STM+ Check In Week of 12/13

SmashJam · December 2017

How far along are you?

How old are your other kids?

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?

SmashJam · December 2017

How far along are you? 7+6

How old are your other kids? 2.5

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Not right now! Ask me at the end of the day if potty training is still going as well as I detailed in successes, lol.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:Potty Training is on the up right now. Two days of naps and mornings without an accident in the pull ups overnight, and several outings without an accident or having to pull over to poop, lol. I'll say its a win.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Teaching any math topic, in a progression from concrete to abstract, from first grade to fifth grade. SOOOO many math workshops when I was a teacher, lol.

Duckie678 · December 2017

How far along are you?
8 + 2
How old are your other kids?
DS-4, will be 5 next month
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
My son cries and whines about everything. I think I posted about this in the last check in. We're slowly losing our minds.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm ready to feel baby move. That was my favorite part last time. I want to share with my son, I think he would enjoy it
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Diamonds/jewelry/watches. Also the care of mini pigs and their behaviors

wildtot · December 2017

How far along are you?
9+4

How old are your other kids?
20 months

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Finding a closer babysitter. We love our current one and DS loves her but she has a lot of other toddlers and requires to drive about 15-20 mins. It breaks my heart to take him away from her especially since they asked for him to be like a ring boy for her daughter’s wedding I’m April. Having someone closer who can eventually take a baby would be ideal but it breaks my heart.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DS said baby yesterday! He doesn’t like to say too many words even if he’s said them before.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Solar since I’ve done it for 5 yrs or cats because if i didn’t get married I’d probably be a cat lady.

owl_momma · December 2017

How far along are you?
10+3
How old are your other kids?
15 years and 2.5
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Just typical teenage girl drama...getting her to do her school work and study which is always a challenge. DH has psoriasis and it looks like DS (2.5) has inherited Dad's skin and his little hands are peeling like crazy, nothing seems to be helping much but I sent his to his Grammy's today with Aquaphor ointment and socks on his hands
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm just excited to have two close in age!
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?

Home Equity Lines of Credit and refinancing your second mortgage or Paw Patrol, depending on my audience

thefuturemrsfarwell · December 2017

How far along are you? 11w 4d

How old are your other kids? 2 years old

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? I am determined to give potty training the ole college try. She's showing signs, but more than anything, I don't want 2 in diapers and I feel like while I'm on Christmas break (I teach kindergarten) is the only time I can really be consistent for a long stretch of time. Sigh. I just don't want to do the work that I know potty training is.

thefuturemrsfarwell · December 2017

Ugh. It always cuts off my responses! That's why I rarely post anything!

cseley321 · December 2017

@thefuturemrsfarwell I was dreading potty training my 2 yo also and was very surprised how well she did..I honestly thought she would resist HARD. we did the 3 day method. Give it a look over if you haven't already!

runsomewhere · December 2017

How far along are you? 9w3d

How old are your other kids? 2 years

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? We need to start potty training which I'm dreading

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I'm just excited about having 2 kiddos, DD is so much fun and I'm thrilled about adding to my little family

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? I'm a talker lol so almost anything but lets say international travel with kids since that's a fun one and I like to pretend I'm an expert

Kenya715 · December 2017

How far along are you? 10+2

How old are your other kids? 10 months

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? DS is going through a growth spurt and teething so there have been many challenges. Lots of cuddling followed by laugh/crying.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: All good. Just thinking about how hard it's going to be having 2 under 2 but how happy I know it will make us.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Health and nutrition. I've always been passionate about healthy eating (outside of being pregnant. Bring on the carbs!!)

Question - How have your symptoms this pregnancy been different from your last one(s)? Almost everything is different for me. MS and food aversions are strong this time when last time I didn't have them at all. No bacne or strong sense of smell/taste this time when last time it was ravenous. One thing that I'm specifically wondering about it boob/nipple pain. I have none this time. Maybe a little sore but nothing like the first time. I'm thinking it has to do with having breastfed so recently? We finished BF in September and I got KU in October. Maybe my boobs are still numb or something? Anyone else experience this?

@runsomewhere I could use some advice! We are going to Ireland for Christmas/New Years. I fell like we are mostly prepared but any tips I'm not thinking of? We've traveled many times with DS but not overseas/international yet.

