Parenting Check -In (12/29/14)

Jazibel · December 2014

Good Morning Everyone,

Congratulations and Welcome to @RobertJane33 and @Andstilltrying on the arrival of your LO(s)!! I've added you to the roster, please let me know if you would like anything changed.

How was everyone's weekend? Any new milestones, successes or challenges to report?

QOTD: As we head to the New Year - do you have any resolutions, goals or wishes pertaining to your LO(s)? Also what are your NYE plans?

Parenting Roster:

(Please let me know if you would like to be added or have your information changed)

@2brides – G & C born 5/18/06, other Mom is L

@Themommymonster – C (DS) born 2/18/09

@Mystjava – Little Bear (LB) born 3/31/10, other Mummum is Shawn

@winstan1 – J (DS) born 9/10 (currently 3.5 years old)

@Trisholio and @trisholiosboi – Proud foster parents to M born 2/6/12 and K born 8/22/13; baby Adalyn born 8/29/14

@jazibel – Kaden born 7/13/12 and Owen born 5/2/14, other parent (Aya) is EV

@newmompeanut – N (DD) born 2/12/13, other Momma is B

@CageyMack – W born 3/16/13

@JGY – Gabe born 3/24/13, other Mama is S.

@Stringy813 – M born May 2013

@Clairmeij – Alarico born 6/28/13, other mama is V

@Wallace323 – J and L born 8/8/13, surviving triplets born at 31 weeks

@Jrtmom – Henry born 8/15/13, other mama is L

@ATXmommas – Sebastian (“Ash”) born 11/21/13, other Momma is Z

@mwagner25 – Oliver born 11/27/13, other parent is L

@herbabymama‌ – C (DD) born 12/10/13, other Mama is K

@Sarahtrpt – C born February 2014

@AmandaG47 – Twin girls born 2/22/14, other Mommy is J

@Mamosey‌ & @Karlamo‌ – R born 2/25/14

@shameless370087‌ - Anthony and Sati, born 3/9/2014, Other mom is S

@Filmfanatic82 – Charley born 3/15/14

@2momsinCA‌ - B & O born 5/27/14

@KH826 – Will born 6/4/14

@redrockmama – M born 6/19/14, other Mama is J

@ball.and.chain – B born 6/28/14

@Flygirl1228 – Twins 7/25/14

@KLeigh1‌ - S born 7/25/14

@shelly2314 - Elise and Olivia, born 8/19/14, wife is M

@2MamazInSeattle‌ - S born 8/21/14

@rkbo‌ - Amelia born 9/22/14

@pauljl - Callie born 11/5/14

@doodah1013 & @firstcomeslove2013 – Hayden born 12/20/2014

@RobertJane33 – Twins born 12/24/14

@Andstilltrying – Mathew and Andrew born 12/26/14

ball.and.chain · December 2014

First, the QOTD: NYE plans? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

No, seriously: sleep? That's about it. We are cooking a nicer-than-usual dinner after we put B to bed, because it feels festive. But nothing too elaborate. My wife works on NYE and NYD.

As for resolutions, most of mine revolve around losing my baby weight. All I wish for B is that he continues to be healthy and happy.

B is 6m old as of yesterday!

He had a great first Christmas. We don't do any major traveling so we were spared that ordeal. He was spoiled with gifts by our families and got lots of auntie and grandparent time, which he enjoyed.

His sleep has gotten a bit messed up between illness and the holidays, so we have committed to getting him back on track. Last night involved lots of crying and not as much sleeping as we would have liked, but it could have been worse.

