yesterday, so I have a lot of thoughts about that. I was 100% expecting it though -- I've had my concerns about him from a very young age, and I've done the online MCHAT so it's not like it was a surprise. The good news, I guess, is that the next step is to go to EDIS on base to have him evaluated...which is exactly what we've been doing for his delays every two months since his one-year appointment. The pediatrician is meeting with them today and she'll let me know if they want to see him earlier than his next-scheduled appointment.
That aside, coming back to him after two weeks away has been so great. I've never felt fully invested in the mother thing, if that makes sense, but being childless for two weeks made me see just how much a part of my life he really is. Like, I'm not that child-free person anymore. And that's fine! In spite of the tedium of everyday life, I love watching him learn and grow.
Also a rave is that he's finally started trying to load his spoon and fork himself. Haha.
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I know this is a near-impossible question to answer, because every stage is fun in its own way, but I'm just going to say 6 months. They're fun and babbling but not too mobile!
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
How far along are you? How big is baby? I'm also 20w1d, size of a banana How old is/are you other spawn? He is 2
Nails and fails from this week: Fail to me, our tile is officially done in the bathroom but there's a couple spots where the grout didn't set properly, so we'll have to fix that somehow.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: Looking forward to the weekend! We're planning to go to Union Station to see their current exhibit, Dinosaurs Revealed. I just know DS is going to LOVE it!!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? Probably about 5-7 months when they're learning to sit, maybe start trying to crawl, happy to play but not getting into too much trouble. So same as @PensiveCrayon lol
Edited to fix the things that were driving me crazy because I used mobile to post. I'm going to have to stick to using the computer for longer comments. How far along are you? How big is baby? 19+1, baby is the size of a pint of ice cream How old is/are you other spawn? DS1 - 9, DS2&3 -6 Nails and fails from this week: We had our anatomy scan Tuesday which I wasn’t expecting, my appt was originally just to check the SCH so that was exciting to get all of his measurements done and see the little guy flipping all over the place! Fail - because we thought the A/S was next week DH and my kids didn’t come to the appt. My next u/s is at 26 weeks, so I’m just going to have everyone come to that one to see baby. Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: I’m exhausted all of the time and doing the simplest things wears me out. I’m sure it’s from trying to take it easy, but I’ve got to get outside and start walking or something. The road back to fitness after baby is going to be horrible if I don’t do that now: it’s already going to be hard! GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? That’s hard, I think I have a favorite thing about every stage! So I’ll share a few. Baby age - same- I love the 6/7 months age when they are just so happy, but not super mobile so still easy to just take with us. 6 year olds - their imaginations and hearing everything through their perspective - I could listen to them tell me stories all day. 9 year olds - just watching him grow into a responsible person and learning to do things like cook and mow the grass. It’s sad because he’s getting so big, but man I’m proud of what he can do.
How far along are you? How big is baby? I am 17 weeks and 3 days, so baby is the size of a gaming controller. How old is/are you other spawn? He is 2. Nails and fails from this week: Nail: My husband has some family in town, which has been so nice. He even took Tuesday off as a surprise and we all went to the aquarium and back to his cousin’s house for the kids to play together. It is so nice to be able to relax a little bit while DS plays with other kids. Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: I decided yesterday to reschedule my anatomy scan, because if we do it at maternal fetal medicine (My only option when pregnant with DS because at the time my OB did not have U/s machines in office) we can get a DVD of it. It is a little bit more expensive to do it that way, but it all goes towards our out-of-pocket, which I am sure we will meet this year anyway. I am really glad that I was able to reschedule it for the exact same day and won’t have to wait longer. I’m so excited to see this baby! GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? This is such a hard question! I am curious how I will feel in a few years after having done each stage twice. I love the newborn cuddles, but I really hated breast-feeding, so that really clouded my feelings about that first year. As others have mentioned, it was nice before he became mobile, though. I do love the two-year-old stage now. It is so nice that he can tell me what he wants and actually play. Plus, the independence is nice. He mastered pulling up and down his own pants and underwear the other day, which was amazing!
