New topic: Does anyone own a Roomba? Do you love it, hate it, forget to clean it? Anyone thinking of getting one? I'm thinking bigger family + more of a mess + less time, means I deserve one, right?
Honestly, vacuuming my wee house takes no time at all and it's not some huge hassle, but sometimes I wished a magic little robot would engage itself daily and do a nice sweep up, just so I don't have to ... and this dream can be a reality! Any experience with this?
We have the iLife (V3 I think). It was only $150, and I absolutely love it. Ours is designed for hard floors and pet hair, and it works like a charm. We usually run it every other day, and rotate it around the house into different areas. Absolutely worth it for me. You just have to get one that makes sense for your type of floors and have realistic expectations of what it can do. For instance, I need to take one minute before I turn it on to pick up one little rug that's too thick, as well as pick up dog toys. Also need to empty the bin after every run. If it could do stairs, I'd be in love.
@kns1988 I had no side effects at all with mine. It was a little sore the next day but nothing compared to a baby coming out of my vagina. I also have some disc issues and was a little concerned but it was all fine!
Our pedi recommended early allergy exposure so we did around 6 months when we were doing BLW. We've had no issues.
@RainyDays86 I do the same thing! Gotta do what you gotta do. A good nap is life or death some days
Off topic but a lot of people posted about doing some cross stitch. I just picked up some stuff and want to learn but have no idea where to start. Tips?
@MrsFreeman2010 You could definitely look up cross stitch tutorials online. That's how I taught myself. I read some different instructions and then just started and learned as I went. Most patterns will be for 14 count aida. I prefer a size 24 tapestry needle, as it's not too small to thread floss into quickly and not large enough to cause spreading when you pull it through 14 count aida. Although, you can usually get a variety pack of needles and go with whatever feels better in your hand. If this helps at all, here's part of the blurb I include when I sell patterns:
Cross Stitch Basics To begin, cut your fabric and position it securely in the hoop. You’ll want to pull the fabric a few times as you tighten the hoop to make sure it is taut. (Note: If displaying the finished design in the hoop, I cut the fabric about 3” wide so that I can run thread around the back and cinch it tight. For instance, I cut a 8” round of aida for a 5” hoop. Then, I whip stitch on a piece of felt for a clean, finished backing. For more details on this method, feel free to message me!)
If you use a lower count fabric (i.e. 11), the finished design will be larger. With a higher count fabric (i.e. 22), the design will be smaller. The count of your fabric is equal to the number of stitches in 1 inch. 14 count aida will have 14 stitches per inch. To calculate the design size with different fabric, divide the number of stitches by your fabric count. For this design, 50 stitches wide ÷ 14 = 3.57 inches wide.
Generally, you will want to find the center of the design and begin stitching from the center of your fabric. That way, your finished piece will be centered in the hoop. Separate the embroidery floss and only use 2 strands of thread at a time. As you start, stitch over the loose end in back. Alternatively, you can fold 1 strand of thread in half and bring the loose end through the loop to secure it.
You can stitch a row in one direction ( \ \ \ \ ), following by returning across the row in the other direction ( / / / / ). Or, you can complete individual crosses as you go by stitching one direction and immediately back in the same square ( X ). There is no wrong way, and you can stitch however works best for the portion of design you are on. The only rule I always encourage following is for the top stitch to go in the same direction ( \ \ \ \ or / / / / ) throughout the pattern. This results in the most uniform appearance. The loose ends should be run under a few stitches on the back.
As you stitch, make yourself comfortable and keep a relaxed hand. You want the stitches to lie flat, but not stretch the fabric. A good rule of thumb is to pull with the strength of your pinky and not your whole hand. Most importantly, have fun!
@SKZW I also got a Roomba for Christmas and it was without a doubt my favorite gift. We have 2 dogs, and our Dyson did the job just fine, however I love that it can run while I'm doing other stuff and the best part is that it cleans under the couch, dining room table, etc without me having to move furniture around. I say totally worth the investment!
