Summer 07' Baby's.....

[buckeyegal]

Racheal, you are doing all you can. Makayla will come out of this eventually. I hope things settle down for you soon! Could there be a natural remedy to try? Just a thought...I have no idea, but if the medication can't be used longterm, I wonder if there's a more wholistic thing you can try? Who knows....Keep your chin up kiddo. You're a great mommy!

As for us, we're experimenting with the nighttime issues. We skipped the last feed a few days ago, and it went fairly well. They got up earlier the next morning, which was expected. It's funny...they started eating more at each feeding to make up the difference. So, it seems to be going fairly well. We usually have them in bed by 9 or so. Then we're up around 6 or 6:30 the next day. Tough for me on the weekends, but oh well. Good news, Braeden rolled over today! yeah! He had been rolling over early on because he was so squirmy, but then stopped about a month ago as he got heavier. Now, he's a lot stronger and just popped over. I got so excited! Of course, Ellie has no thoughts of rolling. She's just happy lying there.

Have a good night gals! I hope it's a good one for all of us!

[thook]

Good Morning Girls....

We're off Apple Picking today in Woodstock - can't wait to take plenty of pictures of Aubrey's first apple picking event.

I hope everyong is doing well... especially you Rachael. Please keep us posted and remember that we're all thinking of you and praying that things get better w/ Makayla real soon sweetie!

Tasha

[nic4]

hey ladies,how are you all?

First of all,i'd like to say ive been nosying all ur pics on photobucket,and your angels are all lovely..xx

I read a post that said hard to imagine this time a year ago,we were on ivf rollercoaster..I think about that all the time,we were all sooo blesssed that our tmt worked and we have wonderful babies,i cant imagine life without Jack,in fact i cant stop thinking id like to jump back on that rollercoaster and try for a sibling,but am i being selfish,should i be grateful for the miracle that is Jack?? Decisions Decisions

Racheal..We've been in touch for nearly a year,(last October thread)..In all that time you've had my 100% admiration,you're there for your boys constantly,your husband all while going through IVF and being ill yourself sometimes,studying,cubs,the whole lot. Im sorry you're having a rough time with Mykala,but please be assured its nothing to do with your parenting skills.I truly hope things get better for you both soon.I'll be thinking of you..xxx

To everyone else,i must be going insane,but i cant wait till Christmas,this one will be so special....

Take care my friends..Nicola..xxx

[Casy P]

Hi all,

Rachel- I really hope things have been a bit easier for you the last few days. It must be so hard to see Your DD in pain and not be able to do anything about it. It's defianatley nothing that you have done, and seems so starnge that some babies are calm and content and others are so unsettled. My DD had reflux, although it doesn't sound as bad as Makayla's. She did however completely change at 4 months. Not sure why but she was a different child, sleeping through the night, whereas before she hardly slept day or night! I'm thinking of you and hope that things will soon improve for you.

kIm- Glad the experimenting with the evening feeds seems to be going well, despite the early mornings! Sure this won't be for long, they are doing so well. And Breadon rolling over already...Wow, very advanced! You are going to have an active one there!

Nicola- good to hear from you. Glad you are well. Can't believe your thinking of no2 already! Only joking. I know how your feeling, went through all the emotions when we tried for Joshua but if you really want another child then why not, the desire is there. Those who have natural pregnancies never have to consider it.

Colleen- how's Gavin doing? Hope the pooping issue has resolved.

Tasha- How was the apple picking? hope you had a fun day.

We are getting on ok. Think that things are gradually beginning to make a little sense! Just introduced a bottle to Joshua last night a 7.30. He took it no problem (took DD 2 weeks to get the hang of!) Was sad and happy at the same time. Sad that he took it easily after all these weeks of breastfeeding but happy that I know I can now leave him. The week after next I have to go in to hospital for a morning for a colposcopy to remove some abnormal cells that were found whilst I was going through this round of IVF. That same week we are going to a wedding and the children aren't invited! Will be very strange to get out just the 2 of us.
Joshua is now settling in the evenings but still feeding at 10.30pm, 3am and 6.30am ish. It's still early days though really. He has got a horrible cough and cold which doesn't help him settle in the middle of the night and I think he has a very sore throat as his cry has become a lot quieter and more sad, but there is nothing I can give him.
I also had my 6 week check up with the GP this week, and due to our diagnosis of unexplained fertility we decided that we should take some precautions so I have started taking the mini pill. Have just heard so many stories of people falling pregnant naturally after IVF and we really aren't ready for that to happen! I'm gutted though as I have just started bleeding again today, so can only presume its because of the pill. Not impressed!

