35+ TTC 1st Graduates!!! Come on Over!

[pablo797]

Ok I'm here with a quick note too, promise to catch up fully later . . .

Steph, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! hope you had a wonderful day!!

Beth, I want to respond to your big post, but for now LOL on the shoe!!!! That's too funny and unfortunately one of the side effects of running naked. If its warm you could go outside. We let Jo run naked over the weekend outside and no harm no foul. Luckily it's warmed up here, no snow.

Chris, ok Sophie sounds like a rocket scientist compared to Jo. We're barely getting a mama out of her...ABCs??? Holy cow go Sophie!!! Best of luck with OPKs, and temping. Have you thought of acupuncture, I swear that's why I got pregnant after two years of trying. . .

Plum, I went for a run this morning, 30min., and it felt good, not great, but good. You have inspired me, it's the kick I needed, thanks!!

AFM, working and hanging with Jo. DH is pretty busy right now with work, thank goodness!! Hope everyone is well, and yes chris, I often wonder about our buddies that don't post anymore. Hope Charmaine is surviving with triplets, that Chris #2 is well, she was sooooo funny! Hope CJ is well and coping with two. How is Lava? Also hope Carol is well and enjoying her baby girl she fought so hard for.

Hugs and just so glad to have those of us left still here!!
Hugs! Ann

 

[flutterbee]

Hi Everyone!
I know, long time no see! When I signed up on this board, I had every intention of posting every day and being able to keep up with everyone. What I didn't realize was that being pregnant, working full time and going to school full time was going to take up any free time that I had, lol. So I know that there are many, many new members in this thread and I hope to meet all of you and as much as I would love to read everything that's been written since I was away - its 509 pages so I'm not sure that I can make that happen lol I guess what I can do is try to get you up to speed on me and baby and then read back what I can and try and keep up from here on out!

First, I hope everyone is doing well! I can't wait to read what has been going on with everyone! I hope that those who have already had their little ones had a safe delivery and have healthy babies!

I gave birth on April 9th at 8:13pm! I got put into the hospital a week before my due date because my blood pressure started to climb. They induced me but even after 16 hours I couldn't seem to dilate past 4 cm so I ended up having a c-section. I gave birth to a happy, healthy baby girl, 7lbs and 5.9oz, named Loey Seanna

Time for me to read back a few pages so I can try to catch up with some of you. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I look forward to being back on the boards with you all!

 

[MissMuffet08]

Morning ladies

I know I have been bad about posting on here lately. My project is almost complete and then I iwll be back on posting regularly. Last night i was up until 2:30 working and then up at 5:30am. So very tired. Hopefully by Thursday l will be back

hugs to you all
Steph

 

[rottpaw]

Hey ladies! I, too am sorry to be so scarce lately - we were on vacay last week and now it is back to reality (and reality, at this moment, is a baby howling with gas pain for the last 35 miles straight) I hope to catch up this week! Meanwhile, I'm loving seeing posts from everyone whenever we are able!

Love you all!

 

[pablo797]

Seems we're all on the same busy page!! It's been a little work crazy lately here too, getting ready for summer. So this is a quick hello!!

Flutter so good to see you back!! What a precious little one! Love the name. So glad both you and babe are healthy and happy!!

Steph, take care of yourself!! Dont work too hard. Hugs and thinking of you!

Angela, ugh!! Screaming baby in car, not fun. Hope all is well. How's Ethan doing these days? How's the speech coming along? I've just turned in paper work for Jo to see if we qualify for some state help. Fingers crossed.

AFM, all is well. Working lots, gardening, playing with the girl (we now go to mommy and me dance class Tuesdays and tumbeling class Wednesday). Jo is good, still struggeling with the biting thing, but seems so are most of her class mates. So she's not alone. There's a whole class full of little piranhas!!! Hugs to all.

plum I'm still running. Hope you are well, we're having a huge run off here, winter to summer in two weeks, makes for some big water. Hope your DP is taking advantage.

Hugs to everyone else!!!
Anna

 

[pablo797]

Happy Father's Day to all the DH & LPs out there!! Hugs to all the girls. Thinking of you as hope everyone had a good weekend!!!

Hugs! Anna

 

[Purpleplum]

Hi ladies - sorry I have been MIA as well. So much going with work and spring/summer festivities! I hope everyone is doing great and enjoyed Father's Day this weekend.

