Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[blairwh58]

Nw- Congrats on the new arrival!!! Can't wait to see pics and hear how everything went.

[margi26]

NW: My cycle buddy....so happy for you!!! And so happy it sounds like everything went smoothly. Can't wait for details and a photo of your little guy, but right now, let yourself heal and glow in the glory of your new role as MOMMY!!!! What a wonderful start to this year.



Lou, Ashley, Ryann, Annashope, Amanda: What gorgeous babies!!! And wow...how quickly they all grow. I cannot believe my own little ones are nearly 3 months old. And starting to coo, give big smiles and grins and become such wonderful little people. It is truly a blessing I can't even put into words.

Amanda and Blair: I don't think I mentioned, but I was being pushed by HR to return to work sooner than planned because of the extended time I had taken off due to pregnancy complications. I guess, technically I had exceeded what FMLA allows in terms of them having to hold my position for me. Anyway, long story short, after loooong discussions with DH, we have decided to take a leap of faith and let me stay home--at least for the current time with the expectation that in a couple months I may return part-time if finances necessitate it. It is a wonderful (but also very scary) opportunity for me that I never anticipated. I have always worked, very hard, extended hours, etc for my entire life. I enjoy my career and am very proud of what I consider to be very important and rewarding work. Although without a doubt being a SAHM fits that job description to a tee, lol, I am still really nervous financially, etc. Right now I am trying to focus on the LO's and the opportunity I have to give them 100% of me. I feel really blessed not to have to send them to daycare as they are not even 10 lbs yet--although growing stronger and bigger every day. Any SAHM tips are welcome!!

[LYD10]

Wow - Margie - good for you for going with that decision. i think SAHM is the hardest thing to do. i remember when i went to back to work with one - i was actually relaxing at my desk a bit - instead of running around, nursing, etc. you know what i am talking about. i forgot - how much did Levi and Sofia weigh when they were born? they came at 34 weeks?

[blairwh58]

Lyd- from your signature it looks like congrats are in order!!! So congrats!!

Margi- even though we know it'll be a little tight we decided that the SAH route would be better for the girls. I wouldn't have been bringing home too much extra after daycare expenses not to mention I'd rather stay home and enjoy them. So far I've found its best to have a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Even though I feel like I'm running around racing time (since they have to eat every 3.5hrs) when I run errands, I have enjoyed every second of time with them. How much do levi and sofia weight now?

Afm- 2 mth check-up today. Girls are looking great and growing like crazy. Harper is 8lb3oz and 21in and Emory is 8lb12oz and 21 1/4in. They did have to get 3 shots each but did surprisingly well and didn't cry too much.

[Happy Bunny]

Margi: I'm a SAHM and it can be a big adjustment. I've worked since I was 14 and am used to being on my feet, active and multitasking all day. Being a SAHM took some time to get used to. At first, I was going nuts... I literally scrubbed down the walls. Now, I have a good routine and I do a lot of hobbies (sewing, couponing, etc.) to keep my mind and body active as possible. Also, stay in contact with friends and get out to do things. I save my shopping for when my husband is home - just doing stuff by myself can be refreshing.

My husband helps a lot. When he comes home, he jumps in and parents which gives me a break and some down time. At first, I expected that I should do everything for Brooke since he worked all day. Soon, I came to realize that my husband is a capable and loving parent and that he and Brooke need time together too. I am now able to let go and let him do things while I relax without feeling bad about it.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't feel that anyone would give Brooke the same quality of care as me or her dad so I'm happy to be home with her.

[margi26]

Lydia: Thank for the encouragement, and again, congrats to you!! Can't wait for your u/s to see how many you have bakin'. Sofia and Levi were 33w4d and weighed 3lbs6oz and 3lbs9oz which was a bit less than the 4+lbs they "should" have weighed at that gestational age. Our ped says they should gain 4-6oz a week, but as long as they are gaining we should be fine. We go see the doc this week, so I am curious to see what they weigh. Levi is clearly heavier at this point.

Blair: Yes indeed about the money. Daycare is quite pricey in our area (for quality care), especially times two!, and my with all the stress with my job, including all the after hours work, when you add together the pros and cons, it just makes sense to stay at home. Thanks for your thoughts about routine. DH goes back to work tomorrow and I was trying to put together a schedule for myself and the babies starting then. I know that otherwise I will go nuts! Sounds like Harper and Emory are doing great! Sofia and Levi did well with their 2 months shots. Levi was irritable and cried a lot that first afternoon, but then was as good as new. I am not sure their weights, but DH tries to weigh them on our personal scale. I think Levi is about 10 lbs and Sofia probably about 9. They were a bit smaller than your two to begin with. We should be going in this week for their RSV vaccine so I will get their weights officially then.

