September 2018 Moms
southernlady07
member
STM+ Discussion w/o 1/17
southernlady07
member
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: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
ETA: alternate GTKY for those with younger LO’s!
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: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
ETA: alternate GTKY for those with younger LO’s!
Me: 32 DH: 32
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
Re: STM+ Discussion w/o 1/17
5 weeks today
How old are your other kids?
17 month old son
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Just the normal worry about being able to give my son enough attention when baby #2 comes - and I'm totally already upset/worried about leaving him when it's time to go to the hospital. My in-laws live nearby and are great, but they've never even changed his diaper, let alone handled bedtime! I know I'm going to be hoping that H can at least put DS to bed even if I'm in labor.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I just love DS soooo much. His personality is showing more and more every day, and it's so amazing to watch him learn and grow as a person. He is so great at playing by himself and is generally a happy and easy kid, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed he remains that way!
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
He's too young to know what's going on, but maybe by the time baby #2 is almost here, he'll understand a lot more?
Married 5/2015
BFP 11/27/2015 - EDD 8/4/2016
BFP 1/6/2018 - EDD 9/19/2018
4 +1
How old are your other kids?
DD will be two in just a couple weeks. Time flies by too fast.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Normal toddlerness challenges. Everything is "No" -- it amazes me how many different ways and tones of voice she can say "No." We just got her an Elmo potty, and we are letting her investigate it as she pleases. She wants to carry it around and put the dog's tennis balls in it. I'm sure its not long before we find snacks in it. Sigh.
I'm more worried about parenting while pregnant than after. While I was pregnant with DD my worst sickness was in the evenings, and I was often asleep before dinner time.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
Excited to see how she bonds with a baby. She has a cousin due in a few weeks, so at least she will get lots of practice around a baby.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
At only (almost) 2 there is no explaining right now.
How old are your other kids? 16 month son
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? The standard worried about giving DS enough attention once #2 is here. It's seriously eating me up right now.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: To be totally honest, none right now. Still absorbing the fact that I'm even pregnant again.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react? He's too young to understand any of it.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
How old are your other kids? My son is almost 2.5
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? I don’t know why this pregnancy is soo much harder than my first. I’m barely functioning, and have no energy to do anything. It would be nice if DS were potty trained by the time #2 gets here, buuut realistically...
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: looking forwards to seeing DS with second baby. Other than that it’s mostly anxiety.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react? He knows the baby is in my belly, but I don’t think he really gets it. I asked him “Buddy do you think baby is a boy or a girl?” “Girl!” “...is it a dragon or a unicorn?” “Unicorn!”
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
4+5
How old are your other kids?
18 month DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Still worried about my limited patience (one of my character flaws, ugh) with two small children in the mix. Also, I'm going to attempt potty training DD this weekend. She is showing some signs of readiness, but I'm worried that she is still too young and that this will totally backfire on me.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm just so excited for this baby! I was excited for DD, but I think I'm even more excited for #2. Now that I know how amazing watching one of my own kids learn and grow, I can't wait to see what this one will be like. I'm also super excited for DD to have a sibling. I have two younger sisters that are close in age to me, and we were each other's best friends when we were kids. I'm hoping DD and #2 have similar experience.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
I've told DD that there is a baby in my belly. She'll say "bebe" belly and lift up my shirt to "look" for the baby, but she's too young to really understand. It's super cute, though
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
6+4
How old are your other kids?
19 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
biggest concern right now is car-DS is rear facing and our Cruze has no space in the back seat, my husband literally can't sit in front of him, because the seat has to be up so far. Adding another car seat might stop DH from being able to drive either, it's an issue, and car isn't paid off yet.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
He is already so good at sharing and playing with others that I'm hopeful that a sibling will be appreciated.
GTKY: What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
Just started tickling us, it's adorable.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
How old are your other kids? DD is 19 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Same as a lot of other moms... I'm worried about the amount of attention I'll be able to give DD once #2 comes along. I'm also concerned that DD still doesn't sleep through the night.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I'm happy there won't be a huge gap between them. Although we were trying, I'm still a little in shock I think, because there isn't much more than that going through my head right now lol
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile? So many things lol. She's gotten really good at being gentle with our cat and she loves to give her hugs. It's so sweet.