SmashJam · December 2017

I love the responses on these GTKYs! @Duckie678 I would totally go to a mini pig and their behaviors talk, and @owl_momma the paw patrol thing made me laugh out loud...I once said "You know you watch too much Paw Patrol when Chase sneezes and you can list the things he's allergic to."

@Kenya715 my symtpoms were different between my first and second and now my third is pretty similar to my first. It's crazy how different two pregnancies can be with symptoms. I also noticed that some of my symptoms (RLP, lightning crotch, hip pain) started way earlier than they did with my first.

zoeyandsummersmom · December 2017

SmashJam said:

How far along are you?
10 weeks
How old are your other kids? 6 years old

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?

i just need help figuring out baby gear. Things have changed what can I keep Toss or buy new? My in laws stored everything for us but some of it was hand me downs from my sister so is a 10/12 year old bouncer safe?

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
nothing still freaking out

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?

feeding tubes, special needs moming

acunamatada · December 2017

How far along are you?
10+6

How old are your other kids?
He'll be 2.5 in January

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Ugh potty training, DS purposely poops right after he wakes up in the morning and after his nap because he has a diaper on. I guess it beats the poo-splosions all over the floor.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
We're still not over the poop hurdle but DS is getting better at not having accidents with pants on! And he's actually telling me when he needs to go potty instead of going on his own and ignoring me. Baby steps!
He's also starting to try and repeat more words and clarify some of the words he does have. Go figure, I referred him to early intervention last week.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Not a topic really anyone wants to talk about, but I could talk about domestic violence until I'm blue in the face. I do it several times every weekend in the shelter and DV hotline I work at.

runsomewhere · December 2017

Kenya715 said:

@runsomewhere I could use some advice! We are going to Ireland for Christmas/New Years. I fell like we are mostly prepared but any tips I'm not thinking of? We've traveled many times with DS but not overseas/international yet.

We flew from San Francico to Sweden then around Europe with DD when she was 11 months. If you're not buying a seat for the baby get the bassinet seats! You will be so much more comfortable. Most airlines offer them either for free or at a small additional cost. There will be so much more space and baby will be able to sleep comfortably. Also pack a bunch of those wet ones disinfecting wipes. I'm no germaphobe but planes are gross. Last, the flight crew will wash/sanitize baby cups and bottles for you. Don't be afraid to ask. Most imnportantly though, don't stress. It will be fine, I've seen moms get so stressed about travel with baby that it ruins the trip. Feel free to ask me any questions about our experience. Like I said, I'm no expert but we've traveled with DD quite a bit and it's gone smoothly. We are pretty laid back parents and still enjoy the things in life that we enjoyed before kids

WorkinWeezel · December 2017

How far along are you?
11 W 2 D
How old are your other kids?
DS is 7.5, DD is 4.5
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I'm just exhausted in general. My kids have some kind of activity every night of the week and games all weekend. Add in a holiday recital and a bday party this weekend, it's just nuts! I love that they are active and involved, but it's a lot sometimes to not be able to come home and relax.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I think my kids are going to be super excited. A friend (and former Bumper) just had her third and is done, so she offered to send me her doppler! What?! I've never used one at home. So if we get it before Christmas, this just might be the way we tell them!
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Grammar
Paragraph/Essay Writing
Evaluations, IEP Writing
Laws and procedures for students with disabilities

paytonpedro · December 2017

How far along are you?
10+2
How old are your other kids?
Almost 2
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
My question is for moms who have had summer babies. We’re having another boy but my son was born in February so all of his hand me downs won’t work for #2- we’ll need newborn shorts etc. What did you dress your other summer babies in at night? My house has ac and my husband likes it cooler. Did you even bother with long sleeve onesies/sleepers? Or like just a couple?
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
We just found out through sneak peek that we’re having another boy and I’m excited to give my son a brother!
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Puppy mills/ animal abuse. I chose that topic everytime I could in college, and it’s something near and dear to my heart. I could go on for hours.

bubby15 · December 2017

@paytonpedro we used a couple of those long dress sleepers (easy for changing middle of the night diapers) or the sleep sacks as he got a little older. But honestly I wouldn't go crazy. My son is a warm sleeper so if we had put him in long sleeve onesie and pants he would have been miserable. We also swaddles for the first few weeks so between the swaddle and onesie that was plenty warm

paytonpedro · December 2017

@bubby15 My son is a warm sleeper too, and when he was a newborn we used to do fleece sleepers and a swaddle sack! Haha. My husband likes to sleep in a cooler room. Thank you for your input! I know they say dress them in one more layer than you wear but I didn’t know if that applied to summer babies too!

bubby15 · December 2017

How far along are you?
9+5

How old are your other kids?
2

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Nothing at the moment!