How far along are you? How big is baby? 19w4d, size of a mango
How old is/are you other spawn? Almost 18 months
Nails and fails from this week: Nails: This kid has learned so much this week! She has I think 3 new words, she’s giving me kisses, and she knows where her nose is all of a sudden. Fails: Meh, just general tantrums. I really think we are hitting the “twos” early.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: My husband has been gone all week and he’ll be home tomorrow morning. So happy!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I think the one we’re in now. I love that she is mobile and starting to talk. It’s so much easier to take her places as long as she can run around. She entertains herself and I don’t have to constantly be holding her and I can actually talk to people. The only thing that’s bad about is the tantrums, but they come with the territory I suppose.
@PensiveCrayon I had to look up what mchat is. I’m sorry he failed but glad you guys have already been getting him the help that he needs. He’s getting the best care he can from his mom!
@PensiveCrayon good for you for being so proactive with the MCHAT and being so positive about the outcome! I think that is a nail for you this week. You're such a positive person and we're lucky to have you around here!
How far along are you? How big is baby? 21+4. Size of a ball cap
How old is/are you other spawn? He is officially 21 months!
Nails and fails from this week: Fail was having an anxiety attack about all the things I have to do and buy before the baby comes. Nail was H being super supportive and doing a massive Amazon order full of almost everything we need for the baby, going to pick out paint colors for DS's big boy room and buying a bunch of stuff we need for that! So now we just have to paint and get him into his room..
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: I'm still super nervous about moving DS to a big boy bed. He sleeps so well in his crib I think he's going to be a little trouble maker if he can get out.
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? Ugh all of them! I love the squishy new born phase. I love the cute I can sit up and laugh phase, I love the the more independent stage. I love this stage where they are really getting a personality. I'm so excited to do it all again (though scared about going back to zero sleep..)
How far along are you? How big is baby? 21 + 4, endive
How old is/are you other spawn? Almost 14 months
Nails and fails from this week: She's been so much more independent lately. I was able to do the dishes and make my lunch all while she ran around waving around a rubber glove after dinner. It was so nice to not have to follow her around or entertain her. She also was refusing to eat a lot last week and I was able to feel in her mouth and two more back teeth have broken through.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: Her naps have been bananas lately and I fear we are headed towards the 1 nap transition. I love my 2 90 minute naps, and I don't want her to be on just one
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I think now. She is just getting more independent, and learning, and doing all these things I haven't really "taught" her. It is adorable when she picks up my phone and puts it to her ear and says "uhhh" which is her hello lol
How far along are you? How big is baby? 20+2, baby is the size of a banana. How old is/are you other spawn? DD is 6, DS is 4.
Nails and fails from this week: I was in Chicago most of the week. The kids were happy with the keychains I brought back for them, so nailed it?
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? Oh dear, ummm... my favorite stage so far has been the last 6 months. They're independent, they talk to explain what's going on (and tell great stories). They have opinions and don't need constant watching and carrying, and they're generally cool people. I'm sort of dreading having to do the whole baby thing again.
@kristah2 my son is almost 2.5 and I'm not rushing to move him out of the crib honestly. If you don't need the crib for baby then I wouldn't rush! Or maybe do a bassinet for a bit then switch them around later? Idk, we do cosleeping so I don't need our crib right away for this baby.
@Jens_Hoes Okay. I’ve been lamenting his issues for the past several months and I guess have come to terms with them in the process, so it’s less of a mental struggle than I thought. Also, he didn’t fail super hard — he’s just really independent and doesn’t ask us for help/show us stuff, etc. So there’s hope, especially if he starts therapy as early as he can.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@kristah2 my son is almost 2.5 and I'm not rushing to move him out of the crib honestly. If you don't need the crib for baby then I wouldn't rush! Or maybe do a bassinet for a bit then switch them around later? Idk, we do cosleeping so I don't need our crib right away for this baby.
