@K&Elizabeth Even if the items are boring, I would make a registry at Target or BRU just so you don't end up with 50 sets of bibs, generic baby gift sets, and things that you have no use for. They have made it clear that they intend to buy you things, so you may as well point them in the direction of items you'll need and won't have to exchange at the 11th hour. I think it's fine to accept gifts at the insistence of others for your second child, even have a small celebration. Every life is special, and it's not you going above and beyond trying to milk the gifts.
Does anyone know how time consuming it is taking care of a newborn? Specifically do you think it's reasonable to be a full-time online science student for the first few "baby months" if I am just doing those things (not working too)?
Does anyone know how time consuming it is taking care of a newborn? Specifically do you think it's reasonable to be a full-time online science student for the first few "baby months" if I am just doing those things (not working too)?
Depends on how demanding your newborn is. DS1 was pretty darn easy, but his feeding time was doubled because I was having to exclusively pump.
Definitely have every intention of ignoring my cousin lol. I had thought she had just done a mass invite, but there are 80 some (seriously, what? She doesn't work so I don't know how she plans to afford ANY party...) invited and she has 300 some "friends" on Facebook...that actually annoys me more that she SPECIFICALLY invited me to be gift grabby
A friend kindly offered to throw me a shower and asked for a guest list, I invited a grand total of 15 people including the couple who is hosting... Who in the world invites 80 ppl to a shower?!?!
Does anyone know how time consuming it is taking care of a newborn? Specifically do you think it's reasonable to be a full-time online science student for the first few "baby months" if I am just doing those things (not working too)?
From personal experience I can offer you this: With DS, I was 20 and a full time college student/working full time throughout pregnancy and when he was born. I was accepted to my grad school program already (I did a combined BS/MS program, and am an OTR now) and was finishing my program pre-reqs at that time. Anyway, I took 3 classes online and 2 night classes that semester (15 credit hours total). DS birthday is 1/24/11, so he was born at the beginning of semester. I took 1 week off from my night classes and went back to physical campus for those the first week of February. I didn't find the online caseload or the night class load to be unreasonable.. not necessarily ideal but not unreasonable. I also went back to work full time after a 10 week leave. Maybe I'm just a freak of nature, I don't know. I will say that I had very good support from (now) DH and our families, which helped me to maintain that schedule. It's not loads of fun, but it was so worth it to me and it is do-able! As long as you can be organized and disciplined with maintaining due dates for assignments, etc, I think staying full time online is totally reasonable. It's worth it in the end! Good luck, good luck!
@NOLA520 She doesn't exactly do anything out of obligation, everything is done to benefit herself. Sometimes I question how we're even related, we are from two completely different worlds.
@thaisac1 I don't even know! From what I saw she practically had to beg people to come to her (self hosted) shower, why this will be any different I don't know. Then there's me, just had DDs postponed birthday party yesterday and we specifically asked people NOT to bring anything but a card if they felt the need to bring something...
Does anyone know how time consuming it is taking care of a newborn? Specifically do you think it's reasonable to be a full-time online science student for the first few "baby months" if I am just doing those things (not working too)?
Come March, I'll have two classes left to finish my bachelor's degree online. I plan to wait until at least June to finish those two because: 1) I fear DD will be very demanding or 2) I'll later regret missing out on the early days. I'll go back to work full time after about 8 weeks and have a strong chance of being deployed for her first birthday, so it's really important to me to make the most of what time I will have with her. Plus, I don't plan to do much other than feed and snuggle my little squish for the first few weeks. Laundry will only be done as I run out of clean underwear and I've started lists for freezer meals already.
Point being, I don't think full-time would be optimal with a newborn. If you are driven, part-time may work for you. Classes are expensive, and it would suck to pay back classes you neglect because you're caught up caring for your newborn.
Thank you for the input about the college thing. You are probably right that it's doable but not necessarily ideal. I will have to figure out if it will delay my graduation a lot to take the term off or just take a class or two. I just had no idea what the time cost is for taking care of the baby.
Thanks ladies. All good ideas. I'll register for all of the boring things (half of them are RNs so they probably wouldn't bat an eye at breast pads or storage bags haha) and throw some cute stuff in their too. They really are all just incredibly sweet ladies and I definitely appreciate the gesture .
Thank you for the input about the college thing. You are probably right that it's doable but not necessarily ideal. I will have to figure out if it will delay my graduation a lot to take the term off or just take a class or two. I just had no idea what the time cost is for taking care of the baby.
At least with online classes you could nurse/pump and type at the same time. It's even better if the class isn't time specific, but "hey, comment/finish assignment by the end of the week" specific.
Side note: this totally reminds me of Jane the Virgin. She starts her masters degree a week after she gives birth.