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Just not used to having a bit of time to myself in the evenings!

[buckeyegal]

Hi all!

Braeden's been rolling around a bunch today...boy am I in trouble!

Nic--You aren't the only one who's thought about babies...I've wondered about what I want to do. We, however, have no frosties, so I am absolutely sure we will not go through IVF again. Being blessed with two babies, I just can't see myself or DH going through the ups/downs and financial commitment. However, for those of you with one, I could totally see why you'd want to do it again...the rewards are so great!

Caseyp--I'm also on the pill already. Like you, I've heard many many stories of people who go through IVF and their systems are "kick started"...I am not in any shape for a "surprise" right now, so we're being cautious. However, maybe someday we could get a little surprise? Who knows. Honesetly, my two are just all I need. I'm glad to hear Joshua took the bottle so well! That will give you a little more flexibility. Oh, about the pill, I'm still bleeding very irregularly. I was hoping the pill would get me back to being regular. Not happening yet.

Hope the rest of you are well! My two are doing pretty well at night. Some nights we do the late feeding, other nights we don't--it all kindof depends on how they've eaten and slept throughout the day. I'm sure it will get more regular.

Have a good night!

[jeck]

Hello Ladies!!!

I can't believe how big your wee ones are getting!! I have went to photobucket and checked them all out!! Sooooo Cute!!!!

Rachel, I hope Makayla is feeling better soon! Poor thing and poor mommy! Remember to take care of yourself too! Hugs!!

Great new on our end... Our son is coming home!!! We are leaving Saturday and we will be back home the following Friday!!!!

I have so much to do and I can't believe that it is finally over!!!

Wanted to share my news, talk to you all soon!!

Oh I have been wondering what to do with my 8 frosties, I got the bill to pay for their rent for the coming year! LOL!! I have no desire to ever be pregnant but I might would consider an surrgant.... Lots to think about! Most likely will pay their rent and think about it next year!

Have a great week!!!!

[crasmus]

hi there girls..

jeck-great news... so glad to hear that you are bringing you child home!! congrats!!!

kim- good to hear that the feddings are going well, and the nighttime thing is working it self out.. there are still days that gavin wakes amd others that he sleep through.. more of the latter latley..

casy-glad that he took the bottle... i would say keep giving him a bottle every few days.. Gavin took a bottle at first, now he wants nothing to do with one... i wanted to be able to get out on my own, but now he's in tow... or i try and dash out after a feeding i do not think that DH annd i have gotten out without Gavin?.. maybe if i can get him to take a bottle again we'll try... we are planning to get a vacation in feb 2008 a 1 1/2 away.. with no kids... i think that it's going to take that long to plan and get people to watch the kids... i think that the 3 boys will be split up, or gandmas will take shifts... but all the grandparent are still working...

nicola-thinking about a sibiling is natural... as for us, we started soon (iguess that we did wait almost 9 months) after each child to have another, and the boys are 2y8m and 3y4m apart... it took a while for us having to go through ivf... actually Gavin was concived not through ivf.. all of our ivf attemps failed ... he is our miracle baby.. I'm there with you and the christmas.. it's my favorate and i look to see the excitment in the kids eyes.. i do not know if gavin will have a clue... but the paper and bows are ALWAYS a hit..

tasha- how was apple picking? we had Gavins baptism on sunday and then had a ton of people over to the house.. it was crazy... were there a ton of bees/? there seems to be a lot this year and i know how they love the apples..did you go to the one right off of 176 just past 47?? we went there last year.. the kids love it!