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I'm SO excited to see DS be a big brother. He is legit obsessed with babies and the thought of it makes my heart want to burst!

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
hmm something in finance probably since that's the field I work in currently. Or how to run a successful pawn shop since that's the family business and I could do it with my hands tied behind my back LOL

bubby15 · December 2017

@paytonpedro we love our AC too lol but I think you'd be fine even in pants and a long sleeve onesie if its super cold. Even now in the beginning of winter my son wears a t shirt and shorts to bed

paytonpedro · December 2017

@bubby15 Now what about during the day/outings (because it’s summer and I’m sure we’ll be out of the house). Did you dress him in shorts? Was he too cold? I live in NY so our summers range from 70’s-90’s. Do you just dress them how you’re comfortable? Bring a blanket just in case? Lol. Am I thinking too much into this?

acunamatada · December 2017

@paytonpedro my July baby lived in onesies for the first 2+ months of his life. He was swaddled at night naked and we ran the ac but he was a warm sleeper. After the swaddle we did sleep sacks, by that age I don't remember having to change his diaper in the middle of the night. Overall my son ran very hot so in or outside he was usually in just a onesie, and I would bring a blanket or an outfit in case it was chilly.

bubby15 · December 2017

@paytonpedro I'm in NJ so similar weather. Normal short sleeve onesie and shorts depending where we were going I always had a LIGHT blanket just in case as well as pants if we were in a cold restaurant or something. Don't think to much about it hah every baby is different so yours might ALWAYS be cold. But my DS me and hubby are all summer babies and are hot sleepers in general sooo..maybe it's just summer babies in general LOL

paytonpedro · December 2017

@bubby15 @acunamatada Thank you both!!

just kind of trying to figure out what to expect and if what I have is adequate! Sounds like I’ll be fine!

WorkinWeezel · December 2017

@paytonpedro I'm glad you asked bc my other two are March/April babes, so a few months old by summer. The thought of those little sleep sacks makes me nostalgic ♡ Thanks for answering girls!

elizabethrn87 · December 2017

How far along are you? 8 weeks tomorrow

How old are your other kids? 3 3/4

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?

Still strugling with DD pooping her pants despite having. Been potty trained for about 6-8 months. Been since thanksgiving. Now H and I are snipping at each other because he thinks just be stern it’s a behavior issue where as I don’t think it is that simple and might be medical like the reason behind it is an upset stomach or constipation ( we did a little miralax)

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:

That work is letting me change to the night weekend program. House suck and working every weekend sucks but we can’t afford daycare for two so I’ll be home during the week with the kids. Bonus is a 20% pay addition. For the weekend commitment

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?

heart failure

mikayla14mom · December 2017

How far along are you?
9 weeks today!

How old are your other kids?
3 and 4

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I don't understand why my children won't poop on the toilet! WTF.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm excited about having a newborn again.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
nothing. I can't do public speaking! I always freeze....

LadyJ2949 · December 2017

How far along are you? 7w5d.

How old are your other kids? DD1 is 4 in January and DD2 is 2.

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?

My youngest is in a serious clingy phase. Other than that I think it’s all pretty normal toddler stuff. I’m just having a hard time having any energy and feeling overwhelmed at the thought of adding a third. I’m excited for the baby but also wondering about the logistics. I already feel so divided in how much time I get to spend with the girls and I know another will reduce that even more.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:

I had the sweetest conversation with DD1 about how she would take care of a new baby and look out for him or her. It almost made me cry, it was so sweet.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?

Tips for starting a small business.

blair_krank · December 2017

How far along are you? 7w4d

How old are your other kids? 2.5

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Keeping up with a toddler during first tri exhaustion and nausea is one of the greatest challenges of my life.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I really love watching DD play with baby dolls right now. She’s always loved them, but it’s extra special knowing what’s coming.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Drowning prevention

itsagalsworls1024 · December 2017

How far along are you? 10 weeks

How old are your other kids? 3yrs

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Biggest concern is getting DS to keep our secret another 2 weeks.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I cant wait to see my son with this baby.

