@katie - Thanks. I’ve felt awful having to leave [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] (we’ve been calling him blue!) with [name_f]Nana[/name_f] and going to the hospital to see [name_u]Freddie[/name_u]. Hopefully, like you said, it’ll be better now he’s home. [name_f]My[/name_f] poor husband has been doing alternate nights at the hospital with me last week whilst still working. He’s been so good! [name_m]Both[/name_m] boys are fine now, and are getting bigger every day - I can’t believe they’re actually nearly 12 weeks old already!
Hello all!! Sending well wishes to little [name_u]Freddie[/name_u], and to all those under the weather.
[name_u]Jem[/name_u] is doing fabulously. We are starting to get ‘used’ to each other, and this whole ‘mom’ thing is getting a little easier every day. I was so proud of myself for throwing together a yummy and healthy black bean salad yesterday while he napped. I thoroughly enjoyed it- [name_u]Jem[/name_u]… Not so much. Poor baby screamed for an hour and a half before passing out on my chest! Lesson learned! Poor little guy! He struggles with gas anyways. We started gas drops yesterday, so I’m hoping they will help.
I am still struggling with getting him on a routine. He is 5 1/2 weeks, so I know he is still little and it’ll take some time. I just hear about these babies who are in a schedule and sleep through the night by 6 weeks and I wonder ‘what am I doing wrong?!’ I read about parent directed feeding and how parents should take the lead in making a routine, and it shouldn’t be baby led. But really, how do you put a baby this tiny on a routine?! I can’t keep him awake if he is sleepy, I can’t make him sleep if he’s not. I can’t force feed him or deny him feedings. He just kind of does his own thing! Some nights he only wakes twice, others up to 4 times. Yesterday he slept three hours and was awake three hours and this went on all day. Today he is on the schedule is like to keep him on- woke at 8, got up for the day, and has been on a 2 1/2- 3 hours eat/wake/sleep schedule. Wish we Could keep that going! I just can’t wait to start getting a good nights sleep again, where I’m not up rocking and soothing and feeding every 2 or 3 hours! Hopefully soon!
Tuitree, congrats! I think there should be some happy middle ground us labouring mothers should be allowed to reach between your 2hr labour and my 25hr one 
[name_u]Love[/name_u] the name Zari.
[name_f]Sara[/name_f], sorry to hear about your sick brood! [name_f]Hope[/name_f] you’re all feeling better soon. [name_u]Love[/name_u] the playdough idea, we’re big playdough fans here. Although I made some mistake with my last batch. It was fine when I made it and [name_f]Mila[/name_f] had a good play with it. Kept it in the fridge overnight and brought it out for a playdate the next day… It had turned into a soggy, sticky mess. Oops.
[name_f]Bab[/name_f]- the operation sounds terrifying but I’m so glad it went well. [name_m]Will[/name_m] he need any follow up operations or are you home free now?
Everything is pretty good over here… No explanation found for the bleeding (still) but it seems to have ended now so fingers crossed that is just the end of it. Who knows, I’m tired of trying to figure it out. [name_m]Cato[/name_m] is 6 weeks old today and just adorable. He has morphed into the fattest, squidgiest little thing. He is solely breastfed so I must be feeding him cream! Haha. Oh, and my husband surprised me yesterday by mentioning “if we ever have another boy, I still like the name [name_m]Atlas[/name_m]…” Previously he was talking about a vasectomy so I was very surprised to hear him mentioning another baby. What is everyone else going to do?
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] Milasmom, glad to hear things are going well for you. [name_f]My[/name_f] husband is actually already scheduled for the big V. He goes in for the procedure this [name_f]May[/name_f]. I won’t lie; I cried my eyes out for an hour, and then I boxed up all my maternity clothes and dropped them off at our local consignment store and I felt much better. I wish we had started having children a few years earlier, and I think we probably would have had a third. However, after the GD, HELP syndrome, and the magnesium, I can’t say another pregnancy at age 37 sounds like a wise decision. Very bittersweet, but all the more reason to soak it all up with [name_m]Kurt[/name_m].
Oh [name_f]Frances[/name_f], that must have been really hard. I know I am going to cry my eyes out when DH finally schedules his vasectomy, whether it is after [name_m]Cato[/name_m] or after a potential third baby. I know I am pushing my luck wishing for a third - I didn’t ask him if he’d changed his mind about a V so he may have just been talking hypothetically. I am pretty young for a mum of 2 (turning 27 this month) but having had several miscarriages and an early stillbirth as well as bad SPD my last pregnancy, we would still have to consider strongly the pros and cons of trying for a third baby. Not to mention the financial considerations… Travel has always been a big part of our life but I know we would miss out on a lot of expat positions if we were a family of five.