Any other FTMs freaking out about being alone with baby? I hardly know what to do with myself when DH is at work and one of the animals gets moody; what am I going to do alone with a baby for hours on end?
Thank you for the input about the college thing. You are probably right that it's doable but not necessarily ideal. I will have to figure out if it will delay my graduation a lot to take the term off or just take a class or two. I just had no idea what the time cost is for taking care of the baby.
Personally, I'd go for it. At least part time. Baby sleeps so much early on that the likelihood of really *missing out* on anything important in the first few months is slim. It's unrealistic to think that *all* you will be doing is attending to baby, but everybody is different. I understand in @AmadorRose situation because she has the possibility or impending deployment/going back to work early.. but if you're not working either, then you won't have that additional burden either. I would have been really bored after a bit without something to occupy some of my baby down time with DS. That may just be me. It all depends on what works for you! I could not push back graduation because of my program, even if I would have wanted to (which I didn't. I was already pushed back a year from a major program switch and was not going to spend any more money than I had to at that point). Regardless, it'll all work itself out. Happy mama, happy baby. Take your time deciding. Talk to advisors at school and family/support people in your life.
Any other FTMs freaking out about being alone with baby? I hardly know what to do with myself when DH is at work and one of the animals gets moody; what am I going to do alone with a baby for hours on end?
Yes I am really worried about that. My husband is most likely going to a 5 week military training starting in May leaving me alone with the baby and animals. I might go crazy.
@RoseShadow873 I also want to add that if you went part-time for a semester, if you have a few semesters left and won't be working, you could always take maybe one extra class each semester or take classes over the summer (if you aren't already) to catch up. I think this is still realistic, especially if the extra class is a basic class like composition or psych 101.
I feel your pain with training: DH had the option of a 9-month Kuwait deployment with his guard unit it June. I told him it was his choice, but if he left me alone with a newborn for 9 months he'd spend 9 more sleeping on the couch. He's not going; thank goodness for stabilization in his contract!
@AmadorRose while I'm not freaking out about being alone (husband works from home, and my parents and grandparents are coming from Brazil, and in-laws coming from Eastern Canada ), I'm scared of caring for a newborn in general. I've never changed a diaper in my life, I'm one of those people that doesn't even know how to hold a baby properly! I'm sure I will learn quickly , but my complete cluelessness is worrissome.
@AmadorRose while I'm not freaking out about being alone (husband works from home, and my parents and grandparents are coming from Brazil, and in-laws coming from Eastern Canada ), I'm scared of caring for a newborn in general. I've never changed a diaper in my life, I'm one of those people that doesn't even know how to hold a baby properly! I'm sure I will learn quickly , but my complete cluelessness is worrissome.
I have never changed a diaper and don't know how to hold a baby either! I'm as clueless as you or possibly more. I'm going to order at least one book about how to take care of a newborn so hopefully that will help. The first thing I want to know is how at least to keep them alive and I can go from there.
@AmadorRose while I'm not freaking out about being alone (husband works from home, and my parents and grandparents are coming from Brazil, and in-laws coming from Eastern Canada ), I'm scared of caring for a newborn in general. I've never changed a diaper in my life, I'm one of those people that doesn't even know how to hold a baby properly! I'm sure I will learn quickly , but my complete cluelessness is worrissome.
It's really easy. Seriously. I learned how to take care of a newborn on the fly when I was 17 because I went up to Canada to be a nanny over the summer.
Always wipe downwards if you have a girl. Ladies, you know this from wiping your own privates.
Your baby will have their own unique cries that you'll pick up on for when they are hungry, need changed, etc.
Support the head.
Listen to your baby's pediatrician. If you're second guessing what they tell you, try a different doctor.
Tummy time is essential. Even if your LO hates it, make time in the day to have them on their stomach (other than when they are sleeping).
Sleeping on their back is best.
You and your SO will know your LO better than anyone else--don't let your parents, ILs, whoever tell you otherwise. If you tell them that your LO needs a nap by a specific time, then they better shut up and listen, because it is true.
@thaisac1 I've had the benefit of 14 nieces and nephews, several of whom I've nannied while their moms worked, so I know the basic holding/feeding/diaper changing...but newborns freak me out. They can literally do nothing other than poop, cry, and eat, and often they need help with some of that as well. I enjoy kids who can play and do things, but I have never been a fan of the newborn stage. I'm seriously praying that everyone is right and I'll love my own!
@AmadorRose I have my own and I still didn't love the newborn stage...and that's completely normal. It's really hard when they aren't interactive, and I wish someone had been real and honest with me about that so I could be prepared. I anticipated this lovely euphoric early weeks at home and it was a lot of me, half dressed, usually caught under a sleeping newborn because she wouldn't sleep anywhere but on me during the day, bored...but even as mind numbing as it was at times, I can't wait to do it again. The first month or two are basically the same thing over and over, but then they start learning little things and it's so neat to see. At around 4 months they start getting really fun! For some even its later, my neighbor said it was hard to enjoy until 6 months. But then you miss those early weeks...
