Mid June and July Firecrackers Group Due June/July 2017!

[second.time]

Glad to hear everyone is doing well overall! Girly, that's great news about the weight gain. Lesonde, hope you had a good time with friends. It definitely can get lonely and overwhelming to be with a newborn all day, taking time to reconnect with friends is great.

A. is still a pretty mellow baby but he LOVES being held. My older kiddo started pre-K and I walk to get him with A. in a carrier, which is nice exercise and gives us a little sunshine. He's not the best sleeper ... he just wakes up often and needs to nurse ... so I'm tired most of the time, but managing.

I know a lot of you are a few weeks behind me, but I had my six-week checkup and I was kind of unhappy with how brief it was. I was hoping for an exam to make sure everything is back to normal but it was almost 100% focused on birth control. I had to literally ask my doctor to check the episiotomy site and make sure everything was fine. I'd just feel better with a more thorough exam! But I do feel a lot better. I also suspect I'm starting my normal cycles again, even though I exclusively breastfeed. My body never gives me a break!

 

[DobbyForever]

Sorry about the brevity of the exam. That would irk me as well. Mine is Monday but I'll only be about 5 weeks and I was told no sex for 6, so I really would prefer an appointment at 6 weeks. I heal more slowly then the average person, too. I got the mini pill but I'm not starting until 6 weeks, so no sex anyway until week 7. Which is fine. I have no desire to have sex. SO has been shit for help and I'm completely unattracted to him as a human being right now.

 

[second.time]

Sorry about the brevity of the exam. That would irk me as well. Mine is Monday but I'll only be about 5 weeks and I was told no sex for 6, so I really would prefer an appointment at 6 weeks. I heal more slowly then the average person, too. I got the mini pill but I'm not starting until 6 weeks, so no sex anyway until week 7. Which is fine. I have no desire to have sex. SO has been shit for help and I'm completely unattracted to him as a human being right now.

Mine was at a little past six but we hadn't tried anything yet. We did try and it was a little uncomfortable, but I remember that from my first ... it did get better with time.

I was reading a postpartum healing timeline and it looks like the majority of women aren't ready for sex until much later. Between feeling tired, stressed, and recovering, it's not exactly easy. Plus in our case it's hard because we have to plan it around two kids' sleeping schedules. So glamorous.

I'm sorry your SO hasn't been helping out ... I hope he improves and gives you the help you deserve.

 

[DobbyForever]

He won't. It was our agreement so oh well. Yeah I can't imagine working around two, it's tough thinking about one. I just have no libido either. And the gyn did say it was red down there from the estrogen so lube is necessary and I'm like ummmmm if I need lube to have sex that sounds painful and I had enough painful af sex when pregnant r_r

 

[PrettyInInk42]

Sorry to hear SO is still being a butthead, Dobby. : /

I have my 6 week OB check up in a couple days. As much as I'd like to be able to just go in, tell her I feel arlight-ish and leave, I should probably mention my BM issues (which I think is an anal fissure) and let her know that the area where I think my stitches were is still a little tender when I squat down or actually touch it. BD's been pretty supportive through all this though. He's cracked some jokes, but in no way has forced the sex issue. I actually gave him a BJ several days ago and he's been patiently waiting and wanting to "return the favour". lol

So, him and I were talking a few nights ago about activities we'd like Alex to get into when he's older. We're obviously cool with hockey and/or baseball (if he shows an interest), but BD mentioned he'd like for him to take karate classes. Partly for the discipline and social aspect, but also cuz if Alex is as big/tall as we think he's gonna be, he'll need the "tools" to defend himself. BD said that when he was younger, other kids would pick on/test him cuz he was always big for his age, including a couple physical altercations that he didn't start and where he had to defend himself. This is something I never considered. I was only ever picked on for being fat. But anyway, have you ladies put any thought into what activities you'd like your kids to partake in?

 

[DobbyForever]

Thanks Pretty. We almost called it quits last night. I told him if he signed his rights away I would not come after him for support, but I wouldn't keep him or his parents from seeing A. I just unloaded on him. We had a tiff two days ago because he feels neglected, and I'm tired of people commenting on how little he does. So I snapped. Then he snapped. And he ignored me for two days but I snapped when yesterday he literally didn't even say hi to A all day. Right before I hit send to my stepdad/attorney about drawing up paperwork suddenly he was mister no I don't want to lose you or A. So we'll see. I told him if we're going to call it quits it needs to be before the end of this year, so he has some impressing to do.