Anyway, [name_m]Cato[/name_m] might still be our last baby so I am trying to act is if he is. I hear you on the bittersweet - I hate thinking “this may be the last time that x happens” but then I remind myself I am so lucky to have this second baby and what a gift to our family he is. [name_m]How[/name_m] is [name_m]Hal[/name_m] adjusting to being a big brother? xx
Ohhhhkay so we have had some major developments here in the last few days.
I hope you all are doing better than I am today!
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I have been picking up random shifts serving at my old work, and also started working at a martini bar. Weeee! Its pretty fun, and good money. On the weekends (I’ve only worked 1 so far) there’s a pianist that comes in to serenade everyone & its a really fun relaxed atmosphere. But I’m not digging the hours away from my girls. Its hard. Plus I’m so tired from [name_f]Indy[/name_f] (I think I like this spelling better than [name_f]Indie[/name_f] now) waking me up through the night & I feel like I must look completely haggard all the time. She’s not taking a bottle very well either so poor [name_u]Corey[/name_u] has to deal with a LOT of screaming & crying while I’m away. Stressful. I am telling myself that my sore back & tired feet will be worth it cause all the walking around I have to do for work is going to help me burn off some of this baby weight.
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[name_u]Corey[/name_u] got notice that his current work contract (that he’s taking Parental leave from) is not being renewed so as of [name_f]May[/name_f] 2nd he will be out of a job… And unless he can find another position within that same organization, he will not qualify for the top-up he has been receiving & will have to pay it all back. AAAAAAAAHHHH! We are freaking out. So he’s making some calls & hopefully something will open up soon in another department. He will be able to continue to collect his parental EI at least, until [name_f]September[/name_f], and as long as I can do a few shifts a week serving we should be able to get by without dipping too far into our savings… Not that we have too far to dip, since most of our finances are tied up in our home & RESPs and Mutual Funds. Gah.
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Did I mention Azula is cutting 4 teeth? She is a clingy, whiny mess. I think [name_f]Indy[/name_f] must be teething too cause she is biting the crap out of my nips! Seriously, I thought I was going to get through nursing this baby without any blisters - wow was I ever wrong. Bring on the Lanoline. I’m hoping that’s the only reason my boobs are currently MASSIVE & popping out of my brand-new blimp size bras.
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[name_f]My[/name_f] neighbour came by today to nag me about taking care of the 8X4’ garden in the front of our townhouse. I gently reminded her that um hello I have two little babies & pruning that rhododendron is NOT currently a priority in my life.
And finally, 5) [name_f]My[/name_f] toddler is officially a potty mouth. We think she’s trying to say Yuck. We’re trying not to encourage her but oh man it is so hard not to laugh when she flings her arms out to the side & in her high shrill little voice screams “F***!”. Yikes.
Anyway, finished venting now. Bedtime Zzzzzzzzz
Thanks for the condolences everyone, but hopefully we won’t have any more surgery for this little one any time soon! The doctors have said we’ll need to keep visiting for check-ups once a month for up to a couple of years 
But we’re all just glad he’s OK, and both boys are doing great!
Speedy healing to all who are on the mend, especially our wee ones.
[name_u]Keegan[/name_u] and [name_m]Sebastian[/name_m] turned 4 months old over the weekend! We celebrated with a well baby check (where we found out that they both have left ear infections. Their pediatrician joked, “Well they might not be identical, but their ear infections are!”) and vaccinations. Fun for all!
But besides that, they are doing great. Smiling and “talking” to us and they seem finally to acknowledge each other. [name_m]Sebastian[/name_m] is the stronger of the two, holding his head really well, standing on legs, and almost rolling over. [name_u]Keegan[/name_u] is tracking the best, and working on his muscle tone - he loves the Bumbo chairs.
[name_u]Keegan[/name_u]: 13# 3oz, 24"
[name_m]Sebastian[/name_m]: 12# 10oz, 23"
The doctors and AEA all say that they are doing great, but I worry when I see the milestones that other babies are hitting. I have no idea when to start foods for these guys, we’re still working on a 6oz bottle. And I realize that corrected, they’re only 11 weeks old. It’s just hard to keep getting the reminders from everywhere - like, why can’t “[name_u]Baby[/name_u] Center” have a corrected age for preemies? It can’t be too hard.
Ok, thanks for the little rant.
Lol, [name_f]Katie[/name_f]! Your potty mouth babe cracks me up.