WAY after the fact, but the Bump has hated me this weekend. @AEG84 , yay for the lillebaby!! we can lillebaby carry together ;-) sorry to hear about doggy - but what a lovely send off. xo
DH and I both LOVE the newborn stage. It's my favorite. We started talking about having more babies after DS1 was about 3 months old and wishing we had a tiny newborn... Then we decided that we should wait to TTC when DS1 turned 2, but we all know how that turned out.
I remember being so freaked out about caring for DD1 when she was first born. When DH showed me how to change a diaper I was like that's it? So much easier than when they are older and squirming all over the place. I'm not a huge fan of the newborn phase, but it's the time period when they are curious and can do some things (roll, sit unassisted) but not others (sit themselves up) that I really don't care for.
Am I the only one who's completely appalled by what Lady Gaga has done to her face??? No one seems to be talking about it in the media... New nose, new cheekbones, new lips, a frozen forehead.... So plasticky! What happened to her motto "baby I was born this way", that she had been selling to today's youth???
Am I the only one who's completely appalled by what Lady Gaga has done to her face??? No one seems to be talking about it in the media... New nose, new cheekbones, new lips, a frozen forehead.... So plasticky! What happened to her motto "baby I was born this way", that she had been selling to today's youth???
I guess it wasn't selling enough.
I've never been a big fan of her. I liked the message of "just be yourself," but it also caused this side issue of girls/women saying they were bisexual for attention... There was that phase before she became popular, but it died down quickly and then came back full force under her. Lots of people are ACTUALLY bisexual, and having a bunch of women pretend to be for male attention really hurts the people who actually are. Everyone thinks you're faking and following the fad when in reality, you're not. I have a similar beef with Katy Perry and Demi Lavato for the same reason. It's ok to be curious and explore your sexuality, but don't promote kissing the same sex if you're actually not interested in the same sex...
So I was creepin the #28weeks on Instagram yesterday and there's starting to be pictures of preemies! I really hope no one here actually has a baby/babies for at least another month or so (I'm looking at you twin moms). I'm just always amazed by the idea that while he'd need a lot of help, DS could come now and survive to eventually thrive. Crazy.
Am I the only one who's completely appalled by what Lady Gaga has done to her face??? No one seems to be talking about it in the media... New nose, new cheekbones, new lips, a frozen forehead.... So plasticky! What happened to her motto "baby I was born this way", that she had been selling to today's youth???
That just looks like a bad combination of make up/lighting to me. This was her a few years ago, and she looks no different.
Any other FTMs freaking out about being alone with baby? I hardly know what to do with myself when DH is at work and one of the animals gets moody; what am I going to do alone with a baby for hours on end?
This! I just had a mini cry session the other night, just thinking about it. All Of the sudden I got really overwhelmed and realized that it was just going to be me at home with this brand new little human. I pulled my stuff together and my sweet husband was very reassuring. Still...terrifying.
Am I the only one who's completely appalled by what Lady Gaga has done to her face??? No one seems to be talking about it in the media... New nose, new cheekbones, new lips, a frozen forehead.... So plasticky! What happened to her motto "baby I was born this way", that she had been selling to today's youth???
That just looks like a bad combination of make up/lighting to me. This was her a few years ago, and she looks no different.
------- QBF--------
I had actually noticed it on her interviews this year, preceding the Globes. She most definitely had stuff done. PS: I actually think she looks very different in both photos, particularly with respect to cheekbones and lips.
@mrstrax I know I shouldn't, but I google images of babies born at the week I'm at...just to give myself assurance that if something were to go wrong right now she'd have a chance. Many of them look alright, but there are many as well that make me say a little prayer and tell her to stay put right now! When my DD was born, it was the December BMB, and I think the earliest we had one show up then was Halloween? Actually, looking back at some old threads I saw that same mom and she had her second kid, who was also born super early...both of her boys are doing well though!
@mrstrax I know I shouldn't, but I google images of babies born at the week I'm at...just to give myself assurance that if something were to go wrong right now she'd have a chance. Many of them look alright, but there are many as well that make me say a little prayer and tell her to stay put right now! When my DD was born, it was the December BMB, and I think the earliest we had one show up then was Halloween? Actually, looking back at some old threads I saw that same mom and she had her second kid, who was also born super early...both of her boys are doing well though!