I wish this was an option but we're going to need the crib. My son wouldn't sleep in a bassinet so he was in a crib from about 1 month onward and it's always possible this one is the same. Plus from what I read if you're going to use the same crib / nursery it's best to try to transition them about 3 months before baby comes and takes over to avoid any jealousy of "that's my bed"
I have failed at joining this check in the last couple of weeks because it's always so long by the time I get a chance and I want to respond to everyone, but I think I need to let that go, lol, and just try to post and respond when/where I can! How far along are you? How big is baby? 21 weeks and 2 days!
How old is/are you other spawn? She'll be 2.5 Aug 8th.
Nails and fails from this week: Nails: we have finally gotten in a good morning routine where she consistently is peeing on the potty before her dad takes her to school, so she hasn't had any more morning accidents in the car seat and we're thrilled. Also, in general, she is so snuggly and hilarious right now, I just feel really happy parenting wise at the moment. Fails: she is still having accidents otherwise - about 3-5 a week, which is a big improvement, but the problem is I think she thinks accidents are funny and doesn't seem to care that they still happen, so we're working on that. Also, I cannot get her to be gentle with me/the bump. She is a *very* high energy, rambunctious kid, and she just wants to run at me full speed, jump as hard as she can into my lap, etc. And I cannot seem to deter that, despite warnings, thorough explanations about why and time outs. It is frustrating!
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: Ah, work just got busy so I will have to skip this one! (Unless that counts as a rant, haha.)
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I'm not a huge fan of the baby stage (though 6 months and up gets considerably more fun) but I love being a toddler mom. Anything over 1 year old is great and I ADORE 2! I know everyone says it's the terrible twos, but I will take the tantrums because the rest of it is just so funny, loving and adorable. Lately DD has mastered small talk (she yells "have a nice day, mama!" when she leaves for school with dad, and I told her yesterday it was going to be really hot and she made a face and said "Ugh, no say that!") She is also SO affectionate and loving these days. She points to me, her dad and herself and will say "I love you mama, I love you dada, I love you DD name!" (I think it's so cute that she includes herself in who she loves.)
@PensiveCrayonIt sounds like you are handling it very well. I think it is wonderful that you are so proactive with his needs. Also, I have seen kids who receive a certain score and are placed in the appropriate therapies and groups, only to hit several milestones and test out a few months later. It is such a wide spectrum.
How far along are you? How big is baby? 21+3! TB says that his palm is the size of a dime (melt!!!) and he is as big as an endive. How old is/are you other spawn? 20 months as of this past Monday.
Nails and fails from this week: New sitter started this week. She did 5 hours yesterday and 5 on Tuesday. She was on time both days and DD was thrilled to see her. Major nail. I hope it sticks! H said she (the sitter) looked a lil ragged when he got home though
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? It's so fun to watch how quickly she is changing and absorbing and learning right now, but I truly loved the newborn and early infancy stage. My 16 weeks of maternity leave was my favorite time of my life so far.
Re: STM Check-In | w/o 7/26
How old is/are you other spawn? 18 months
Nails and fails from this week: I guess a nail is that yesterday my son had a morning appointment and an afternoon appointment, and everything went just fine and he didn't miss his nap. This one-nap thing sucks to get onto, but is nice when it's finally a thing. Fail: any time I have to bring my child in from outside
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: My kid didn't pass the MCHAT yesterday, so I have a lot of thoughts about that. I was 100% expecting it though -- I've had my concerns about him from a very young age, and I've done the online MCHAT so it's not like it was a surprise. The good news, I guess, is that the next step is to go to EDIS on base to have him evaluated...which is exactly what we've been doing for his delays every two months since his one-year appointment. The pediatrician is meeting with them today and she'll let me know if they want to see him earlier than his next-scheduled appointment.
Also a rave is that he's finally started trying to load his spoon and fork himself. Haha.
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I know this is a near-impossible question to answer, because every stage is fun in its own way, but I'm just going to say 6 months. They're fun and babbling but not too mobile!
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
How far along are you? How big is baby?
I'm also 20w1d, size of a banana
How old is/are you other spawn?