Mine whispers oh s*#*t under her breath when she drops stuff… Whoops. I’ve been loudly correcting it to oh shoot when she does it but hmm bad mummy!
So sorry to hear you didn’t get to return to work on your own terms. It’s tough, especially when it’s a job your not passionate about. I hope everything works out for [name_u]Corey[/name_u] - crossing fingers and toes for you.
Milasmama, We decided several years ago that we would have 2 kids. DH went for the big V consult and said it was more daunting than he expected. So I’m not sure where he’s at now… But I’m happy with two… I’m trying hard to absorb the little moments of both girls. [name_f]Ayla[/name_f] is becoming a big girl way too quick, and before I know it Zari will be the same.
[name_f]Babs[/name_f], I’m glad your hospital free. [name_f]May[/name_f] it stay that way.
Greci, glad your boys are thriving. Them each haveing ear infections is a bit rough though.
Hello all!
Sorry [name_f]Katie[/name_f] for the rough times hope it all clears itself up soon! Things have a way with always working out in the end.
Quick question- [name_u]Jem[/name_u] turned 6 weeks yesterday, and is such a sweet boy. He has a good night time routine and the nights are predictable for the most part. Bath at 7:30, pjs, quiet time on our bed, then we take turns rocking him while the other reads. He is usually asleep by 9. He wakes once or twice to feed in the middle of the night. Twice with no dream feed, once with a dream feed. And then again around 6ish. But at that point I bring him to bed with me and we sleep and cuddle till 8. So I’m feeling much better about night time. [name_u]Day[/name_u] time, all bets are off. I think he is doing the whole growth spurt thing, because he is eating so much! [name_f]Every[/name_f] three hours for sure, but usually there is a snack between feeds!
Anyways! [name_f]My[/name_f] question! It sounds silly but- how much do babies cry?! You’d think I would know as a nanny but I just can’t remember. He usually is content half the time he is awake and fussy/crying the other half. Usually i can tell its because of hunger or he is overtired or something. But half the time I just can’t find any good reason for it! He is gassy a lot and we do has drops now. Is being so gassy normal for a breastfed baby? Anyways, I’m just wondering if it is normal for him to cry so often through out the day for what seems like no good reason? Also he has to be held alllll the time! He is content for a little in a bouncy chair or swing, but not long. He also doesn’t like baby carriers. [name_m]Just[/name_m] wants to be held. And he sleeps so much better when he is on us than in his bassinet. Is this normal too?? I know you can’t ‘spoil’ babies this young, but I just want him to be able to chill on his own sometimes and not be that baby who has to be attached to mom ordad 24/7!
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] Babylove,
I’m by no means an expert, but I can offer you what I’ve learned from my personal experience. Most babies will go through a rough patch between 6 and 8 weeks. I’m not sure why this is, but for the most part, it is a trying time for babies and their exhausted parents too. Take heart and remember you are not alone. (We are currently experiencing it with our little man, [name_m]Kurt[/name_m].)
Also, all babies are different and unique, so no baby will cry the same way, over the same things, with the same duration or intensity as each other. It doesn’t sound like your baby is ‘overly’ crying, but if you are concerned, you should call your pediatrician. And yes, even breastfed babies can be extremely gassy. (It doesn’t seem fair, but again, this is something that each baby will experience differently.) For example, I could eat whatever I wanted to with my first and he could handle it, not true this time around. I can’t even smell an onion or we will be up all night paying for it! In addition, some babies have colic, and this could be what you are going through. I haven’t personally dealt with that issue, so I’m not sure of the hallmarks to look for, other than, obviously, lots of crying.
In terms of needing to be held a lot, I think you have to find the balance you are comfortable with. Personally, we are indulging our little man right now because of reflux and age. As he gets stronger, older and the reflux lessons, we will have a high price to pay for our indulgence now, but we are aware and ready for the challenge. Again, I would recommend finding what works best for you and your family. Good luck!
Thanks [name_f]Frances[/name_f]!
Seems, as always, there are no hard and fast rules of thumb! I feel like such an overly concerned mother! I mean I was a hypochondriac before, but now, oh man! I think we’ve gone to the dr almost once a week since he’s been born! We have questions about behavior and since he is so little, they alway say to bring him in! We brought him in 2 or 3 weeks ago because of his crying and his cry sounded different than usual. They didn’t say much accept that he seemed perfectly healthy and it could be gas or colic. It’s just so scary as a new mom to have gone through your checklist of things that could be wrong and when your done everything, he is still crying! I think gas is usually the culprit.
There is always something! When he woke from his last nap he had this rash all over his face! I think it’s from using soap on his face last night after getting lipstick kiss marks on his cheeks! Ugh!