The big deal right now is solids. We gave him a few spoonfuls of apple sauce on Christmas and he seemed confused but receptive. The next day I gave him a little more and he was genuinely interested. We were going to try again yesterday but he was kind of spit-uppy -- not related to the applesauce, I don't think -- so we took a break. We'll give some baby oatmeal a try this week and maybe some BLW-style "stick" foods. If there was any question about him being ready for solids, it's been answered. On Saturday he actually grabbed an apple slice out of my wife's hand and started sucking/gnawing on it. On Christmas he tried to grab and drink my wine -- twice -- and this morning he reached for my tea. And when I was feeding him applesauce the second time, he wanted to use his hands to get it out of the bowl, to hold/push the bowl, and to hold the spoon. He's paying a lot of attention to us when we're eating and this morning my wife said he was making chewing motions as he watched her eat.

His 6-month appointment is next week so I'm eager to hear how he's doing!

jennicole85 · December 2014

D is 18 months (as of yesterday!).

NYE plans? Well, we're planning on pulling our grill out and grilling some steaks, veggies and making a bunch of sides. We'll probably get some wine and champaign but that will be the extent of our 'plans'.

DS is growing so quickly and is like a sponge! He gets so excited when he sees J or her dad pull out their tools because now he has his own set! It's adorable!

His vocabulary isn't growing as quickly as I wish it would. He still only has about 6 words total. He talks gibberish constantly but real words are coming slowly. I keep telling myself that at least he's making (some) progress.

My parenting resolution. Work on my patience. Toddlers are tough lol.

I have more but I need to start getting ready for a play date. I'll post more later if I get the chance

Jazibel · December 2014

Sending all our parents with newborns lots of love today!

We had a great weekend. I feel so spoiled with having had EV home for two weeks, and then a "light week" last week. It's so much nicer to be a two parent household all the time. We seriously need to win the lottery!

Owen is almost 8 months old. Where have the last 8 months gone?! He is now pulling himself to standing more an more consistently. His bottom teeth are in, and his copious drooling has me wondering if we'll get more soon. Other than that he's becoming increasingly vocal and expressive. He and Kaden share "jokes" about the silly things they do. EV and I just look at one another in wonder because who knew that tossing a balloon around, or throwing a lone jingle bell could be so hilarious. Sleep is still a thing. I feel like it's my experience with my first all over again. I'm not sure if I just have hungry babies or suck at sleep training. Owen is usually only getting up twice to three times 12 - 2 4ish. I'm usually still up for the first nursing session so that one's easy. Nights when he only wakes twice are awesome. I'm trying to encourage cluster feeding at night to help prolong night time sleep.

On Saturday we took the boys to a steam train at Tilden park in Berkeley, then to this amazing playground and finished the day with a walk around a large pond (Kaden rode his balance bike). It was Kaden's perfect day and he was so tired afterward. It's been cold here (52) during the day so we bundled up. At the park they have man made hills with faux grass that the kids can climb and slide down on cardboard scraps. EV and just stared as Kaden repeated climbed the highest hill battling 8, 10 and 13 year olds and proceeded to throw himself down with or without his cardboard. At one point he turned to the opposite side of the hill leapt in the air kicking his feet out skateboard style and disappeared down the hill where we couldn't see him. We rushed around fully expecting to find him in a heap but he was laughing and climbing up again. GULP! I see BMX or skateparks in our future. This kid has no fear. He he tried to surf the hill standing up it confirmed my premonition that we'll have a dare devil on our hands...

Kaden's also becoming increasingly opinionated. Currently its a positive thing (though moms of older kids tell me we'll turn a corner). He also loves to have conversations with us. We review our day at dinner each night and its fun to hear what he brings up. He's starting to use adjectives which is "awesome" as he says. LOL

As we near preschool and then school age EV and I are starting to fret a little on what our plan will be for school for Kaden. I would really love a Montessori or Waldorf school but a $15-$20K annual tuition is out of question at this time. If some of our other New Years goals come into fruition maybe we could look at buying our forever home by the time Kaden goes to Kindergarten or 1st grade. That would be ideal to be in a school district we want. We also talk about home schooling - which is a whole other topic