rachael- i hope that you hang in there... remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel... i know that .. i think.... casy said that her DD was getting better at 4 months... gavin is 4 months on friday, and his reflux is so much better just in the past few days, and now he actually pooped on his own for the first time in weeks... my doc said that their gut goes through a transformation by 4-6months and hopfully makayla will just be better all of a sudden..
do not listen to anyone that says that you spoiled her... a child can not get spoiled in the first 6 months of life!!!!!!!!!!!! i find that sometimes when his reflux is bad i put him in his car seat and drive around a little, and he'll usually fall asleep... and i think that he sleeps better there because it's inclined... i know that it's really hard to see your baby in tears crying, but i hope that she turns the corner soon for you... do not blame yourself.. i know for a fact that you are doing the best... i know that you'll do all you can for you daughter... hang in there sweetie... we'll say extra prayers for you guys!!!

we are well... gavins reflux seems to be getting better every day.. we only are on one dose of meds in the evening, and i soon hope to be off of that soon, he'll be 4 months on friday... Dh is going away on a guys weekend thur-sunday... so it's just me and the boys... .the hardest part i think will be bed time... dh is usually good at helping with the older boys, as i get gavin ready, or just trying to console his crying...DH is not that good with the inconsolable crying....

take care all...
colleen

[thook]

Good Afternoon Girls....

Nicola- I'm right there with you on X-Mas. We're actually going away for X-Mas this year - heading to Palm Springs, CA. We usually go away every other year and this happens to be that year. I'm kind of torn about it being that it's Aubrey's 1st X-Mas, but she'll be so small that she probably won't even remember it.

Casy- sorry to hear that Joshua has a bad cough & cold... poor little thing - hopefully he'll get better soon.

Jeck- that is great news... I'm so excited for you & DH. Can't wait to see new pictures of your little one soon.

Colleen- glad to hear Gavin is doing better and has finally pooped.... you and him must be so relieved! Yes that is the apple orchard we went to... we have actually been going there for 3 years now and we love it.

Well we're doing great... Aubrey will be 4 months old this Thursday - boy has time flown by. She's still sucking on her fingers, hands & everything else she can get into her mouth... I'm thinking it's the early stages of teething.

Well I hope you all have a great evening...

Tasha

[buckeyegal]

Jeck--Yeah!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! Good luck getting everything ready and have a safe trip. I can't wait to see pics.

Racheal--I hope today's a better day.

Tasha--Apple picking....how neat! My class is studying about "the life of an apple" right now....wish we had an orchard near us!

Bambinos are napping right now...thank Goodness! I'm trying to catch up on a few things before they wake!

[Casy P]

Jeck- just wanted to say how pleased I am to hear your news. At last. It has been a real journey for you but you're nearly there. Take care

Just a quick post as got to wake Joshua for late night feed. We seem to be having problems with the day time sleep. If we're at home he just doesn't want to sleep. He'll settle on his own, with dummy (pacifier) and then be awake within 15-20 mins and whatever I do won't go back to sleep. He can be awake for 4 hours easily which seems too long for me for 6 weeks, and then has his 15 min nap and thats all. As the day goes on he just works himself up and gets so tired and miserable (as do I!) DD used to do this as well and I ended up going out in the car with her to get her back to sleep, but with the 2 children this isn't practical. Hope this doesn't last, but thinking he will just be like it, must be in the genes. DD never slept in the day for longer than 1/2hr stretch until she started walking.

Hope all well x

[buckeyegal]

Caseyp--so sorry to hear that Joshua doesn't nap. 4 hours does seem to be a long time for a 6 week old to be awake. Even my two tend to nap every 2 or 3 hours and they're 3 months old. I am trying to read this book right now called Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child (I think that's what it's called? Sorry, I'm too lazy to run upstairs to look...). Anyway, it's been helpful for me. Of course, mine are older than Joshua so a little crying before falling asleep isn't unheard of. But, at 6 weeks, are they supposed to cry to sleep? I couldn't do it back then, but mine were usually sleeping during the day and not at night. I think around 6 or 8 weeks, some more regular sleeping patterns start to emerge, right? good luck kiddo. I don't know what I'd do without the naps....