He is 2
Nails and fails from this week:
Fail to me, our tile is officially done in the bathroom but there's a couple spots where the grout didn't set properly, so we'll have to fix that somehow.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
Looking forward to the weekend! We're planning to go to Union Station to see their current exhibit, Dinosaurs Revealed. I just know DS is going to LOVE it!!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
Probably about 5-7 months when they're learning to sit, maybe start trying to crawl, happy to play but not getting into too much trouble. So same as @PensiveCrayon lol
DS2 due 12/12/18
How far along are you? How big is baby?
19+1, baby is the size of a pint of ice cream
How old is/are you other spawn?
DS1 - 9, DS2&3 -6
Nails and fails from this week:
We had our anatomy scan Tuesday which I wasn’t expecting, my appt was originally just to check the SCH so that was exciting to get all of his measurements done and see the little guy flipping all over the place! Fail - because we thought the A/S was next week DH and my kids didn’t come to the appt. My next u/s is at 26 weeks, so I’m just going to have everyone come to that one to see baby.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
I’m exhausted all of the time and doing the simplest things wears me out. I’m sure it’s from trying to take it easy, but I’ve got to get outside and start walking or something. The road back to fitness after baby is going to be horrible if I don’t do that now: it’s already going to be hard!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
That’s hard, I think I have a favorite thing about every stage! So I’ll share a few. Baby age - same- I love the 6/7 months age when they are just so happy, but not super mobile so still easy to just take with us. 6 year olds - their imaginations and hearing everything through their perspective - I could listen to them tell me stories all day. 9 year olds - just watching him grow into a responsible person and learning to do things like cook and mow the grass. It’s sad because he’s getting so big, but man I’m proud of what he can do.
I am 17 weeks and 3 days, so baby is the size of a gaming controller.
How old is/are you other spawn?
He is 2.
Nails and fails from this week:
Nail: My husband has some family in town, which has been so nice. He even took Tuesday off as a surprise and we all went to the aquarium and back to his cousin’s house for the kids to play together. It is so nice to be able to relax a little bit while DS plays with other kids.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
I decided yesterday to reschedule my anatomy scan, because if we do it at maternal fetal medicine (My only option when pregnant with DS because at the time my OB did not have U/s machines in office) we can get a DVD of it. It is a little bit more expensive to do it that way, but it all goes towards our out-of-pocket, which I am sure we will meet this year anyway. I am really glad that I was able to reschedule it for the exact same day and won’t have to wait longer. I’m so excited to see this baby!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
This is such a hard question! I am curious how I will feel in a few years after having done each stage twice. I love the newborn cuddles, but I really hated breast-feeding, so that really clouded my feelings about that first year. As others have mentioned, it was nice before he became mobile, though. I do love the two-year-old stage now. It is so nice that he can tell me what he wants and actually play. Plus, the independence is nice. He mastered pulling up and down his own pants and underwear the other day, which was amazing!
19w4d, size of a mango
How old is/are you other spawn?
Almost 18 months
Nails and fails from this week:
Nails: This kid has learned so much this week! She has I think 3 new words, she’s giving me kisses, and she knows where her nose is all of a sudden.
Fails: Meh, just general tantrums. I really think we are hitting the “twos” early.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
My husband has been gone all week and he’ll be home tomorrow morning. So happy!
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
I think the one we’re in now. I love that she is mobile and starting to talk. It’s so much easier to take her places as long as she can run around. She entertains herself and I don’t have to constantly be holding her and I can actually talk to people. The only thing that’s bad about is the tantrums, but they come with the territory I suppose.
@PensiveCrayon I had to look up what mchat is. I’m sorry he failed but glad you guys have already been getting him the help that he needs. He’s getting the best care he can from his mom!
How old is/are you other spawn? He is officially 21 months!
Nails and fails from this week: Fail was having an anxiety attack about all the things I have to do and buy before the baby comes. Nail was H being super supportive and doing a massive Amazon order full of almost everything we need for the baby, going to pick out paint colors for DS's big boy room and buying a bunch of stuff we need for that! So now we just have to paint and get him into his room..