BFP #1: 9/12/2015
DD: 6/1/2016
BFP #2: 1/16/2018 MC 2/2/2018
How old are your other kids? DS is almost 2.5, niece is 9
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? No real concerns other then when I will be showing (like actually ubhideable non bloat showing) and if I'll be ready to tell coworkers at that time.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I think DS is going to make a great big brother and I'm super excited for it
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react? Still haven't said anything (other then telling DS my belly button is going to pop out because he's always got his finger in it
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile? Lately I'm just happy when they can get along. DS always makes me smile. He's just so moving and such a goof ball.
ETA: alternate GTKY for those with younger LO’s!
7+1
How old are your other kids?
DS is approaching 2.5
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I’m struggling with being the mom I want to be while pregnant. I feel so exhausted and sick all the time. Normally I’m full of energy and thinking of fun things for us to do or throwing him in the air. Now I can barely stay awake in his presence. I’m hoping second trimester brings the real “me” back.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DS had his first day of preschool yesterday (“mid-year twos”) and he did great! I’m so proud of the person he is becoming—caring, compassionate, great sense of humor—I know he will be a GREAT brother.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
We haven’t told him yet because we aren’t ready to tell our parents yet. He is very verbal so anything we say to him is fair game to be on repeat for days. Since DH’s parents watch DS two days a week, we can’t risk it!
7 + 3
How old are your other kids?
22 month DS
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
DS is in his most defiant stage ever and I am drowning. Hubs works full time and takes night classes, I am exhausted, and this dragon child throws tantrums more than he throws legos. I've thrown up the bat signal looking for some reassurance or solidarity from mom friends but they're in it too. It's just rough right now.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
So thankful we are in a position to have a new little one without panicking. It'll still be hard, but we have time, space, and have been working to be more financially stable.
GTKY: What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
He's been repeating & trying to learn words. Just took a shot at "macaroni" and it was adorable!
@mom_of_the_vogels I feel you on the tantrums. We are going through it here too. DD is a drama queen on top of that so it's usually a full on rolling around the floor screaming thing in our house.
How far along are you?
7+4
How old are your other kids?
21 month old daughter
Current challenges or questions?
I'm worried about maternity leave this time. Last time I was working full time and had short term disability that paid me for 6 weeks of my 14 week leave. I only work 24 hours now, so I don't qualify for short term disability anymore. I think this means I will only be able to take 8 weeks this time, which seems so short. DH and I have talked about only going back to 12 hours a week to start, but I'm not sure I'm sold on that idea.
Current joys
DD has been extra snuggly with me the past week or so. I missed her cuddles and love that she gives such great hugs right now.
GTKY
She doesn't quite understand what's going on,but will say baby if I say it first. She's really funny with her kitchen set that she got for Christmas. We got her a cute little wooden coffee maker with pods and she will "make us coffee" and smile so big when we pretend to drink it.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
6+3
How old are your other kids?
DS is 6
DD is 3
DS is 2
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I am so TIRED ALL the time.... between work and the kids I feel like I’m running on empty. Hoping I’ll start feeling better soon and can get back into the swing of things.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DS1 being so helpful is great. Working on DS2 and potty training going well so far. I’d like not to have 2 in diapers again so I’m working towards that.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
We haven’t told anyone yet. Not sure how we will go about telling the kids this time around
5w 6d
How old are your other kids?
DS is 3.5+
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Just dealing with general anxiety of being a mom of 2 and being able to give both of my children the attention they need. Also with DS, I really let motherhood consume me to the point where I forgot about the things that make me me. Just in the last year I feel that I've gotten back to a point where I'm remembering to do things that I enjoy. I don't won't to lose that balance so completely this time. I am more than just a mom.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
Still really excited to see DS as a big brother. He's been asking about having a sibling for so long, it feels good to know that he doesn't have to wait much longer.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react?
I kind of told DS today that there was a baby in my belly (after DH made reference to it in a conversation and kind of gave it away). I pointed to my lower abdomen when I told him, and he grinned in a cute way like he wasn't quite sure if he believed me or not. I think he'll really figure things out when he goes with me to my first appointment.
@megster0418 Love it! Don't blame you at all. It is definitely hard to work in some extra rest this time around.