Anna - you go girl on the running! That is awesome. I am trying to keep up as well but I'm definitely not breaking any records. I have a friend who is a personal trainer and she set up a routine for me that includes strengthening and ab work. I need guidance or I will never do it. DP can help being that he was an athlete, but I don't want my routine to solely consist of push ups and pull ups! So great you are doing a mommy and me dance class. Violet would LOVE it. She is really into music and dancing. I need to check and see if we have any classes like that in our area.

Steph - sounds like you are working so hard. I hope your project is complete and that you had a relaxing weekend.

Angela - hope Reece's gas pain is getting better. Poor little guy! Did you go to beach again for your vacation? I love the coast in our area. It's not so great for swimming (the water is still cold in the summer and can be pretty rough) but it's absolutely beautiful. How is Ethan's speech these days? I have several good friends who are speech pathologists (4 of them in fact). If you (or any of you for that matter) have specific questions - I am happy to ask them for you.

Flutterbee - welcome back! Congratulations on your new arrival and hope you are healing well from your c-section. I've had two sections so I can relate!

AFM - we had a great weekend but I'm exhausted. I think the lack of sleep is finally catching up with me. Went to see a movie Saturday night (6:45 p.m. showing) and I fell asleep for most of it, believe it or not. Kind of pathetic LOL. Yesterday we went to breakfast and the park in the morning . . . and all went well, thankfully. No screaming kids this time. Violet sat and ate her breakfast without incident and Cole just chilled. Then at the park we ran into some friends which was nice and Violet just cruised around on her Strider bike. She is obsessed with it right now (and wearing her helmet for that matter).

Work is getting super busy and I think the added effort is kicking my butt along with trying to have a social life. I might need a break soon!

Hugs to everyone

 

[pablo797]

Plum, I want to get Jo a strider!! Did u get it new or used?? Take care of yourself and don't try and do too much. Take a break!! And social life... What's that??

 

[Purpleplum]

Anna - DP got the strider several years ago (when I was pregnant) from a KTM rep he knew at the time. I think the rep just gave it to him, although I'm not positive. You've got to get one - if you are outdoors all the time Jo will love it, especially when you are camping. It's small enough that we bring it with us everywhere. It keeps them entertained for sure. Violet does lap after lap around our car in the driveway.

 

[newmarriedgal]

Hi Ladies -

know it's been so long!! Life has run away from me again. sigh.

We are officially going to try TTC this month, on day 4 of my cycle right now. We avoided last month due to my luck of sharing a birthday with my brother who is 9 years older than me, we didn't want to risk another Feb 6th baby (the due date would have been a day before Poppy's old due date and who know, it may have been on the same day!!!! lol).

The month before we weren't really trying but the OB has put me down for a chemical pregnancy. I was spotting 7DPO for about a week and a half, and saw a Very faint line of positive. I called the OB but my period then started and she said it most likely was a chemical pregnancy and I could come in and have bloodwork or let it go, my choice. I let it go as the period was normal. I thought originally the spotting was implantation but then it kept happening, every day. I knew it wasn't normal. But we are ok.

I started contracting again from home at my old job, part time. Just about 24 hours a week, I work during naps and later on, sometimes during the day if he's busy playing. Extra money is always good to have coming in, esp since we are looking to get a new house in hopefully the fall.

Nothing else much is new - we are going to see a lawyer consultant (don't worry!) about Charlie's ex-wife. He has to pay her so damn (sorry) much money a week, it should be a sin. I'm all for alimony for getting someone back on his/her feet and helping to get re-established, but in Mass it is alimony for life, even beyond retirement, and the 2nd wife may be tapped to pay too. BUT they just passed a new law that will help with this, so we are seeing an expert to help us either get a reduction or an end date of retirement. sigh.

some pics from our photo shoot - my little love.

Love to you all, miss you and promise to be back on tomorrow.

 

[MissMuffet08]

Hi All,

I have been crap about posting lately! I am soooo sorry! Things are starting to get back to normal at work for me. I have an Ultra Sound tomorrow so I will definitely post photos and do a proper post then.

I hope everyone is well. I miss you ladies!!!
Hugs,
Steph

 

[pablo797]

Hi all! Checking in . .

Beth, LOVE THE PICTURES OF POPPY!!! Man that is one cute little kid!! Yeh for TTC! Fingers crossed. As for the lawyer I just read an article in Time about this very thing. It was in the last couple of weeks. Some states have a second wives club organized around this very issue. Especially when the second wife is held financially responsible if she becomes the primary income producer. A complicated issue, but life alimony seems ridiculous. They did say that several states were looking at reform on the issue so fingers crossed for you guys. Stay well and again love the pictures!!!