I have a good friend who had her twins 6 weeks after DD was born at 31 and a half weeks (3.5 and 4 lbs). They spent a fair amount of time in the NICU (7 weeks?) until they could eat on their own, but are perfectly on track now at 18 months, ahead of you adjust for GA. It's definitely reassuring seeing them thriving
@mrstrax I know I shouldn't, but I google images of babies born at the week I'm at...just to give myself assurance that if something were to go wrong right now she'd have a chance. Many of them look alright, but there are many as well that make me say a little prayer and tell her to stay put right now! When my DD was born, it was the December BMB, and I think the earliest we had one show up then was Halloween? Actually, looking back at some old threads I saw that same mom and she had her second kid, who was also born super early...both of her boys are doing well though!
I have a good friend who had her twins 6 weeks after DD was born at 31 and a half weeks (3.5 and 4 lbs). They spent a fair amount of time in the NICU (7 weeks?) until they could eat on their own, but are perfectly on track now at 18 months, ahead of you adjust for GA. It's definitely reassuring seeing them thriving
DH's cousin's water broke at 27+5 and a week later she went into active labor and delivered. I keep thinking about how small he was, and how long they were in the hospital (on vacation from LA and had to stay here for a couple of months before getting approved for a Med Evac flight back to their hometown, where they spent another month in the hospital). But now he is doing great. He has some lingering health issues, but such a strong little boy!
https://youtu.be/1RDlt_2auzk ugh! stupid bump mobile! I really detest going on the website through my phone but I didn't want to pass this up. A calming technique I saw on Facebook I wanted to share. The baby's cheeks at the end are so adorable!!
@thaisac1 I agree, I saw her on the Globes last night and something is seriously up with her face. It looked super strange because as you said, she was trying to talk and was 'emotional' yet her facial movements were limited and strange. I also noted it was like she couldn't really open her mouth in a normal way. What happened???
@thaisac1 I agree, I saw her on the Globes last night and something is seriously up with her face. It looked super strange because as you said, she was trying to talk and was 'emotional' yet her facial movements were limited and strange. I also noted it was like she couldn't really open her mouth in a normal way. What happened???
Re: **The Everything Random Thread for April Mamas**
@thaisac1 I don't even know! From what I saw she practically had to beg people to come to her (self hosted) shower, why this will be any different I don't know. Then there's me, just had DDs postponed birthday party yesterday and we specifically asked people NOT to bring anything but a card if they felt the need to bring something...
Point being, I don't think full-time would be optimal with a newborn. If you are driven, part-time may work for you. Classes are expensive, and it would suck to pay back classes you neglect because you're caught up caring for your newborn.
Side note: this totally reminds me of Jane the Virgin. She starts her masters degree a week after she gives birth.
I feel your pain with training: DH had the option of a 9-month Kuwait deployment with his guard unit it June. I told him it was his choice, but if he left me alone with a newborn for 9 months he'd spend 9 more sleeping on the couch. He's not going; thank goodness for stabilization in his contract!
Always wipe downwards if you have a girl. Ladies, you know this from wiping your own privates.
Your baby will have their own unique cries that you'll pick up on for when they are hungry, need changed, etc.
Support the head.
Listen to your baby's pediatrician. If you're second guessing what they tell you, try a different doctor.
Tummy time is essential. Even if your LO hates it, make time in the day to have them on their stomach (other than when they are sleeping).
Sleeping on their back is best.
You and your SO will know your LO better than anyone else--don't let your parents, ILs, whoever tell you otherwise. If you tell them that your LO needs a nap by a specific time, then they better shut up and listen, because it is true.
Am I the only one who's completely appalled by what Lady Gaga has done to her face??? No one seems to be talking about it in the media... New nose, new cheekbones, new lips, a frozen forehead.... So plasticky! What happened to her motto "baby I was born this way", that she had been selling to today's youth???
I've never been a big fan of her. I liked the message of "just be yourself," but it also caused this side issue of girls/women saying they were bisexual for attention... There was that phase before she became popular, but it died down quickly and then came back full force under her. Lots of people are ACTUALLY bisexual, and having a bunch of women pretend to be for male attention really hurts the people who actually are. Everyone thinks you're faking and following the fad when in reality, you're not. I have a similar beef with Katy Perry and Demi Lavato for the same reason. It's ok to be curious and explore your sexuality, but don't promote kissing the same sex if you're actually not interested in the same sex...
End rant.
Now stay in there til at least March please.
Of the sudden I got really overwhelmed and realized that it was just going to be me at home with this brand new little human. I pulled my stuff together and my sweet husband was very reassuring. Still...terrifying.
ugh! stupid bump mobile! I really detest going on the website through my phone but I didn't want to pass this up. A calming technique I saw on Facebook I wanted to share. The baby's cheeks at the end are so adorable!!
ETA because first link was a dud
@RoseShadow873 I know, so sad about DB. What a shock.
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/healthy-tipping-point-1152632?post=3536041151&group=0&frame_type=a&context=&context_ids=&blog=1152632&frame=1&click=0&user=0&viewer=true