Sorry BD was picked on. Kids are vicious. We want A in hockey. I don't trust Boy Scouts enough unless SO was heavily involved or I was, and that isn't happening. My stepbrother's troop had a molestor dad. So pass. I know they can be anywhere but yeah no thanks. I want him to do something unique, always thinking what looks good on a college app and is fun lol. Dad is in tech and it's the Silicon Valley so likely some engineering/ science based camps and what not. But Idk I figure he'll tell us what he wants.

Re karate. SO and I are not a fan of kids karate. Him being a big dude who has been in unarmed and armed fights, and my background in Krav Maga and previously CDT certified. We both agree none of that actually helps you out on the street. And there's just too many pay for belt studios around here.

 

[lesondemavie]

Wow Dobby. I hope all works out for you all

I had my 6 week postpartum appointment today. All looks good and all restrictions lifted. Sex does not sound appealing at all to me, and I figure it won't for a while. Looking forward to getting back to yoga and adding back in other exercise (plus jogging once it cools off a bit). I still have another 20lbs to lose, and I'd like to do it before the wedding we're attending in October.

As for activities, I want C to choose for herself and will be open to any and all interests. I enjoyed dance and gymnastics. My family is big on soccer (two cousins play pro), and tennis. I play(ed) piano and clarinet, and I'd love for C to play an instrument. I loved Girl Scouts, and would enjoy that for C too. Both DH and I love camping and hiking, so she'll be doing lots of that like it or not. I really hope she ends up loving the outdoors as much as us. I really want C to bake with me. I think that would be such a special bonding experience. Like I said though, I'm open to new experiences and I won't force anything. We just want her to be happy, healthy, and fulfilled.

 

[DobbyForever]

Thanks leson

20 lbs in less than two months?! That's a lot! Have you seen this baby yoga stuff?! We have a few mommy places around here that do it but I'm too broke to even think about trying lol. Also found a gym that does mommy and baby walks or jogs. But I'm too antisocial lol.

A better slept well tonight. It's 6pm and since midnight he has clocked in over 6 waking hours

 

[second.time]

Oh man, dobby, I'm so sorry. That sounds so stressful ...

I'm trying to let my kids guide their own interests, but it's hard not to push them a little bit toward the things you like yourself. My older son is really interested in building and inventing, he's always been constructing elaborate things out of his blocks or toys or anything he can get his hands on, so I'd like to encourage that. One of my brothers is a civil engineer. There are a lot of scientists in my background too, so maybe that will pop up somehow.

Neither of us are athletic or outdorsy at all, we're bigbookworms. If one of my boys is interested in sports I wouldn't even know what to do, but I'd support them, of course! A friend teases me that I'll probably end up with football players. I secretly would love it if they were drama nerds or art majors because that's more my style. Film-making, writing ... anything creative.

 

[DobbyForever]

True it's hard not to want kids to follow in your footsteps. I know what it's like to be pushed into something, track. My mom had always hoped I would dedicate myself to it and become an Olympian. Quite honestly, I am genetically built to dominate in that area. I was outrunning people who grew up training, and I grew up in an area that does produce olympians. But I just never loved it. So I wouldn't be inclined to push A go do things or keep doing things. I don't SO gets that lol. He really wants the kid to love hockey and bodybuilding and motorcycles like him.

Things on my end are stressful. My sub is a little incompetent and not even certified yet so that sucks. I'm chalking her not following my directions as overwhelmed. So on top of the SO drama, I have work drama. And like I'm bummed because A is 6 weeks on Friday which means I'm halfway through my leave . I'm so not ready to leave him,

In baby news, he has decided to say eff you mom 9pm is too late a bedtime and he pushed his bedtime up to 7:30. I was hoping it was a couple off nights, but nope. He is now down for the count at 7:30 and up at 12:30. So I'm curious to see how the rest of the night is. Usually it's two 3 hour shifts before his day cycle kicks in and he wakes every two hours. But 6am is still pretty light so I wonder if I'll get three 3 hour shifts. Wouldn't that be nice. And oh man the five hours felt great, I was so exhausted yesterday.

 

[lesondemavie]

I have seen those classes. Considering trying one, but I want to wait until C gets her first round of vaccinations. Also it is a bit far for my liking, so we'll see. The stroller work out classes are closer, but I'm not willing to pay the $95 initiation fee for something I can only do for 6 weeks until I go back to work. 20lbs is ambitious, but I figure with breastfeeding and working out it should come off pretty fast. I'm also not eating as much - no more donut cravings, and I'm eating healthier in general - no more morning sickness or acid reflux. I honestly thought I'd be down more already though, but I was really inactive during recovery. Just by adding morning walks in I've lost a few more lbs. It's far too hot to go out running right now, but I have an 8 week program on fitnessblender.com that I love. I'll be fine if I'm not down all 20...it's just a goal to keep me motivated.