QOTD: I hope to get Kaden enrolled in classes, gymnastics, preschool, swimming and soccer this year at least. Owen I think would love a Mommy and Me music class and it would be great to get involved in other playgroups with kids his age. I would like both boys to be sleeping through the night. For Kaden to be potty trained (we tried a day without diapers outside the house but had an accident in the car seat while still in the driveway so I think we need a bit more practice). And for Owen to start potty training around 18 months. Owen doesn't know this yet but I'll also be starting to wean around 12 months (especially if #3 is in the cards). So I hope that goes smoothly.

doodah1013 · December 2014

To keep it short: so far we have an amazing baby! She rarely fusses... She wakes twice during the night to be fed and changed, and then goes back to sleep and she is just a little snuggle monster! The only thing she doesn't like is being put down... Which for now is a-ok, because more often than wanting to put her down we are both wanting to hold her!

Feeding is going well! But I will let @firstcomeslove2013‌ say more about that.

We are just counting our blessings. Some days it seems like we are still just playing house! But I am loving the pace and routine (what we have developed) of each day!

QOTD: our goals for Hayden this year are just to be the best we can be as a family!

Our New Year's Eve is going to be watching football (me) and watching Gilmore Girls (A) and us taking turns getting baby snuggles! We also got a fancy Brie we have had our eye on! Wow... Lookout! Crazy times!

redrockmama · December 2014

B&C our 6 month checkup is next week too!

@Jazibel‌ I'm with you there. This morning I told J we should quit our jobs and stay home. It's so much easier, and fun, when we are all home together.

@Flygirl1228‌ I'd say go ahead and start solids. Did you ever find out about any food reactions with the reflux? I think I read most spitting up will stop by a year, but I guess it depends on why. I hope it gets better. M has days where he still spits up a ton, and others where he hardly does at all.

ATXmommas · December 2014

I'll check in later!

@Flygirl1228‌ - I have no idea if solids will help with spitting up, but also not sure why your doctor would insist on starting solids before the next visit. Certainly nothing wrong about it, but I don't see the need to rush it if you would prefer to wait. I guess the only thing to sway me to start earlier is if either W or Q already seem really interested in food. Otherwise, I don't think it's a big deal to wait. Other than giving him tastes off our finger tips a few times, we waited until just a couple of days before 6 months to offer solids. Do what feels right for you and A.

JGY · December 2014

G is 21 months

Wow, I feel like it's been a year since I was able to post! Look out, this could be a long one ...

I'm so excited to read about the recent births (@RobertJane33 & @Andstilltrying), and to know that everyone is healthy despite some seriously scary moments ...

The holidays in IN with S's family went really well. I knew they would. G was ecstatic to get to run around and wrestle with his 2 cousins (ages 5 and 9), and was really pretty flexible and (mostly) well-behaved the whole time. We had a few sleep issues, but nothing too major. Mostly I was just so excited to have 4 days with S and G together.

I feel like G aged a whole month in just a week. His vocabulary had another explosion, he's now repeating just about everything that everyone says - look out! His favorite phrase, or maybe it's our favorite, is "All day long." And he screams it. For example ... "Hey Gabe, do you like to play with D and B (cousins)?" His response: "ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!" We had a hilarious moment in the hotel last weekend where it was morning and just about time to get up. He'd been rolling around in the portable crib for a while, but not really making that much noise. All of a sudden he jumped up, leaned over the side, and screamed "All day long!" Needless to say, we were up for the day at that point, and got to start the morning laughing.

Yesterday S had another long day of work so I was by myself, and after naptime (which was unusually short) G was just a whiney mess. All he wanted was to be "UP!!!" and since I had strained my back shoveling snow, that just wasn't happening. Anyway, at some point I really started to feel like this wasn't normal for him and perhaps there was something wrong. Duh, Mom. After a full body check, and a false alarm for gas pain, I had the brilliant idea to look in his ears and whammo. Another ear infection. Seriously, it's like we haven't been battling this for almost his entire life. It didn't even occur to me. Ahh well. Two phone calls later and we had a prescription in hand and he's feeling much better today for his first day back at daycare.