Steph, awaiting pictures from you. How are things? You are now further than you were with katlynn aren't you? How are you feeling? How's the BP? I've been thinking of ya. Glad work has calmed down. At what point are you taking leave? Trying to work up until the last or taking some time before the baby comes? How's Katie? Sorry for all the questions, it's been a while since we've heard from you.

Plum, I've got a strider coming in. They're not as expensive as I had thought. I still have to wait until next paycheck, but it's pink and oh so cute!!! I'm so excited for Jo to give it a ride. They have strider bike races here, LOL!!!

AFM, work is busy but good, finally feels like summer. My garden is doing well despite the fact that it is shaded from the garage in the mornings. I think next year I'll move it so it has full sun all day. But the peas, radishes, broccoli, beets, and carrots are happy. Spinach is ok, letuce is struggling as are the parsnips. Tomatoes, too early to tell, but I think they get too much shade to do well at our altitude. I had hoped to go camping this week, but DH is behind due to being sick last weekend ( and a total big baby!!). So it's a mellow home weekend which is good sometimes, means I can go to yoga Saturday morning. Woohoo, keeps me sane. Hugs to all, chris, Vivienne, Angela, hope all is well in your worlds.

Xo Anna

 

[rottpaw]

Girls I know I am massively overdue for an update, and hope to post a real one soon. For now just a quick note to say I'm reading and loving all the posts and pics!! We have our photo session pics coming soon and I will share some when they arrive. We are well, just crazy busy but things are good. Huge hugs and love and promise more posts soon!!

 

[rottpaw]

PS Reece 7 months today! Can't believe it!

 

[pablo797]

Happy birthday Reece!!! Angela post when u can. It's Friday morning and nothing new to tell. Jo is continuing to have good days at daycare so fingers crossed the biting thing is over.

Happy Friday and hope everyone has a good weekend!!!
Anna

 

[pablo797]

Happy Monday!! Just checking in. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

 

[rottpaw]

Hey Anna and everyone! I am SO sorry I hardly write anymore. It seems that things just run in such a way now that I rarely get any large blocks of time, when I might actually be able to read, process and respond. I am so, so sorry! I read everything, I promise - just can't always respond as I'd like.

Quick update from here - we've been sleep training with Reece the last couple weeks. He was not sleeping well at night (nor hubby ) and also could not nap much during the day, and something had to give. So we started focusing on a true routine, and have been trying to set it up so his ONE nap a day dohh: ) dovetails with EThan's (so mommy can have a break, shower, eat, etc LOL!). It has amazed me, as his preferences on sleep are so different from Ethan (who was still taking two naps a day till almost two!) This kid is only really interested in napping after he's been awake for 6 hours for the day! So far, we've had a definite turn for the better, though the actual training on naps (where he goes down, awake, into his pack n play for a nap instead of being in the swing where he is "rocked" to sleep) started this week. So, today he fussed about 15 minutes, but better than yesterday's solid hour of screaming We've also implemented a pretty steady feeding schedule that seems to help with his gas issues (same thing for dinner EVERY night lol, but it seems to agree with him!).

My little moster is doing great otherwise; almost crawling and is on track to be bigger at age one than Ethan is now

Ethan is doing well, too - talking a lot more (though still can't understand 2/3 of it, he is trying). Little by little he is learning to enjoy the water - we've had him in the pool the last couple weekends and he is warming up to it. Starts preschool 2 mornings a week this fall, and I think he will LOVE that. With my church group meetings and our regular Sundays at church, that will give him 4 mornings a week outside the house before the addition of playdates, etc., which I think will be great for him. He is definitely an explorer at heart!

We had some photos done recently, and they turned out really well for the most part (despite Ethan running 102+ fever that morning ). I will share a couple when I get the final edits (I only have proofs so far).

Otherwise, hubby and I are doing well and are looking forward to our first supper club this weekend. We participated in one this fall, comprised of folks from our church, but it fizzled after the first round of dinners bc the group was fairly disparate. We liked the idea, though and so have put together what I think will be a great group, with kids the same ages/stages etc. Hoping that goes well - we are hosting the first one!

We also went to the beach the first week of June, and I am in the process of editing those photos. Will share a couple as soon as I get them done.

I hope everyone is doing well, and I am so sorry to post and dash. If I can just get these kids on a complementary schedule, I'll be able to check in a little more often LOL!