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: I'm still super nervous about moving DS to a big boy bed. He sleeps so well in his crib I think he's going to be a little trouble maker if he can get out.
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? Ugh all of them! I love the squishy new born phase. I love the cute I can sit up and laugh phase, I love the the more independent stage. I love this stage where they are really getting a personality. I'm so excited to do it all again (though scared about going back to zero sleep..)
How old is/are you other spawn? Almost 14 months
Nails and fails from this week: She's been so much more independent lately. I was able to do the dishes and make my lunch all while she ran around waving around a rubber glove after dinner. It was so nice to not have to follow her around or entertain her. She also was refusing to eat a lot last week and I was able to feel in her mouth and two more back teeth have broken through.
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary: Her naps have been bananas lately and I fear we are headed towards the 1 nap transition. I love my 2 90 minute naps, and I don't want her to be on just one
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage? I think now. She is just getting more independent, and learning, and doing all these things I haven't really "taught" her. It is adorable when she picks up my phone and puts it to her ear and says "uhhh" which is her hello lol
@pensivecrayon the MCHAT is for speech?
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
20+2, baby is the size of a banana.
How old is/are you other spawn?
DD is 6, DS is 4.
Nails and fails from this week:
I was in Chicago most of the week. The kids were happy with the keychains I brought back for them, so nailed it?
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
Oh dear, ummm... my favorite stage so far has been the last 6 months. They're independent, they talk to explain what's going on (and tell great stories). They have opinions and don't need constant watching and carrying, and they're generally cool people. I'm sort of dreading having to do the whole baby thing again.
Here is a picture of her with the glove
DS2 due 12/12/18
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Plus from what I read if you're going to use the same crib / nursery it's best to try to transition them about 3 months before baby comes and takes over to avoid any jealousy of "that's my bed"
How far along are you? How big is baby?
21 weeks and 2 days!
How old is/are you other spawn?
She'll be 2.5 Aug 8th.
Nails and fails from this week:
Nails: we have finally gotten in a good morning routine where she consistently is peeing on the potty before her dad takes her to school, so she hasn't had any more morning accidents in the car seat and we're thrilled. Also, in general, she is so snuggly and hilarious right now, I just feel really happy parenting wise at the moment.
Fails: she is still having accidents otherwise - about 3-5 a week, which is a big improvement, but the problem is I think she thinks accidents are funny and doesn't seem to care that they still happen, so we're working on that. Also, I cannot get her to be gentle with me/the bump. She is a *very* high energy, rambunctious kid, and she just wants to run at me full speed, jump as hard as she can into my lap, etc. And I cannot seem to deter that, despite warnings, thorough explanations about why and time outs. It is frustrating!
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
Ah, work just got busy so I will have to skip this one! (Unless that counts as a rant, haha.)
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
I'm not a huge fan of the baby stage (though 6 months and up gets considerably more fun) but I love being a toddler mom. Anything over 1 year old is great and I ADORE 2! I know everyone says it's the terrible twos, but I will take the tantrums because the rest of it is just so funny, loving and adorable. Lately DD has mastered small talk (she yells "have a nice day, mama!" when she leaves for school with dad, and I told her yesterday it was going to be really hot and she made a face and said "Ugh, no say that!") She is also SO affectionate and loving these days. She points to me, her dad and herself and will say "I love you mama, I love you dada, I love you DD name!" (I think it's so cute that she includes herself in who she loves.)
21+3! TB says that his palm is the size of a dime (melt!!!) and he is as big as an endive.
How old is/are you other spawn?
20 months as of this past Monday.
Nails and fails from this week:
New sitter started this week. She did 5 hours yesterday and 5 on Tuesday. She was on time both days and DD was thrilled to see her. Major nail. I hope it sticks! H said she (the sitter) looked a lil ragged when he got home though
Rant/Rave/Dear Diary:
GTKY: What is your favorite baby age/stage?
It's so fun to watch how quickly she is changing and absorbing and learning right now, but I truly loved the newborn and early infancy stage. My 16 weeks of maternity leave was my favorite time of my life so far.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018