QOTD: My immediate goals pertaining to G are to get through this hitting stage. We need to figure out how to help him redirect his anger and frustration and successfully communicate what he needs without violence. My longer term goals involve continuing to find outlets for him to release his energy that won't break the bank (thanks to @winstan1 I did indeed find myself at the McDonald's Playland 2 weeks ago - $0.99 cuppa joe in hand). As for NYE, S has to travel for work so G and I will be flying solo with the dog and cat. Normally I'd stay up and enjoy some quality beer but that isn't an option this year. So I will likely watch as much Anderson Cooper/Kathy Griffin as I can on CNN and then pass out when I get sleepy (I'm betting it'll be about 9pm). NYD I will watch football come hell or high water. Additionally, we've been invited to a brunch open house, and a good friend (who has a young daughter) invited us over for popovers. Should be fun! Just wish S could be with us.

redrockmama · December 2014

My bad @Flygirl1228‌ I thought I read you wanted to start them on solids, but weren't sure if you should wait for the Dr. appt. I would wait until you feel they are ready and you want to.

redrockmama · December 2014

It could, but there would be other symptoms too (most likely) lots of crying, mucousy green stools, rash. If its just reflux and spitting up, I doubt it's related to food A is eating. I hope it gets better and your pedi has some insight at your next checkup.

2momsinCA · December 2014

@flygirl1228 we have started solids and no, they still spit up. Sometimes a lot. Mostly now it would be considered "very wet burps" I guess. Since breast milk or formula are the vast majority of their diet for the first few months of solids, they will still have plenty of fluids to spit up. Solids are not a quick fix for this. We tried adding rice cereal to breast milk bottles for like a day because we were advised that it would thicken the milk and be harder to spit up- not the case with breast milk! It just clumps up and they still spit. Are your babies in pain from spitting? Has your wife tried eliminating dairy(in case there's a milk protein allergy)? We also did a couple months of Zantac and Prilosec- it did nothing to reduce the amount they were spitting up, just helped with the reflux pain associated with spitting. We stopped meds about 2 months ago. They actually both laugh when they spit up now (such boys) so they don't seem to be in pain. I also gave up dairy for 3 months and I imagined there was a difference but I reintroduced dairy into my diet in November and they seem fine, still spitting up as much as always though. However a milk protein allergy (from mom's breast milk if she is consuming dairy) could be the problem and can increase spit up. If it's projectile you definitely may want to see a GI. Both my boys were evaluated for pyloric stenosis they were spitting so much! It's uncommon but one of the first things a GI will look for.

Anyways, our GI and pedi both say that spitting up (if the baby is not in pain) is more of a laundry problem than a baby problem. Also get the cheap prefold cloth diapers as spit rags. More absorbent than swaddle blankets.

ATXmommas · December 2014

Ash is 13 months old.

Last Monday feels forever ago! Since then, we had a lovely Christmas morning as a family of 3 in our own home. Although Ash is too young to understand anything about Christmas or gifts, it was a lot of fun to watch him exploring his new toys. And even though it was technically his second Christmas, it felt like his first - he was just a little blob at this time last year and I was still in a postpartum fog. All in all, just tons of fun.

We traveled to MS to visit my family on Friday. The first leg of the flight from Austin to Dallas was only 40 minutes, but Z and I were separated while I had Ash solo, so it felt a lot longer. Thankfully, I was surrounded by super sweet grandmothers who helped me entertain him. Hopefully we'll be so lucky in our return on the 3rd (Z flies back tomorrow)!

When we arrived on Friday, my brother and his four kids were here and Ash had a great time playing with his cousins. It was so wonderful. The two oldest were over today again - they are 9 and 7 - and were so great with Ash. They have two littles at home, so know to be and are capable of being very patient and sweet with babies.