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Oh man, I really like to talk so it could be pretty much anything.

stillcozy · December 2017

How far along are you?
11and 2
How old are your other kids?
dd is 17 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
fighting exhaustion to keep up with her
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
loving this time of year with my daughter bejng older and excited for next Christmas
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Thw importance of attachment

stlmegs · December 2017

How far along are you?
11 weeks 1 day

How old are your other kids?
5

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
None this week

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
My son loves looking at my Bump App and seeing how big/what fruit the baby is that week. It’s so sweet

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
ooooh this is so easy for me! Ok, so I am a social worker by background. I worked for DFS and Childrens services for a year and half after college before I found my way into healthcare and hospitals. 8 years later, I have experienced and seen a lot of things that I wish I could fix. Broken systems, broken people, etc. My current job in performance improvement led me to some community health improvement work, which led me deep into the data on health disparities in our community (for instance, there is a TWENTY YEAR difference in life expectancy for people who live in two particular zip codes in St. Louis. Twenty. Years. Due to many issues with access, health literacy, and navigation. Just to name a few factors). Anyway, I’m super passionate about population health and social justice. As you can see. Very complex issues, but super important. Sorry for the soapbox....

stlmegs · December 2017

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Drowning prevention

Oh, I am really passionate about this also! I worked as a lifeguard for years when I was younger (it was my first job) and then went on to teach lifeguard certification classes when I was in college.

acunamatada · December 2017

@stlmegs gahhh I love macro stuff like that. I wrote a giant paper on the discrepancies in prenatal/health care and maternal and infant mortality in underserved populations a few years back that I was obsessed with. A 20 year difference in life expectancy by zip code?! That's insane.

stlmegs · December 2017

@acunamatada OMG I wanna have coffee with you!! Lol

limoncat · December 2017

How far along are you?
8 weeks, 4 days
How old are your other kids?
He turned 2 in August.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I just feel like my son needs all the energy and attention I have when I am not working, and I don't know how I will manage with two. This is small but I also feel like I'm in a constant battle to stay on top of laundry and it just dawned on me that there will be MORE LAUNDRY!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I can't wait to see my son meet his sibling. I am also excited to tell him about the baby although I'm not sure how much he will understand.
GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation?
Using online homework in higher ed science courses (my job basically).

MyBell524 · December 2017

for those struggling with potty training!! Best book i ever read when it comes to parenting books is "Oh Crap Potty Training" our DD learned within the first week and its been SUPER helpful with regressions too. **Highly reccomend

How far along are you? 10 weeks tomorrow

How old are your other kids? DD is 2.5

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? I am super emotional right now in a majorly negative way. I did not have this with DD. Like, i got so incredibly PMS rage angry the other day when DD refused to take a nap. It was the first time ever that she's not fallen asleep within 10min or so and I desperately needed that hour of being alone to reboot. I was so angry that I was just not very nice and short with her. Made her pull her own pants up after she pottied. I knew i was being ridiculous and that it was hormonal but when you're going thru it just feels like the end of the world and then simultaneously plagued wiyh mom guilt cuz she's 2 and precious and wonderful. I hate feeling like im not in control. Just not muself at all!

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: i announced to the world a few days ago so now i can finally wear obvious maternity clothes and Im so happy!! So comfyyyy!! Also, had a dream we had a girl and the thought of sisters just makes me have all the feelings

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? i love movies. I could probably recite the script to Ever After, Youve Got Mail, or Hercules the animated musical. Lol.I know so weird, but these are my go-tos on rainy or sick days

cseley321 · December 2017

@limoncat I knew I recognized your screen name.. fellow A15 mom here

blair_krank · December 2017

stlmegs said:

GTKY: What topic could you give a 30 minute speech on with no warning or preparation? Drowning prevention

Oh, I am really passionate about this also! I worked as a lifeguard for years when I was younger (it was my first job) and then went on to teach lifeguard certification classes when I was in college.

I was also a lifeguard through college and taught swim lessons year round for nearly a decade and part of that was visiting MOPS groups and doing water safety presentations. Last summer was the first season I didn’t teach any lessons at all.

blair_krank · December 2017

@limoncat, my DD is just a few months older than your son and she has started putting stuffed animals “in her tummy” (under her shirt). I was surprised how much she seems to get it and now I’m worried she’ll let the cat out of the bag!

limoncat · December 2017

@Crystal321 I'm Caitlin in the A15 Facebook group. So fun to have another A15 mom here!

@blair_krank that is super cute. Yeah part of why I haven't told him yet is because if he does get it he will totally let the cat out of the bag

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