You guys, I think my husband finally understands how much I do the dishes vs how much he does them. They've really been piling up lately on the counter, because I just really haven't felt like dealing with them. So the clean ones stay in the dishwasher for a week or so, then we have to run like two loads to take care of the counter pile. He made a comment last night about how he'll take care of them this weekend, because that's when he does it, and that he's surprised by how many more dishes we've been using lately. I just stared at him for a second before responding that we haven't been using more dishes, but I just haven't been taking care of them and that maybe we could both work harder at it during the week. Like 30 minutes later he asked how many times a week we run the dishwasher, to which I responded around 3. I think it finally clicked that he's only been unloading the dishwasher when I leave it for him on the weekend! Haha
I love having a 2 year old! Definitely some challenges here and there, but it's awesome seeing their personalities develop more, and their speech and skills improve. Mine just did a drawing of a face for the first time last night then started doing more drawings after we expressed our pride. She's 2yr 4mos now.
Also random but we're experiencing our first snow here in a long time. We had lived in CA for the last 6 years and had visited family in MA a couple years ago during a horrible storm so we couldn't get to enjoy it. Plus DD was too small then, so we're counting today as her first snow ever. So DH and DD are out playing right now and it started off with her declaring "I do not like this rain!", she eventually warmed up to it while I'm staying inside where it's nice and cozy
Update on dressers that are 18" deep (good for changing pads) - www.allmodern.com has a bunch of choices. They're also having a big sale including lots of dressers! Yahoo!
Also, we went with IKEA Stuva storage bench. In white/birch for extra seating & storage. Their seating pads are only in B&W stripe or Pink & white stripe, but I found a woman on Etsy who makes pad covers for about $30 and she has a zillion fabric choices! We ended up buying fabric & sending to her but she's got some great graphic prints!
Oh wow...I just noticed that April already had their first birth! I feel like we just found out...
Oh my goodness. I hope nobody here gives birth until minimum March! I'm counting down until v-day so I can relax even more. It sounds like the twins are doing well so far though, as well as mom. I'm totally rooting for them!
Oh wow...I just noticed that April already had their first birth! I feel like we just found out...
Oh my goodness. I hope nobody here gives birth until minimum March! I'm counting down until v-day so I can relax even more. It sounds like the twins are doing well so far though, as well as mom. I'm totally rooting for them!
Agreed! I know technically viability for me will be the end of January but I can just not even imagine having a baby so soon. My nephew was born at 30 weeks so that's my mental goal (point I can semi relax) as I know a little more of what to expect just from personal experience.
I've been following along with the March mom that delivered at 25? weeks. I'm glad to hear these twins are doing well!
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
@SKZW We got a Roomba a year ago and LOVE it. Even if your floors don't look dirty Cindy (what ours is named) will end up with a full bin. We have two furry dogs and mostly wood floors and she does great. I love that it's connected to our phones so we can set a schedule and she gets so much fur and dirt. We have two large fluffy dogs and she gets their hair just fine. Every once in awhile she gets turned around but most of the time she's great. We have 2,000 sf main area which she goes in
After DS1 was born at 30 weeks, I didn't see the big deal about vday. Now that he is 5 and with no problems, and with have a MMC last year, I am really looking forward to vday next week.
Oh wow...I just noticed that April already had their first birth! I feel like we just found out...
Oh my goodness. I hope nobody here gives birth until minimum March! I'm counting down until v-day so I can relax even more. It sounds like the twins are doing well so far though, as well as mom. I'm totally rooting for them!
Agreed! I know technically viability for me will be the end of January but I can just not even imagine having a baby so soon. My nephew was born at 30 weeks so that's my mental goal (point I can semi relax) as I know a little more of what to expect just from personal experience.
I've been following along with the March mom that delivered at 25? weeks. I'm glad to hear these twins are doing well!
Another March mom had her little girl at 24 weeks. I've been following her on FB. So tiny!