Ash has also had a great time playing with the two dogs at my dad's house. One is an elderly lab who just needs hugs, and the other is a 9 month old lab that has energy to match Ash's! I love that Ash loves dogs and will grow up with Bama. :x

Developmentally, I'm noticing more things. Mostly, I'm picking up on things that we say that Ash understands. He can follow certain directions. He also point to his nose when you ask him where it is (when he feels like it!). My stepmom and sister swear Ash was saying the puppy's name (Delta), and it certainly sounded like it - but I'm not totally convinced. When I told my mom, she said that he must have been saying Tita (her grandmother name).

I feel like there's more to say, but I'm mobile and its getting late, so I'll add more later or just wait until next week if more comes to mind.

QOTW: NYE plans - will watch some football and drink some champagne with my parents before hitting the sack well before midnight. We're fancy. Goals/wishes for the little one - haven't really thought about it. I would love for him to sleep through the night, but I might just have a kid who won't for a while and I'm ok with that too. Other than that, we'll just keep on rolling with the punches!

AandStilltrying · December 2014

Weekend: Well let's see...we got to hold our boys in the special care nursery. They're regulating their own body temps without assistance. Had slight issues with Matthew going "Brady" (not breathing enough per min) and heart rate a lil under where they want it to be. He kept spitting up amniotic fluid and so they put NG tube in and used syringe to suck out the excess air/gases and the got some of the fluid up. He gave a big sigh and then vitals went perfect and asleep he went.

Both boys are doing amazingly well to be born at 32 weeks. Sarah having a hard time as we are bein discharged tomorrow without them.

Love them so so much.

They are syringe and NG tube feeding. Both are getting phototherapy for bili levels.

Qotw: New Years...hmmm pumping?!?! Lack of sleep? Maybe a trip up to be with them for the count down.

Seems so unreal that I'm a mommy!!! To 2 little cuties!

Jazibel · December 2014

@Andstilltrying - they are so sweet!! I hope they are home with you soon.

@Flygirl1228 - Kaden used to spit up a ton too ( I think until he was 9ish months old). My Pedi - called him a happy spitter, and told us he'd eventually grow out of it. Luckily Owen very rarely spits up.

@ATXMommas - I'm glad Ash is getting some great cousin time this trip. I hope you have a great week!

@redrockmama - it really is night and day with the wife home or not. Today I think was a little depressed to be alone. I love my boys - but its so much more fun (and easier) when EV and I are together. If you figure out a way to make it work let me know ;-)

@ball.and.chain - applesauce is one of Owen's favorites too. Are you making purees too or just BLW?

@doodah1013 - I'm so glad to hear things are blissful in your part of the wood. :-)

@JGY - I love G's "ALL DAY LONG" phrase. I wish we could share videos here so I could see it.

@RobertJane33 - I hope the transition to the 24/7 schedule is a smooth one. Now that I have two kids (of different ages) I have a PROFOUND respect for any parent of multiples. Sending good thoughts.

And I forgot my QOTD: NYE will likely be at home (maybe with friends and their infant) watching a movie. I know - wild!!

ball.and.chain · December 2014

@jazibel, we are doing a combo. Not comfortable doing BLW with daycare, but B has made it clear he'd prefer to do it himself!

2brides · December 2014

We had a nice long weekend (I took yesterday off to hang with L while the kids were at camp.) L has been on a mission to declutter our house. We've cleaned out drawers, closets, garage...and now have several bags to donate. I told L it felt like she was nesting.

QOTD: I hope that the kids continue to be happy and do well in school. I hope that they continue to make good friends, awesome memories, and grow into older elementary ages kids *gasp*. I hope L and I can get our finances under control and take the kids on vacation this summer - we've been talking about taking them to California to see friends spread all over the state for a few years.

We are going to Medieval Times for NYE. This is the 4th year we've gone and we are going with new friends this year. It is perfect because it is early (6:30) and we aren't home too late, the kids love the show, and it is something special. The kids are excited to go with their new BFF from school. I rarely stay up till midnight.

redrockmama · December 2014

I'm a day late. M is 6 months old.