Barbara: Yes, it will be/is a big adjustment. I just now feel like I am getting out of just "survival mode" with these two. Levi still doesn't nurse consistently, so I am busy nursing, pumping and bottlefeeding, and then cleaning all the bottles and pumping supplies which feels like a full-time job in and of itself at times! With time and routine I hope I will be able to have time for hobbies. I have already gotten subscription to paper so I can try couponing. I also got a binder to help me sort them...although the past two Sunday coupons are sitting unclipped yet. I will get there--with a routine to start tomorrow as I told Blair, since DH goes back to work tomorrow. It has been really special having this time together as a new family. His employer is very generous to give 12 weeks paid paternity. (I got none!) I am sure my DH will also want to jump in in the evenings as he is such a loving and awesome new dad.

Thanks ladies!!!!

[BlissfulCS]

Just talked to the doc and we decided to induce Friday since I will be 37 weeks. So ready and so excited!!!

[klinger13]

Margi - YAY, I'm so excited you'll get to stay home with Levi & Sofia. I think with twins I probably would need to be on some kind of schedule but with just Maribel & me, we just take each day as it goes. Some days we just hang out and play all day and I'll fit in housework during naps or while she's occupied with some toys on the floor. Other days we run our errands or have a play date with a friend of mine who had a baby in August. Today we went swimming for the first time - major fun! It's all such a wonderful change from my long hours working & traveling at my old job. I seriously LOVE every minute of it.

To save money, we cancelled our dish service. We bought an HD antennae ($30 at Target) so we could get our local channels and we get Netflix and Hulu Plus through our x-box so we now pay $18/month for our TV watching. I make most of Maribel's baby food so that saves a little on the grocery bill. And we use cloth diapers during the day and disposables at night (recently switched to Target's brand since they worked just as well as Pampers but were much cheaper.) And I'm a big fan of coupons, more so for toiletries/cleaning supplies, since we like to get our food at Trader Joe's. Every little bit helps!

Again, I'm so, so happy that you get the opportunity to stay home. Woo-hoo!!

[LYD10]

wow - so many stay home moms! good for you, ladies! it is super tough! like i said some days i dont know what i look forward to more - saturdays or mondays

Margie and Blair - that's fantastic how quick your babies are gaining weight.

Margie - i am also very anxious to get to my U/S. i actually had my 3d beta today - my doc doesnt like to do a sac U/S - he does a 3rd beta instead. i think its because they bill insurance and want to keep costs under control. i am anxiously waiting for my 3rd beta results. i havent been feeling as nausious as before - so i am freaking out. i really hope the beta doubles appropriately. its just so hard waiting for the heartbeat u/s.

[sunshine.12]

crashing for nwquiz ... you did it lady!! congrats.. eagerly waiting for the pics of your lil man!

[baby_blu73]

CONGRATS NWQUIZ!!! Take care and please post pics and birth story as soon as you find some time.

[baby_blu73]

Recent pic of Brady (left) and Jaxon (right). They're crawling and climbing over stuff, especially each other, already!

[Sweetpea614]

Popping on really quick to congratulate NwWhiz!! Can not wait to see pictures.

Baby-Blu- The boys are so adorable!!

That's awesome a lot of you can stay at home. I'm fortunate Lucas is going to work with me. If he couldnt' come I would definitely give my job up to stay at home. Daycare in Boston as you can imagine is just ridiculous. Around $400+ a week sometimes for a good daycare. Why most just get Nanny's.

Klinger- What a way to save and an awesome idea. I try to get ours switched all the time to save money but that is one area that the Mr. want cut corners on;). He would make me work just enough to pay for his Direct TV and sports package;)

Blissful so exciting, hopefully Friday comes by fast for you.

Lou- Chloe is just beautiful.

Blair- What great weights!! So glad they are doing well.

AFM:- I feel exhausted all the time lately. Hope I get my energy back soon. Little man at his doctors appointment last Friday was 21.25" long and weighed 7.5 pounds. Today the visiting nurse came in and he weighed 8.3. He's growing so fast. I have so many friends that still have yet to meet him including my own son My son clearly is away at college and has a new job which has kept him away. I'm going up the weekend of the 20th to visit him so he can meet Lucas. I would ahve gone up already but someone needs to be in the back seat they said with Lucas, especially on long drives. Also it seems a lot of people around here have gotten this stomach bug or colds so I've had to tell friends to stay home.

[BlissfulCS]

He is gorgeous Kat! I can't imagine how excited you are to have your sons meet finally!

Great story Klingler on saving money. I love the ideas.

Margi- congrats on staying home. That's awesome and I wish you the best with the transition.

[lou71]

Kat- beautiful baby pics of lucas.

Ashley- athena is adorable!

NW- congrats mama! Can't wait for pics!

Lyd- congrats!

Margi- I must admit... I'm a little jealous of sahms. But good for you.

Steph- crawling? Good lord! Lol. The little men are growing so fast.

Amanda- great tips! We love Trader Joes too!

Yingz- you're so close! Any news?

AFM- today was my first day back at work. Dh is off this week so day care starts monday for chloe. I'm trying to figure our how to do everything I have to and want to in my life. I work full time, commute an hour each way, hit the gym for an hour 3-4 days a week, play tennis once or twice a week, work a part time job once a week, do consulting on the side a few times a month, and all that leaves about 10 minutes a day with my baby. Ugh! I want to work less but my company was bought out and no one is secure so I can't quit everything else yet.