May Siggy Challenge: Labor Memes
Me:31 DH:32 Married 11/06/10 DD: Born 8/23/13 (clomid+ovidrel+IUI) BFP 9/9/16 EDD 5/19/17
Okay, I have a question! This is the only place (online) I think I could bare asking. Here it is: can you get waxed (brazilian) when you're pregnant? Do you wax or shave (if so, how?) or say screw it for 9 months?
@jayandaplus, I've never waxed, but so far I've just been sitting down and doing some minor acrobatics in the shower in order to shave. I'm sure there will come a time where I get too big to do it and will just say fuck it.
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.
@jayandaplus: I'd personally run it by the OB first, just to be certain it's okay, because I'm crazy cautious. But yeah, managing it sooner rather than later would probably be more comfortable. I'll trim/keep things tidy for as long as possible on my own and then maybe enlist some assistance(?). Because think about the bushy factor during postpartum. I mean, we're talking months of hair growth at that point, right?
Someone I know loosely through FB just had a child yesterday. Her sister posted a bunch of pictures with this baby who's wadded up in a blanket that's covering her mouth, sleeping on a plush surface, with another blanket over her, and pillows all around. I'm not crazy, right... That's completely unsafe? I'm really hoping the aunt just placed her there momentarily for cute pictures.
@starphish18: You're not crazy. Totally unsafe. Babies need a smooth flat sheet only, with no blankets or stuffed animal friends or pillows! Cribs should be empty. They can be wrapped in a swaddle blanket for warmth, but no blankets because if they wiggle under, they don't have the strength/experiential know-how to wiggle back out.
@jayandaplus maybe this should have been my FFFC, but years ago I started shaving with my eyes closed knowing that the day would come when I wouldn't be able to see what I was doing. DH says I'm doing a pretty good job now that I've had to put my skills to the test lol
@jayandaplus you can wax but with the increased blood flow it may be extra sensitive.
I just shave. I did all the way up to the end last time and have been flying blind down there with a razor for about 3 weeks this time thanks to giant STM belly.
I couldnt deal with all the discharge if there was also a lady forest forest down there. Plus having a well kept downstairs was nice when the lochia party shows up post partum. It gets messy.
Finally reading through the last few pages. Too much to mention. Regarding peanut, we introduced them to our now 4 year old as one of his first foods and he immediately broke out in hives. Pedi had us try again every few months with no luck. Skin testing showed us he has a pretty severe peanut allergy. He also had an egg allergy but grew out of that. We continue to introduce early to each baby and so far it's just our oldest with the allergy. Very interesting topic. The epidural may have slowed down my second labor. Never linked the two! But I went in at 1.5 and got to 5cm within 2 hours. At 6 I got the epidural and I stalled at 7cm for hours until they gave me some sugar which worked like a charm minus the vomiting with each push. On another note I am STILL having killer headaches. It's like an ice pick being stabbed into my left side of my head. Anyone else? Crazy water seems to dull it a little. But it's at least a few times a week. Never had these with my other boys. No two pregnancies are alike. I should know this by now.
Oh wow...I just noticed that April already had their first birth! I feel like we just found out...
Oh my goodness. I hope nobody here gives birth until minimum March! I'm counting down until v-day so I can relax even more. It sounds like the twins are doing well so far though, as well as mom. I'm totally rooting for them!
Agreed! I know technically viability for me will be the end of January but I can just not even imagine having a baby so soon. My nephew was born at 30 weeks so that's my mental goal (point I can semi relax) as I know a little more of what to expect just from personal experience.
I've been following along with the March mom that delivered at 25? weeks. I'm glad to hear these twins are doing well!
Another March mom had her little girl at 24 weeks. I've been following her on FB. So tiny!
That's then mom I've been following on Facebook! I couldn't remember if she was 24 or 25 weeks.
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
Okay, I have a question! This is the only place (online) I think I could bare asking. Here it is: can you get waxed (brazilian) when you're pregnant? Do you wax or shave (if so, how?) or say screw it for 9 months?