He is doing a lot better at sitting up and can go for quite a while before he purposefully or accidentally topples over. Still hates being on his tummy. Sometimes he makes crawling motions when he is on his tummy, but he doesn't hold his chest up off the ground very long or rock back onto his knees at all. It's so fun to watch...er hear him practice his voice skills. Every morning he sing/yells while we are laying in bed. He'll nurse for a few seconds, pop off and talk about something, nurse for a few seconds, talk some more. It cracks me up and he'll go on for about an hour sometimes. Nothing else really big is going on developmentally.

I really want him to learn how to crawl because he is not content staying in one place so my back is killing me. He wants to be "walked" everywhere and lunges out of our arms to try to grab whatever strikes his fancy at the moment. Yesterday was rough and he was frustrated for at least 75% of it. I think it was a combo of teething, having a bit of a cold, and the immobility thing.

NYE: No big plans, we'll probably just do our normal routine. Maybe J and I will stay up late and have some couple time.

QOTW: No real specific goals, wishes. I just want M to be happy, healthy, and to be the best parents we can be for him and remember to be a good couple as well (part of being a good parent in my book).

Does anyone here use the magic sleep suit, or something similar? I think I remember @2mamazinseattle mentioning it...

ball.and.chain · December 2014

@redrockmama‌ we use the Magic Sleepsuit. Has it been working for you?

redrockmama · December 2014

Well the first night or 2 I was sold. He slept from 8ish-2ish (a huge improvement). He would fuss and wake up sometimes, but just fell right back asleep, with one wake up to nurse in there. The last few nights it hasn't been so great though. He is still waking up every 2ish hours. I can nurse him back to sleep pretty easily the first time or 2, but then he just won't go back to sleep. So, I eventually take him out and just let him sleep next me in bed. I wondered if it was normal to still wake up so much in it or not.

I'm willing to keep trying it and hope for longer stretches as he gets used to it, but I feel like I'm getting less sleep now than with him in bed with us.

firstcomeslove2013 · December 2014

Our weekend has been a blur! Like with Hayden is amazing and she's the coolest little creature! She's really chill and sleeps well and isn't a fussy baby. We are so lucky and blessed to have her! She's really only waking up twice in the night to eat and she's becoming more alert during the day. I watch our niece during the week and she is back with us this week. She LOVES her cousin and I can already tell they are going to be great friends.

Feeding has been a challenge. I promise to go into more detail in her birth story (which I am determined to write this week) but breastfeeding is NO JOKE and is not as magical and easy as everyone seems to think (or at least as I thought). We are getting the hang of it but I didn't have the best help in the hospital and we are paying for it now. BUT C is being really supportive and great.

QOTD: No resolutions. I don't make them because they don't stick...I'm terrible! As for NYE we are staying home, eating good food and snuggling our baby.

BONUS PIP!!!

2momsinCA · December 2014

@Flygirl1228‌ yeah, our boys are happy spitters and we just deal. Your twins sound the same. I hated being off dairy and it won't make a big difference unless your are sure of a milk protein allergy. My sons always wear bibs. We keep prefold diapers in every room to clean up.

ATXmommas · December 2014

firstcomeslove2013 said:

...but breastfeeding is NO JOKE and is not as magical and easy as everyone seems to think (or at least as I thought). We are getting the hang of it but I didn't have the best help in the hospital and we are paying for it now. BUT C is being really supportive and great.

TRUTH! There are several of us who have been through the ringer with BF-ing, so please let us know if you need any emotional support or encouragement. Or just need folks to commiserate with. H is just too cute!

ATXmommas · December 2014

Flygirl1228 said:
So, there has been a turn of events. Today A noticed that Weston had really green poop, it had mucus, and was a bit of blood in it. She took his temp and it was 99.1. We called the doctor and they had Ally bring him in. They think it may be a food allergy. We have to take in a few samples for them to analyze. Please please don't let it be a dairy allergy!