Anna, I think you mentioned starting Jo's speech therapy? How is that going? I'm super jealous of your garden!! I would LOVE to grow things I can eat. I just never have had a green thumb!

Steph hon, how are you feeling? BP holding steady?

Viv, how's the wedding planning coming?

Beth, I'm super excited for your TTC!!! and LOVE the photos of sweet Poppy!!

Purple, I don't know how you mommies who also work outside the home do it. I'm whacked every day and I don't even have a second job!

Chris hon, are you still TTC? How is Sophie?

And Flutter, YAY!! I'm so glad you are back!! Congratulations hon!! I love her name!

Okay girls, better run. LOVE you girls!

 

[MissMuffet08]

Hi Ladies,

I hope that everyone is doing well. My project is now over so I will be able to start posting regularly again. YAY! I have so much to catch up on!

First, my blood pressure is doing very well thanks to everyone who has been asking. I had a Dr appointment yesterday and it was 104/66. I am still being cautious and checking my ankles to make sure they aren’t swelling up. My regular Dr had some sort of family emergency so for yesterday’s appointment and my next appointment I am seeing a different OB/GYN. I did do the Glucose testing and it was a slightly high, but I did not fast before doing it. So they are going to do it again. Other than that, baby is doing well. I had an ultrasound appointment last week and she is measuring in the 54percentile. I keep forgetting to download the pictures from my phone, but I will.

Katelyn transitioned to a new classroom this week and has been having a hard time adjusting. It is just like when we first started taking her to daycare. She cries when I drop her off. The funny thing is, her old teachers had been taking her over to her new classroom for a few hours everyday for the past 2 ½ weeks. She even has some of her old classmates in her new class. Of course she is fine once I leave, but it is just heartbreaking to leave her when she is crying and reaching out for me. Other than that she is doing great. Learning to put her clothes on by herself. Though she has some issues with her pants (can’t get them up over her diaper LOL). She is also at the stage where all she wants to do is be naked. It is a fight almost every morning to put clothes on her for school. I am still having sleep issues with her. She wakes up almost every night around 1 or 3am and comes into our room. I love her dearly, but it is not a comfortable sleeping situation for me or my hubby to have her in the bed with us. We will probably be getting her a full size bed for Christmas so hopefully with a bigger bed she will not come into or room (also hoping it doesn’t take another 6 months to keep her in her own bed LOL).

Other than that and work being crazy, things are good. My hips are in pain most days and my sciatica has been acting up daily as well, but other than that it is good. I plan on being the pool a lot more. I am also trying to find swim lessons for Katelyn.

Anyway, like I said, I will be better about posting!

Angela - I hope that you get Reece to sleep better as well! Also glad to hear that Ethan is speaking more. I bet once he is in preschool in the fall, his language will increase dramatically. Looking forward to seeing your family photos! Keep us posted on your supper club! It sounds like fun and I may want to copy you LOL.

Flutter – Welcome back – you have been missed and love your avatar she is darling!

Anna – how do you find time to garden? You are truly amazing! I love that you get up early in the morning and taking Jo on hikes with you, take her to the pool (I am sure she is a fish by now!), doing yoga on your own. You go momma!

Beth – Yay on TTC. Please keep us posted and I am wishing lots of baby dust your way (and your way too Chris!) By the way, love the hat that Poppy is wearing…adorable!

Purple – How are you? I know you were kind of like me…work getting busy. I hope that things settle down for you soon!

Viv – I saw on FB that you have to have carpal tunnel surgery! When is it happening? Hoepfully it is not interfering with your wedding plans

Ok I missed anyone, I do truly apologize. Looking forward to getting back in the groove of this thread!

Hugs!
Steph

 

[pablo797]

Morning all!!

It's Monday, back at work and have some time to catch up. Let me just say to Angela that by the time Monday rolls around I'm worn out and ready to go back to work. I LOVE my daughter but you're on all the time with a little one. At work I have some down time, time to myself and I'm in control versus a two year old. So please don't hold those of us who work on a higher pedestal, I find work much easier than being a stay at home mom. Most days anyway (remind me of this conversation during Christmas season.).

Angela, so glad for the up-date!! So much good info. Glad the sleep training is going so well. I've decided some kids are natural sleepers and some aren't. Some need the sleep help. Jo is one of these. We are AGAIN going through a cry it out phase to get back on track. Glad to hear Ethan is progressing. I'm sure he'll be a non stop talker any day, he's just taking his own time getting there. The beach sounds fabulous!! How did the photos turn out?? Dying to see some pictures. Hang in there mama, lots of hugs.