I Got a wax last pregnancy because I went on a trip. They say that the area is more sensitive due to extra blood flow but I didn't think it hurt worse than when I was not pregnant.
I've been trying to catch up: Re peanuts: I introduced DD around 1. She hates PB. I wish I could get her to eat PB!
Re epidural: I had to be induced due to pre e. I had cervidal & foley bulb & pitocion and then the dr said he was going to break my water and if I was maybe wanted the epidural I should get it before. I decided to get it (I was originally going to try to forgo it). I had a hot spot so I felt everything still in my lower back. I couldn't feel my legs at all. I really hated it. I'm not sure what will happen this time around. Apparently pre-e recurs most of the time so I could be looking at another induction.
Any STM+ have pre-e and it returned? I have yo do a 24 urine catch to get a baseline next week.
@jayandaplus - I've heard that it can be more painful during pregnancy but have never heard of a medical reason not to do it. Maybe TMI here, but I use a small electric shaver down there to keep things in check.
Car naps are the only naps DD takes. She's never been a good home napper. I bring my cross stitch with me when I expect or need her to nap in the car so I have something to do while I sit in the car and sip my coffee and eat my jelly donut.
It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s that I don’t know you. Stranger Danger.
@bacorrea I was diagnosed with pre e at the very very end of my pregnancy. My blood pressure was always high at each appointment then got worse at the end and protein in urine. This time around though I have no symptoms, blood pressure is normal. YAY!!! Are you showing signs of pre e yet?
@MrsFox2008 same here! It was crazy my BP was great and then at 39 weeks my BP was high and they made me do the 24 hour urine catch and then when I turned it in my BP was fine but I had protein in my urine so they induced me.
I've seen two different doctors this time and they both are like "it frequently returns in subsequent pregnancies." My BP is great though. They still want me to do the 24 urine so get a baseline of my numbers. I'm just wondering if they catch it early this time how early would they even induce me?
Re: Randoms and Questions 01.02 - 01.08
Our pedi recommended early allergy exposure so we did around 6 months when we were doing BLW. We've had no issues.
@RainyDays86 I do the same thing! Gotta do what you gotta do. A good nap is life or death some days
Off topic but a lot of people posted about doing some cross stitch. I just picked up some stuff and want to learn but have no idea where to start. Tips?
Cross Stitch Basics
To begin, cut your fabric and position it securely in the hoop. You’ll want to pull the fabric a few times as you tighten the hoop to make sure it is taut. (Note: If displaying the finished design in the hoop, I cut the fabric about 3” wide so that I can run thread around the back and cinch it tight. For instance, I cut a 8” round of aida for a 5” hoop. Then, I whip stitch on a piece of felt for a clean, finished backing. For more details on this method, feel free to message me!)
If you use a lower count fabric (i.e. 11), the finished design will be larger. With a higher count fabric (i.e. 22), the design will be smaller. The count of your fabric is equal to the number of stitches in 1 inch. 14 count aida will have 14 stitches per inch. To calculate the design size with different fabric, divide the number of stitches by your fabric count. For this design, 50 stitches wide ÷ 14 = 3.57 inches wide.
Generally, you will want to find the center of the design and begin stitching from the center of your fabric. That way, your finished piece will be centered in the hoop. Separate the embroidery floss and only use 2 strands of thread at a time. As you start, stitch over the loose end in back. Alternatively, you can fold 1 strand of thread in half and bring the loose end through the loop to secure it.
You can stitch a row in one direction ( \ \ \ \ ), following by returning across the row in the other direction ( / / / / ). Or, you can complete individual crosses as you go by stitching one direction and immediately back in the same square ( X ). There is no wrong way, and you can stitch however works best for the portion of design you are on. The only rule I always encourage following is for the top stitch to go in the same direction ( \ \ \ \ or / / / / ) throughout the pattern. This results in the most uniform appearance. The loose ends should be run under a few stitches on the back.