As for us, we're okay. We had been using the Gentle formula for gassy babies for several weeks, and all was going well down there. However, we had SOOOO many packs/cases of free Enfamil Lipil formula (the docs felt bad that we had to buy double the formula, so they had the sales reps send us a bunch), we decided to try it again to see if their tummies could handle it any better. for the first few days, we were fine. But, now the past two days (and especially nights), we had too much gas/crying. Braeden even woke himself up in the middle of the night crying! So, first thing this morning, I ran to Sam's and bought a bunch more gentle formula. Hope that helps us get through the nights again. Both babies ARE doing better at getting a more regular nap routine down. We're awake by 7am...feed, play...little cat nap around 9. Feed again around 10....BIG nap by 11:30. Feed again around 1. Play play play, cat nap. Feed at 4. BIG NAP from 5-7. Eat play play play bath and final meal around 9ish and put to bed. This has worked for the past 3 or 4 days, so I'm hoping that this routine will continue working for a while!

By the way, has anyone heard anything about the Birth Control pill called Lybrel? It's the one that keeps you from getting your period? My gyno recommends it for me since I have endo. I like the idea of keeping the endo at bay, but the idea of no periods kind of weirds me out. On the other hand, I'd love to never have to deal with tampons again! (Of course, there goes my #1 excuse to keep DH off me at night! ha ha!)

have a good night gals...I'm off to bed.

[cmoscar]

Hello Girls!

I am not doing much better, but there is hope. DH is going to take care of Makayla for most of Saturday so I am rest and also go out without her. She has me pretty much confined to the house at this point. In fact, at our boy scout and cub scout meeting, our parents were passing her around in hopes I could make it through without having to stop. She has been awful. Not bad, just very difficult. She is pretty much constantly crying when she is awake. I have made an appointment with the ped because it is not normal in my book. What we are going through is not normal and he needs to check on her. Right now she should be happy and laughing, yet she rarely smiles. She doesn't even attempt to turn over or moved around much. She just flails her arms and legs. She is offically nursing all the time. I cannot even pump much even though with my boys I had enough extra milk, I was able to donate it to a local hospital as well as feed them. I just want her to be happy and heathly. The ped told us she is gaining weight like normal even if she is not eating normal. I guess he is right because she weighed 12 lbs 3 ozs yesterday. I am really hoping the ped can help us out more tomorrow.

Buckeyegal - I am glad they are settling down. I think the schedule you mentioned sounds normal (from my experience with my sons). Your best bet though is to go with the flow. I was never strict at scheduling the boys because they knew when they were hungry and such. As for the pill, I am not able to take BCs because of my clotting disorder. I hope you are able to find out more information.

Casy P - Some babies sleep that way. My neighbor has a 4 week old and he is doing the same thing right now. She is exhausted because of it, but he is still growing well and so she is happy. I hope he will stretch it out soon. I am praying Makayla will transform at four months as well. However, she is already 3 1/2 months with no sign of change in site.

Tasha - Fear not, you are right. Their first Christmas is a great one to share with others. They do not open gifts and they are truly oblivious to the situation. I hope you enjoy your trip!

Colleen - I am glad Gavin is relieved! Pour thing sounds like he is trying hard to do it on his own! I hope your little vacation goes well. The boys will love the time with their grandparents though. It is great that you are able to do this. We hardly ever spend time without the kids because my parent don't like children much and my MIL spoils them awful and now the boys take advantage of her easily. So we just do our camping so we can enjoy nature with them.

JECK!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very happy! I am thrilled to hear you angel is arriving soon. As for your embies, wait a while. Let becoming a mom settle in and enjoy your little cherub! You have made me feel 100 times better. You have worked so hard to bring your baby home and here I have enjoyed my angel all this time. I hope you will join us over here now that he will be here now. You belong with us!

Nicola - I love you and Jeck in such a special way. You both have been there through my entire IVF trip. I am someone to be admired. I just love spending time with my kids. They are my world. Before I had the boys, I was a very sad person and had little to keep me going. I am lucky to have the three of them. As my boys head off to college, I will have my baby girl to keep me company. By the time she is ready to go, Daniel will be 29 and should be giving me some grandchildren to spoil. Even once everyone is gone, I hope to be running a ranch for children needing self-esteem. I could have used it when I was little, so I want to give it to the children nearby that need it but do not have the resources to get it. It is just the way I am and everyone is different. However, thank you for letting me remember this. I have been really down, but I am trying to turn it around again. I am going to get some sleep and wake up with a new start. I am going to take Makayla out and see the ped and then we are going to the park for a one on one stroll. She loved her pouch before, so I am going to try again. As for siblings, it is perfectly natural. It takes me a while to get there (seven years this last time), but I think I am really done now. Makayla is going to be my baby girl forever. I am content with my family now and if we want more, we will look into adoption. IVF was just too hard and pregnancy is really hard on me. However, I also have three beautiful children to keep me busy!