Fingers crossed it's not! I would be surprised that a dairy intolerance just showed up now, but I'm sure it's possible! I was vegan prior to pregnancy, but started eating dairy while I was pregnant and continued eating a little bit after Ash was born. His intolerance revealed itself at about 2 weeks with bloody and mucousy stool. I promptly gave dairy up and no more issues. I know it's hard to give up dairy, but if that's the case, at least it's temporary! Also, I think the intolerance is mostly related to cow's milk, so cheese/dairy from other animals might be ok. Keep us posted!

Jazibel · December 2014

@Flygirl1228‌ - I hope you get answers soon and that your little guy feels better.

JGY · December 2014

firstcomeslove2013 said:

Feeding has been a challenge. I promise to go into more detail in her birth story (which I am determined to write this week) but breastfeeding is NO JOKE and is not as magical and easy as everyone seems to think (or at least as I thought). We are getting the hang of it but I didn't have the best help in the hospital and we are paying for it now. BUT C is being really supportive and great.

Yes, just ... YES. It is NO JOKE. And as @ATXmommas said, lots of us here have struggled mightily with it so you'll have tons of support and commiseration amongst this group. But keep at it, most times it DOES get easier. And ask for help when you need it.

ball.and.chain · December 2014

JGY said:

firstcomeslove2013 said:

Feeding has been a challenge. I promise to go into more detail in her birth story (which I am determined to write this week) but breastfeeding is NO JOKE and is not as magical and easy as everyone seems to think (or at least as I thought). We are getting the hang of it but I didn't have the best help in the hospital and we are paying for it now. BUT C is being really supportive and great.

Yes, just ... YES. It is NO JOKE. And as @ATXmommas said, lots of us here have struggled mightily with it so you'll have tons of support and commiseration amongst this group. But keep at it, most times it DOES get easier. And ask for help when you need it.

This. If a separate post describing your challenges would help, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience on this board and we will do whatever we can to help you through it.

2momsinCA · December 2014

@Flygirl1228‌ please keep us posted about the possible food allergy. It definitely could be milk protein and from what I have read, babies with milk protein issues can also be sensitive to soy in mom's diet. Basically it sucks for vegetarians.

Mystjava · December 2014

Morning peeps.... I know it has been a long time since I've "voiced" in here. The past two to three weeks have been some of the most craziest in our lives. We got our house and moved in! We closed on the 22nd and moved right on in the next day. I have been slowly moving things from our previous location (an rv park) to our current home. It is a huge place for us compare to living in a 8 by 32 motor home with two cats and a dog, oh, don't forget LB!

We were able to move the motor home to the house as well since we did not want to get into trouble with the landlord at the rv park (he has had so many people screw him and his wife over). Now I just need to go back and empty the over crowded shed.

Why am I here? We had faced two different but related issues to moving with LB. First, it was the bathroom - the toilet scared him. It is higher and nosier than the toilet in the RV. I am still working on this one to get him to go to the bathroom alone, but not quite yet. We've already named the toilet so it is not necessary scary any more. We pretend we're "feeding" it which gives the whole issue an sense of humor. He has begun to "climb" onto the toilet to poop, but he doesn't want to be alone in there yet... I'm know in time, he'll be able to deal with it. One big plus? The bathtub! He loves (I mean loves!!!) the tub -- in other words -- bubble bath time.

Second issue we faced was "where's home". He was scared about how big our new place is. What I had done was started to move some of his toys and things into his bedroom (which he picked out of the two rooms - it has a huge closet). He still won't sleep alone - I tried last night to get him to be in his bed (new to us - bunk beds) by himself, so I could break the "co-sleeping" routine that we have been doing for the past 4 1/2 years. He slept alone in his bed for 1 1/2 hours before he realized I wasn't there, so maybe tonight, I will be lucky and get him in his bed by himself longer. It is going to take time.

Our other issue? We don't have our queen bed in the master bedroom yet, something I am going to have to try to take care of this coming week, so maybe something that is on sale and I can "grab" it. Fingers crossed!