As you stitch, make yourself comfortable and keep a relaxed hand. You want the stitches to lie flat, but not stretch the fabric. A good rule of thumb is to pull with the strength of your pinky and not your whole hand. Most importantly, have fun!
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.
Nothing else to add for now.
1/7/2015 Twins born @ 34 weeks
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
Also random but we're experiencing our first snow here in a long time. We had lived in CA for the last 6 years and had visited family in MA a couple years ago during a horrible storm so we couldn't get to enjoy it. Plus DD was too small then, so we're counting today as her first snow ever. So DH and DD are out playing right now and it started off with her declaring "I do not like this rain!", she eventually warmed up to it while I'm staying inside where it's nice and cozy
And then buckle up next year when they become three! I'm convinced three is worse than two by far.
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
Also, we went with IKEA Stuva storage bench. In white/birch for extra seating & storage. Their seating pads are only in B&W stripe or Pink & white stripe, but I found a woman on Etsy who makes pad covers for about $30 and she has a zillion fabric choices! We ended up buying fabric & sending to her but she's got some great graphic prints!
I've been following along with the March mom that delivered at 25? weeks. I'm glad to hear these twins are doing well!
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
11.2011 - DS1
02.2013 - loss at 6 wks
06.2014 - DS2
10.2015 - loss at 12 wks
03.2017 - DD
@chickyclg - happy birthday to your little ones!
DD slept in until past 11 am this morning. It was so nice. I wish my 4 year old would take notes. He is up every morning before 7 am.
Married 8/27/2011
BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
Me:31 DH:32 Married 11/06/10
DD: Born 8/23/13 (clomid+ovidrel+IUI)
BFP 9/9/16 EDD 5/19/17
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.
Personally I just shave (partial, not all) and do it by feel. And it's usually a botched job half of the time according to DH, but I really DGAF
On an unrelated note, I hope you're all staying cozy this weekend!
@jayandaplus: I'd personally run it by the OB first, just to be certain it's okay, because I'm crazy cautious. But yeah, managing it sooner rather than later would probably be more comfortable. I'll trim/keep things tidy for as long as possible on my own and then maybe enlist some assistance(?). Because think about the bushy factor during postpartum. I mean, we're talking months of hair growth at that point, right?
I just shave. I did all the way up to the end last time and have been flying blind down there with a razor for about 3 weeks this time thanks to giant STM belly.
I couldnt deal with all the discharge if there was also a lady forest forest down there. Plus having a well kept downstairs was nice when the lochia party shows up post partum. It gets messy.
May '17 labor memes
The epidural may have slowed down my second labor. Never linked the two! But I went in at 1.5 and got to 5cm within 2 hours. At 6 I got the epidural and I stalled at 7cm for hours until they gave me some sugar which worked like a charm minus the vomiting with each push.
On another note I am STILL having killer headaches. It's like an ice pick being stabbed into my left side of my head. Anyone else? Crazy water seems to dull it a little. But it's at least a few times a week. Never had these with my other boys. No two pregnancies are alike. I should know this by now.
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
Re peanuts: I introduced DD around 1. She hates PB. I wish I could get her to eat PB!
Re epidural: I had to be induced due to pre e. I had cervidal & foley bulb & pitocion and then the dr said he was going to break my water and if I was maybe wanted the epidural I should get it before. I decided to get it (I was originally going to try to forgo it). I had a hot spot so I felt everything still in my lower back. I couldn't feel my legs at all. I really hated it. I'm not sure what will happen this time around. Apparently pre-e recurs most of the time so I could be looking at another induction.
Any STM+ have pre-e and it returned? I have yo do a 24 urine catch to get a baseline next week.
It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s that I don’t know you. Stranger Danger.
#1 DD Aug 2014 @39weeks via CS
#2 Due May 2,2017 hopeful VBAC
I've seen two different doctors this time and they both are like "it frequently returns in subsequent pregnancies." My BP is great though. They still want me to do the 24 urine so get a baseline of my numbers. I'm just wondering if they catch it early this time how early would they even induce me?