We still owe my in-laws several thousand for this car, so trading it in isn't really an option, we'd have two car payments by still paying them back. It sucks. It's only worth maybe $2000 more than what we owe, and I know a dealer isn't going to give us top dollar.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
I read a lot because of the problems I had with the passenger seat. Have you read about this one?
6+0
How old are your other kids?
DD 20 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Poor DD wants me to "go go" with her and I just couldn't today
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm so excited for DAD to have a sibling!
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
Today DD was making me drink water with her so that was adorable and helpful
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
How old are your other kids? Almost 14months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I am so exhausted and I feel like such a crappy mom right now. We've been watching way too much tv and I haven't been giving DS the attention he deserves. This makes me SO nervous for baby #2. I need to suck it up and enjoy this time with my kid because he's the best and we don't have much more time with him as our only child.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DS reached over and gently pet a little girl's furry hood today at the park then lit up when it was soft. DED. He is so cute and I can't wait to see him as a big brother.
GTKY: What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
See above. He's also really into running over and snuggling his head on me for a rest before continuing on his way. He kills me.
5+4
How old are your other kids?
19 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
It's been a rough week, my DH has been away for work since Monday and I've been on the struggle bus since he left after picking up a cold from DS and running the house by myself. So I'm just tired, feel bad I don't have more patience currently for anyone around me.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I was able to meet up with an old high school friend over the weekend who is due with her first baby next month and it was nice being able to feel like I'm actually able to give a new mom valuable advice. She's also really excited for me that we're expecting a second baby.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
I'm fairly certain that DS is too little to understand what it would mean if I told him I was having another baby until closer to my due date. However, this kiddo makes me smile constantly. He frequently will come over just to say hi and give me a hug while he's playing, and he's also trying to add onto his vocab like crazy and it's cute to hear his attempts at pronouncing different words.
How old are your other kids? 14 mo tomorrow
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? We don’t get out enough with DD now so I am hoping we will do that more. She goes to the park and on walks daily with the nanny, I just need to make sure I do it more on weekends. She is also very spoiled with attention so I hope she adjusts to having another kid around.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: My sister is my best friend and I hope DD and her sibling are the same!
GTKY: What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile? She hugs her stuffed animals or loveys and says “Awwww”. It’s my favorite thing in the world! Also on Sunday she gave me about 25 kisses. Only me. I felt so special!
7+2
How old are your other kids?
Almost 14 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
All of the things. Feeling super stressed this week, so if I wrote down all of my concerns about having 2u2, it would be pages long.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
All of my best memories growing up involve my sister, and I'm excited for my daughter to have that, too.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
I know she won't have any clue for several months, but I'm wondering how we actually get her used to the idea when it gets closer, when she won't be quite 2 and won't understand much until the baby is here and taking up mommy's lap. The thought of this stresses me out.
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
Saying words like "uh-oh!" for everything, or pointing to every animal she sees and saying "da! woof!" (dog).
4w6d
How old are your other kids?
4yo DD and 14mo DS (N13 & N16)
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Having the time for 3, being outnumbered, needing a bigger house and bigger car.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I want a big family with kids all close in age. I may go for #4 after #3 is here.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
Haven't told them yet. My 4yo would tell everyone that Mommy has a baby in her belly... and we aren't announcing yet. And my 14mo isnt old enough to understand.
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
Sometimes, they're nice to each other and play together haha
MMC 01/26/12
MC 12/25/12, D&C 01/05/13
BFP 03/05/13, EDD 11/12/13. HB 175 @ 9w2d. Its a Girl!
DX with EA/TEF Type C & Tracheomalaysia
MC @ 13wks 01/15/15
BFP 1/11/18, EDD 9/21/18
6 Weeks 3 Days
How old are your other kids?
5, 3.5, and 1
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Right now the struggle is real to find the energy and whatnot to keep up with our three. Feeling like I'm on the edge of losing the contents of my stomach on a regular basis isn't helping either.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
It snowed where we live a couple of days ago - so much fun taking the kids out to play in the snow and seeing our youngest's reaction (it was his first snow).
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
We haven't told them yet, though I kind of think my oldest may have picked up on it since he asked earlier this week if I had a baby in my tummy. Anyway, once we actually come out and tell them, I think that my oldest will ask a lot of questions (and maybe be a bit concerned), our middle will probably say no, and our youngest is too little to really comprehend it.