C hardly slept at all yesterday. She wasn't really fussy, all smiles most of the time actually...but I really needed a nap. I think she maybe slept a total of 3 hours between 8 am and 8 pm. She rested a bit more than that, eyes half open, but that's it. How does a not even 6 week old do that? It seriously worried me. Tonight though, she gave us another 5 hour stretch of sleep. She's back down, her new arms only swaddle is working beautifully, and I'm wide awake. Don't get me wrong - The 5 hours is nice, but I really hope she naps more tomorrow. I know her little body and brain need the Zs.

 

[Weebles]

I've been back to work for a week now and it's been so hard! D pretty much does nothing but cry the entire time I'm gone. He brings her in so I can nurse her during my lunch which helps us both I think but I feel awful she's having such a hard time. I feel bad for hubby too, working all day and then screaming all evening. Breaks my heart.

Nights have gotten better though.. Not because she's waking less but because I finally gave in and let her sleep the way she wants to sleep which is next to me. We are just going to take our bed frame apart for now and put the mattress on the floor so I won't have to worry about falls.

I have a Tula carrier I've been itching to use but the newborn insert for it kind of sucks so that's back in the closet until she's a bigger baby. For now I've got some awesome narwhal fabric on the way for a fauxby. I should've gotten something sooner, I'm excited to use both my arms around the house.

 

[Girly922]

Sorry things are so sucky with SO Dobby!

As for activities, we'll let the kids pick and choose. DD1 has been asking to start ballet so we'll get her in classes once the new school term starts. I just hope A is as outdoorsy as DD1, she'd live out in the garden if we'd let her.
I'm starting baby massage with A next month after she's had her first immunisations, then hopefully baby yoga. I did both with dd1 and made some great friends through it. I currently go to the breastfeeding cafe every Wednesday, and have met some really friendly mums there too.

We had another weigh in yesterday and A has surpassed her birth weight nicely. She is now 8lb 3oz, and the midwife has discharged us. She'll be weighed again next week and hopefully will continue to gain steadily now. She had a really fussy day Tuesday where she didn't nap at all throughout the day, and clusterfed for 7 hours straight. I felt so touched out, and my supply has gone into overdrive a bit since. I squirted her in the face twice yesterday I think it's safe to say she's got this feeding thing down now.

Also, we had a little mini break over the bank holiday weekend. We went to see Will Smith perform as the Fresh Prince. It was incredible! A done so well with my Nan for the few hours we were at the show, and she was great during the long drive there and back. I fed her a lot while walking around the town centre, and had quite a few compliments about feeding in public which was nice as I know a lot of new mum's are apprehensive of feeding in public.

As for weight loss, I have a minimum of 14lbs to lose, but closer to 20 I think. I know I won't lose it until I stop feeding though as I didn't last time.

 

[PrettyInInk42]

Well, I had my 6 week appt and everything seems "normal". By that I mean the pain I'm having in the area where my stitches were is just cuz the skin is just kind of thin and tight, which is apparently the case for a lot of women. I was just told to put coconut oil on the area twice a day for the next few week until it doesn't hurt anymore. And the pain when I'm having a BM appears to be from a hemorrhoid. So, I was prescribed some foam (with a bit of a steroid in it) to help shrink it and told to have more fibre and water.

So, except for a little 10 min feed at 4am, Alex slept for 9 hours last night. So awesome. It gave me the opportunity for a little "me time" and to get a few things done, including 2 pumping sessions that resulted in 4 fl oz total. The only thing I did different was put him in a swaddle wrap (cuz it was pretty chilly last night), so I think I'll make that a part of his bedtime routine.

Don't even get me started on weight loss. -.- I still have like 30lbs to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight AND THEN I gotta lose another 30 after that. I really gotta get my s*** together both in terms of eating and getting some kind of daily exercise. Easier said than done though considering I'm pretty sure I'm a sugar/food addict. I'm literally eating Oreos as I type this. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so I need to get off my ass, both literally and figuratively.

 

[Gagrlinpitt]

I went for my 6 week check up as well and the doctor gave me the green light to start working out and swimming again. I'm still a bit sore where I tore however she said it's pretty much healed and she couldn't even see where I tore as I only had three stitches. I still have to wait a couple of weeks for sex though which honestly I have no interest in and I feel bad for my DH add I know he wants it bad. I'm also expecting AF to come any day now.. I'm not looking forward to that. I've lost 22lbs and I'm 4lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. Most of it is that extra belly flab. Goal wise immediately I want to lose 20 more lbs but long term 100.. I'm ready to get this done as I want to Be healthy and being 250+lbs I am way to at risk for other issues which I want to avoid.. I.e. diabeties, hypertension , ECT...