I'm just glad that you are here and don't necessary object when I post here and there so randomly.

As for the QOTW - nothing tonight .. just relax and go to bed at our normal time beside some couple time for S and me after LB goes to sleep. So, Happy New Year Everyone.. Stay healthy and safe!

ATXmommas · December 2014

@Mystjava‌ - it's always good to hear from you! Congrats on the move and I hope LB settles into his new home very quickly.

@sarahtrpt‌ - hope you have fun tonight! I'm trying to wait another couple months before weaning Ash, but I'm nervous about it too. I hope it goes to well for both of you. Please share any tips you have once you start!

2brides · January 2015

RobertJane33 said:

Any experience exclusively pumping?

I almost exclusively pumped. Both kids were crummy latchers in the beginning (G was about the weight of your guys and would tire easily) and tandem feeding is really difficult until they have some semblance of head control. Pumping and then feeding does take longer - but it helped me feel more relaxed about how much they were taking in and share the wealth with L. :P Once they got a bit bigger I would nurse C on occasion (especially when I had a blocked duct (all the time!) or when I didn't have enough frozen and could BF one and give a bottle to the other. Just remember - there is no right/wrong way to feed your kids.

2momsinCA · January 2015

@RobertJane33‌ I think @Flygirl1228‌ totally nailed it but since I'm bf-ing twins I want to weigh in.

I exclusively pumped for their first 2 months home. I still would try to breast feed but I had to work with a LC quite a bit to check their ability to transfer milk from the breast through weighed feeds. It was not until they had been home a good 2 months that I started to feel they were satiated by breast feeding. It was also around that time that they could breast feed and drain my boob in about 15 mins or so. Before then it would be like 45 minutes- the effort of breastfeeding seemed to be burning more calories than they were taking on. And then they would still need a bottle.

One of my twins was a natural at breastfeeding and has always preferred the breast over the bottle. However to insure good weight gain I would breastfeed and still offer the bottle for the first two months. The other twin was exclusively bottle fed with occasional breast feeding when he would root on my chest. He then began to prefer the breast right around 4 months old. I know that is rare, most babies start on the bottle and stay on the bottle but it does happen. For the last 2 months, my tandem nursing pillow has gotten a major workout. I tandem feed about 4-5 times a day.

They have been home about 5 months now and I only pump once a day, at night when they are sleeping.

All this will change when I go back to work on Monday. I will be pumping a lot and the boys need to be okay with the bottle.

Anyways, don't give up! I found pumping to be easier and more efficient in the beginning and perhaps you will too. That way both you and your wife can simultaneously give them bottles and they can be on the same feeding schedule. That doesn't mean that they will stay exclusively bottle fed. Keep offering the breast. Their suck-swallow will get stronger over time. Don't throw out the tandem pillow, it may get more use down the line.

Edit to add: my boys were bottle fed a ton in the NICU. I breastfed them there when I could. I thought for sure they would never take the breast. Pumping and bottles is a headache. The tandem pillow is a dream in comparison! They will get there. And if they don't it's okay- feeding in general is so tough in the beginning with twins but once a routine is established, whatever that routine maybe, it gets better. A well fed baby (by boob, bottle, or formula) is usually a happier baby.

Edit again to add: pumping for twins is no joke so I hope you have a good pump! They will start taking more and more milk over time and it has been so hard for my supply to keep up with demand. My insurance covered the rental of the symphony. Once that coverage ends I'm going to pay the rental myself. Since it totally drains me in 15 mins, I don't have to spend too much time hooked up to it. Also get a hands free pumping bra. Makes life easier when attached to a machine.

2momsinCA · January 2015

@RobertJane33‌ yes, do whatever works. Seriously. And it may not be the "ideal" feeding experience that you or your wife envisioned. Life is very hard with 2 newborns at home in so many ways. Have formula on hand just in case you need it. It will all fall into place over time. And then you'll have something else to worry about.

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