Hey mamas, just thought I’d let you know I started a new account so I won’t be active as this user any more. [name_f]My[/name_f] user name was bugging me. [name_m]New[/name_m] one is @ truenature
See you on the other side.
Arg! I wrote a big msg and lost it all. The short version is:
babylove try: #1 BestSeller - Baby Development Book - The Wonder Weeks
And http://purplecrying.info
I have the wonder weeks app and it’s almost spot on to when [name_f]Ayla[/name_f] would be fussy, clingy and cranky. It helps because it gives you a reason for the behavior and let’s you know there’s an end in sight!
Edited for privacy.
@ sarah, I can’t even imagine having to clean up after a family of 7 with a stomach bug. Ick. I can barely keep up with our regular laundry! Seriously there is a huge To Be Folded pile on our couch as I type this.
Yes, I’m actually having a lot of fun being back to work, I love being up & moving (on my feet for 6+ hours straight), and talking to grown ups about my favourite things (good food & music & drinks)! But it is hard on the girls. [name_f]Indira[/name_f] still doesn’t want the bottle and 7 hours or whatever is a [name_m]LONG[/name_m] time for her to go without eating. I talked to our doctor about it & he said that since she’s such a healthy weight -13.5 lbs - he isn’t worried about it. He said to just keep trying to give her a bottle (or sippy cup since that is so different from a boob apparently some babies take that better) & if she’s hungry eventually she will take it.
Yeah [name_u]Corey[/name_u]'s contract isn’t being renewed, so as of [name_f]May[/name_f] 02 he switches from parental leave (with our hefty top-up from work) to just regular parental leave (EI). If he can find another position there within 90 days he will have to go back to work (sad cause we were looking forward to both being home in the [name_f]Summer[/name_f]) but at least then we won’t have to pay back the amount that his work topped him up already. Ack. He was saying too that if he can’t find a position there he will just cash out some of his pension to pay that money back. Not ideal but at least we know we have a plan.
As for boobs, OMG dude I am regularly an E but am wearing a 30G right now & popping out. It is STUPID (actually I’m still smaller than I was when I had Azula, I was a J cup then). I miss being able to buy a bra for 20-30 bucks!!!
[name_f]My[/name_f] husband took a video of her swearing & put it on Facebook. Yeesh, way to show off our stellar parenting.
Not sure if I mentioned we have been eating (mostly) vegan around here, still a little dairy… but my family is coming for [name_f]Easter[/name_f] dinner this weekend and I am SUPER excited to make a turkey. Getting ready to prepare the brine now.
Hello everyone!
Thanks for your input [name_f]Sara[/name_f]! It took me almost 2 months, but I have finally come to terms with a very important lesson-
Theories, opinions (even from a dr.), books… They only get you so far. At the end of the day, your child is one of a kind. That’s a beautiful thing, and also means that even the best theory or advice might never apply. I know him better than anyone else, and have to use my instincts. That’s hard for a first time mom. But I’m coming to terms with it!
Also coming to terms with the fact that [name_u]Jem[/name_u] is going to do what he is going to do! He will sleep through the night when he is ready, nap when he is tired, and eat when he is hungry. I’m learning that my job as a mom is to just to help him get in tune with his own body and patterns, guide him along the best I can. Currently that means that I let him fall asleep and stay asleep on me to prevent him being overtired later! Whatever gets you through, right?
[name_m]Cato[/name_m] doesn’t cry much at all. We’ve been lucky with him because [name_f]Mila[/name_f] cried a lot as a baby. Well, the last couple of days he has been fussy and cried more but he has also just had his posterior tongue tie and lip tie lasered so he’s not too happy about that 
Babylove, definitely whatever gets you through!
Oh man, I feel like I’ve been hit with a truck. Over [name_f]Easter[/name_f] weekend, Azula spent 2 days & 1 night with her grandparents & was undisciplined and overstimulated like crazy (every single time I get her back after a day with them I’m like NEVER AGAIN) & she didn’t nap AT ALL and getting her back on track this week so far has been difficult. Today she was the WORST. Whining, demanding, shrieking like a Nazgul… On top of dealing with [name_f]Indira[/name_f], it was just too much for me today. Sometimes I just want to find myself a dark quiet closet or something & hide in there for the next 20 years.
[name_m]How[/name_m] do you deal with overindulgent grandparents? [name_f]My[/name_f] mother in particular has zero sense when in comes to how to care for a toddler (ironic because she works with families with children 0-6) - she just basically lets her do WHATEVER she wants & is constantly overstimulating her… & it makes me crazy.
Edited for privacy.