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
My oldest tell me all the time that he thinks that I'm the best momma in the world. I know it's because I say something similar to him, but it still makes me smile every time. As for our other kids, our middle and I snuggled on the couch and watched a couple of cartoons last night, and our youngest started walking (so proud) this week.
How old are your other kids? 5 yo DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Ya’ll. My DD is about to lose her first tooth!!! I freaked out when she told us her tooth was hurting and I noticed it was loose. Legit started crying at the dinner table. I am not ready for her to be so grown up and the pregnancy hormones are not helping!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I’m so thrilled to be able to do this again and to give my DD a sibling. I have a similar age gap with my younger brother and we were always close and got along growing up. I’m feeling like I want to try for another shortly after we have #2, but MH says to wait and see how we feel with two first.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react? We are telling her TOMORROW!!!!!! We changed our minds and decided we wanted her to be the first to know. I ordered a cute Big Sister shirt on Etsy and we are planning to give it to her tomorrow before we leave for a weekend trip with my family. (However, according to USPS, the shirt was delivered two days ago. It’s nowhere to be found, so we may need to change our plan.) She is a mature five year old and I know she will understand, although the concept of time is still a little beyond her grasp so I am sure she will be asking every day when the baby is arriving. I am curious to see how she reacts when I tell her the baby will be here in September (which is her birth month!)
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile? She is just so affectionate and sweet. I know she will be the best helper once #2 arrives.
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
7w4d
How old are your other kids?
DD#1- 6 (Dec ‘11-born early in Nov)
DD#2- 20 mo (May ‘16)
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Vehicle is my biggest concern. My car is big enough, but not sure how to situate all the children. I’m also hoping to have our youngest girl potty trained because I don’t want 2 in diapers
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
My oldest is doing amazing in kindergarten and has excelled in every aspect of school. She also has her first cheer competition this weekend and I can’t wait to see how well she does!
The youngest has has been a struggle. She does know about 10 signs so it helps to have her ask (sign) for things without having to vocalize it.
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
OR
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
We haven’t told them yet. #2 wouldn’t understand. I did tell her this morning that there was a baby in my belly and she lifted my shirt looking for a baby
BFP#1: 11/15/2010 * Missed M/C 12/28 * D&C 12/29/2010
BFP#5 12/26/2017 *SURPRISE* Due 09/02/2018
7 weeks I think
How old are your other kids?
DD 17 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
DD is going through a phase of being fussy and quickly frustrated, which is very unlike her. It's rough on top of me just wanting to be a skit on the couch all day. Hoping to get some energy back soon.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm still pretty nervous about it all, but hopeful that the whole sticking thing will be great!
GTKY:
What is one thing your child has done lately that made you smile?
one cute thing is she has been saying things like "mommy sleepy" and "poor mommy" when I'm laying lifeless on the couch or telling DH how nauseous I am. A big thing we're very proud of right now is that we've discovered that she can read all her letters and numbers through at least 12 with only occasional mistakes.
How far along are you?
7 weeks, 3 days
How old are your other kids?
5 years, and 14 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I’m Per diem this time, so I won’t have any STD for this maternity leave and that is concerning. I am considering taking a phone triage job, so that way I won’t have to be as physical as I get very pregnant (I went out at 35 and 33 weeks with my girls).
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
This past week has been so heavy since we didn’t see Baby on the US last week and I feel so much relief after seeing him/her today!
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
We told our older daughter this morning and she is really excited! She’s very smart and tender-hearted And was super involved with my last pregnancy, she’s such a little buddy! She said she hopes it’s a boy and started kissing my belly. I love her sweet little heart!
4+4
How old are your other kids?
DS 3.5 years and DS 17 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
SAHM and just tired while trying to fight a cold. Having the boys watch more cartoons than I care to admit but know but excited/ scared for #3!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DS1 is potty trained really well know and both boys are starting to play with each other much more!
GTKY: How did you tell your child(ren) they are going to have a new sibling? How did they react? If you haven’t told them yet, how are you planning to tell them and how do you think they will react?
DS2 is too young to understand really but he will point to my belly and say baby! DS1 was excited when we told him but is still pretty confused, as he thought the baby was coming right away! He is hoping for another brother.