Steph, how are you doing?? Glad the work project has let up a bit. So good to hear all health signs are good. Poor Katie bug, how is the adjustment to the new classroom going? It's so heartbreaking when they're sad when you drop off. LOL on the naked front. Jo is in the same boat. Although the pants are not too tough, but she would be topless every day if I'd let her. Sorry to hear the hips are bothering you. That was one of my problem areas too when I was pregnant especially towards the end. Are you sleeping with a pillow between your knees at night? I found that helped. Also is there a pregnancy yoga class? I know it sounds crazy, but some gental stretching can really help. I went to yoga up until a week before I was due. Granted its hard to do much, but was well worth it. Lots of hugs to you too. And as work picks up my hiking has diminished.

AFM, All is good. Jo is getting much better with "toddler aggression". There's a web site called 0-3. According to my daycare it's kind of the premiere neurological behavioral go to for little ones and they have excellent articles on all subjects. We've been doing a lot of re-direction and trying to give her other outlets for when she gets angry or frustrated. It's funny because everyone says not to use the word "no" when they're little. But this has backfired for us as I'm now teaching Jo to use the word no. It's a verbal alternative to physical responses. So she is good and oh so sweet. It's funny the older she gets the more I enjoy her. Hearing "hi mama". My heart melts. Angela, we never did get any speach help. I turned in the paper work and never heard back so I'm assuming she didn't qualify. And since doing that assessment about a month ago, her verbal has increased dramatically. I think she was just a bit slower, concentrating on the physical. Yesterday she was playing with my jeans and I said "pocket" and she repeated it right back. (Well a close proximity anyway).

I am well, yoga on Saturdays, but have been slacking on other fronts. Need to keep running. I just like sleeping too much. There it is and I'm admitting to it. Part of the current sleep training is getting Jo to sleep later. It's been working well and she got up today around 6:30. Work is good. Picking up for July. With so much of the country being so hot, we get massive migrations. It's been hot for us. Last week 85. May not sound hot but no one has air conditioning, and it was hot in the hotels. This week cools down (thank goodness because my spinach is not happy). We've stayed home the last few weekends, working and doing things around the house, but think we will once again hit the road on a camping trip next weekend.

Can't think of much else to tell...
Beth, fingers crossed for TTC.
chris, same to you.
Plum, how are things? Been running? We're getting the strider tomorrow. My husband found a KTM (motorcycle) brand strider so we're getting that one. Men.
Flutter how are you?
Vivienne, how are things going? Wedding plans coming along?

Hugs to all!
Anna

 

[MissMuffet08]

Good morning ladies!

Hope everyone stayed cool this weekend! Here in LA (the Valley) it was around 106 Saturday and Sunday and then about 80 something in the evening! My electric bill is going to be through the roof!

Anna - Glad to hear that Jo is improving on her speech and doing better in Daycare. I think I will google the toddler aggression articles. Katelyn is fine in school, but she loves to tell Mommy and Daddy no and then try to hit us.

I agree with you on the stay at home mom. Angela you are a rock star. I too find it easier to be at work then home all day with the baby. I keep saying that I would love to stay at home with the next one (finances permitting), but not sure I could handle it. Angela being home with two of them is amazing and my hat is off to you. I personally think you are working much harder than I am! With that being said, I am looking forward to Maternity leave, but will be keeping Katelyn in daycare full time (or a good portion of the day!).

AFM - Waiting to hear back from the Dr as to when I need to retake the glucose screening. My dr is out so I saw a different person and I emailed her about it and she sent back 3 cryptic messages. I mean, I asked her what a 3 hour study was and how long I should fast, her response and I am copying it from the email "Do it early morning." what the HELL does that mean? No where in that response did it tell me what a 3 hour study was an how long I should fast. I then sent her another email apologizing, but I did not understand her email and asked again what I need to do. Her response "The three hours test has to be done fasting you can do it in the morning , when your are still fastiong!" Luckily someone at work has done it before and they filled me in. I called the dr's to find out when I needed to do this and am still waiting for the "advice" nurse to call me back. So frustrating when I cant see my normal Dr. Le sigh...

Other than that everything is good. We spent most of the weekend in the pool. Katelyn likes to sit on the pool lounge chair and that is about it. I am looking for swim classes for her, but cant find any near by that are for her age. I will keep looking though.

Anyway, that is all that is happening here. Looking forward to hearing from everyone else.

Hugs!
Steph