I am sleepy now, so good night.

Love to all the angels we keep!

[nic4]

Hi Ladies,how is everyone and their cherubs

Racheal...I hope your ped gives you some answers,i think we as mothers instinctively know when something isnt right,so go with your gut instinct,and i hope things improve for you..xx

Casy..sorry Joshua doesnt seem to be napping so much,its really quite stressful trying to do everything without the worry of a fussy baby,i hope things improve for you soon...

Kim,glad your babies are getting into a routine,i hope this continues for you,and sorry i cant help with the pill,but anything that doesnt give us periods is a good thing

Colleen,gald to hear Gavin is doing better and finally pooped..

Tasha,im sure your Xmas will be great,just think how more amazing it will be next year when our babies can kinda join in...

Jeck...my friend im sooo excited for you,what a special time this must be for you,let us know when your finally home with your precious son..

To everyone else i truly hope you are all well..xxx

As for us, we are fine,i honestly look at Jack and think im truly blessed,what a journey to get here,but oh my sooo worth it,my hope would be that all the other ladies on these boards can eventually have the same fullfillment.He got weighed last week and is 11lbs 11oz,he will be 10 weeks old on Tuesday,hes had his first immunisations,and did really well.I can spend hours just holding him and looking at him,and thanking God for his being here.

My Love to you all..Nicola..xx

[Casy P]

Was just checking in to see any news, but all is quiet.

Rachel- How did it go with the paedeatrician? Any ideas? And how was the time to yourself? Really hope you got to chill out a bit, was thinking of you.

Jeck- you are collecting your little boy.....great!! Can't wait to hear you are all home safely

Colleen- how did you cope this weekend? Hope all was ok and that DH enjoyed himself I know what you mean about bath and bed time...it's the worst time in our house as well, thats why we now give Joshua the bottle. DH and I can take it in turns to settle DD and feed Joshua.

We are well, Joshua weighed today and is 9lb 13oz, growing well so really pleased. And we seem to have conquered the daytime napping little. I think it was my doing, was keeping Joshua awake too long about 2 hours and then by the time he settled himself to sleep he woke within half hour because of hunger! I'm keeping a close eye on him so putting him down for a sleep before he gets over tired and he is doing some longer sleeps thank goodness. He is a lot happier as well, even greeted me with a smile this pm. He also goes down in the evenings with no complaints even though he is awake for up to hour! I feel like we are getting somewhere.

Hope everyone is well

[buckeyegal]

CaseyP--It has been quiet around here, huh? I think we're all just soo busy! I'm glad to hear that Joshua is sleeping better. I've discovered the same thing with my two....they need to get a nap before they've crossed the threshold of "too tired". In fact, they're both falling asleep for their afternoon nap as I type!

Racheal--How are you? I hope you're doing better, and I pray that Makayla is getting better. Her pain/frustration has to end soon. Has she ever had formula? Just wondering....I didn't know if it would be worth a try to see if her tummy handles it better? I know breastmilk is better for her and supposed to be more easily digested...but you sound so frustrated. I just have to wonder if formula might be worth a try??? If nothing else, just to give you some breaks? Good luck with whatever you do.

How are the rest of you doing? I hope well!

AS for us, we've been sleeping pretty well at night. However, both babies are developing a cold right now. Ellie's got it worse than Braeden. Oh, I hate when they get colds. Although, they seem to be handling it better this go around than when they had their first one back in August. I hope they can beat it quicker this time around!

Made the mistake of stepping into Gymboree over the weekend...saw the most precious Christmas outfits! But, yikes, they were pricey! I can't imagine spending 50 bucks plus on outfits that'll just get spit up on. But, oh, I keep thinking about them and how cute my kiddos would look....I hope I can resist!