I also have noticed I've gotten very anxious about SIDS.. P has been sleeping in a rock N play and even though the doctor was ok with that.. I'm too nervous about the incline and also her head getting flat so I'm trying to see if one of my friends will let me borrow their bassinet as I want to slowly transition her into her crib which I read you can't really do until around 3-4 months... I've been swaddling her and putting her into her crib but she hates her arms being swaddled and she doesn't sleep as well as she does in her RNP. The joys of being a parent right?!

 

[DobbyForever]

I was advised to have A on an incline because he spits up at night and it ends up in his nose. Sometimes it gets really bad and affects his breathing, but he doesn't always wake up or wake me up. So his pediatrician said I should put a wedge or pillow under his mattress to give him a slight incline to help keep the spot up out of his nose. I couldn't manage it lol so I just gave up on feeding him more. He's still only taking 2oz at s time.

He's having his two month check early as I need to cart him to a work event and I wanted his first round of vaccines done. So it's next week. He is definitely getting an odd shaped head because he will not let me put him on the other side. He just moves his head bsck immediately or cries r_r

 

[Weebles]

Gagrl, my DD has hated being swaddled from the get go, it's almost comical. As soon as she realizes that she can't freely move the grunting begins and then the struggle to break free which she always does. I figure the blanket becomes a hazard at that point.

My post partum weight loss has plateaued.. I've got to make a real effort if I want to loose any more and it's so tough with a baby. I can't fit into any of my pre pregnancy clothes.

I had horrible hemmroids after ds too pretty. I guess that's one positive to having a csection.

Is anyone having mil/grandmother issues? I'm probably being overly sensitive but mine purchased DD a doll house and I'm quite sad about it, it was something I was looking forward to getting her a few years down the road. Don't really know how to speak up without sounding ungrateful.

 

[Catalyst]

Im so sad that I havent been able to keep up. In the beginning there was the learning to get things done, feeding two etc. And then it was fussy baby mostly one of the twins but also both for a while. Thinga are going better, been exclusively breastfed for 1.5 month or more now and going well. Just couple of nights ago we wete trying new things and made a bottle and I pumped, just for 8 min or so and I got 150.ml from one boob so Im produsing well.
Dh ia back to work and I have been home alone with the twins and done well. Even last week while beeing sick with cold and a fever. Girls are doing well wake up 2x to drink during night (never on the same time) growing well, cooing, smiling, looking at their hands, scooting abit on theyr back and more.
This is bot super hard and same time so wonderful makes me both smile and sometimes cry of frustration and feeling of not doing a good job.
Hope all is well with you all. So sorry I missed the birth announcements and all ;(

 

[Gagrlinpitt]

Im so sad that I havent been able to keep up. In the beginning there was the learning to get things done, feeding two etc. And then it was fussy baby mostly one of the twins but also both for a while. Thinga are going better, been exclusively breastfed for 1.5 month or more now and going well. Just couple of nights ago we wete trying new things and made a bottle and I pumped, just for 8 min or so and I got 150.ml from one boob so Im produsing well.
Dh ia back to work and I have been home alone with the twins and done well. Even last week while beeing sick with cold and a fever. Girls are doing well wake up 2x to drink during night (never on the same time) growing well, cooing, smiling, looking at their hands, scooting abit on theyr back and more.
This is bot super hard and same time so wonderful makes me both smile and sometimes cry of frustration and feeling of not doing a good job.
Hope all is well with you all. So sorry I missed the birth announcements and all ;(

No apologies.. you've got twice the fun. Currently we are in Florida visiting my parents and I ended up calling the pediatrician yesterday because P is having some constipation issues. She is now on 1oz of pear juice twice a day on top of her food.. hoping this will help soften up her stool which was a constancy of a thick peanut butter and make her go more than once every other day... Other then that she is doing great. She isn't typically a fussy baby but has been the past two days because she's trying to poop.. I feel horrible!!! Sleep has been non existent the past two nights and I still can't complain because this is very rare but it's a pita...

My mother took me doing for my birthday (it was August 29) and I am back into my pre pregnancy size!!! I'm so excited about that and even though I have a bit more lose skin in the belly area, I feel pretty decent about myself.

 

[PrettyInInk42]

Looks like we're all kinda busy with our LOs to post. lol. How is everyone doing?

Alex had a Dr's appt last week and he's now 9lbs 8oz and 22.5 in, which is basically what I was at birth (9lbs 7.5oz, 22 in). He'll be getting his first round of shots in 9 days. How time flies.