week of 9/10

[mpc]

Hi all. I was not around all last week because we have had so much sickness in my house! DD had a double ear infection and a bad cough. I have a cold. And then all 4 of us got this awful stomach bug. My H and I are still struggling with the stomach bug, and it started last wednesday! I can't believe it's still stciking around. I finally went back to work today because I really can't afford more days off and feeling crummy at work is kind of par for the course during pregnancy, right? Both kids seem to be better and are back at school, thank goodness.

My c-section is scheduled for 3 weeks from today. Crazy!! 

[ivy]

3 weeks mpc! How exciting! Do you feel ready?? I hate that the stomach bug hit. There is absolutely nothing worse in my opinion. I hope the kids are better and you and your H aren't far behind.

I feel like I'm starting to emerge from the first tri crud. Though I tried to go without my unisom and b6 combo on Saturday, and that was a bit premature unfortunately. But mostly I'm just very tired. And my H has been traveling a ton. My in-laws are close and help a lot, but there's only so much of them I can handle at a time.

When we found out the babies were boys, I took inventory of everything we had and started a registry to track everything we need. I joined a couple of twin mom resale groups on Facebook, and I've been buying things I have on my list as they come up. I got a double stroller and twin carrier this weekend, and I'm feeling pretty on top of things. We need to clear the nursery and spare bedroom out (we moved last summer and these became our catch all rooms for the stuff we didn't need or have space for anymore), get them painted, then I'm buying all the stuff for the nursery. I'm on a mission to be 100% ready for these babies before Christmas.

[cactuscookie]

Our old daycare used to send home these ASQ questionnaires about H's development at certain stages. They said they'd keep sending them when we moved. The one we got last week asks whether she says 3- or 4-word sentences and has a spot to write an example. Here's one of H's recent sentences (in the car on the way to daycare), "I'm going to spill this on my seat, and it's going to make a big mess." So yeah, I think we're doing okay on sentence length. Maybe less good on discipline...

[loira]

Sept 10, 2018 12:58:41 GMT -5 cactuscookie said:

Our old daycare used to send home these ASQ questionnaires about H's development at certain stages. They said they'd keep sending them when we moved. The one we got last week asks whether she says 3- or 4-word sentences and has a spot to write an example. Here's one of H's recent sentences (in the car on the way to daycare), "I'm going to spill this on my seat, and it's going to make a big mess." So yeah, I think we're doing okay on sentence length. Maybe less good on discipline...

A does this too! And even when I tell her not to throw her toy, she'll pick it up, arch one eyebrow and say in a singsongy voice "I'm going to throw it agaiinnnn!" I am out of my depth with this kid!

Saturday was her first gymnastics class and she loved it! It was less chaotic than I thought it would be considering there were 8 toddlers (parent participation required obviously). Her coach was really great and I'm glad we signed her up. It is officially fall here now - boo summer is over.

[starryfish]

mpc, EKKKKK OMG its so close!!!!!!
ivy, getting ready is so exciting! I LOVE shopping!
cactuscookie, I cracked up at your example.

We went on a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas last week WITHOUT S....OMG it was NICE to sleep in and such. She stayed with my MIL and SIL and OMG she was spoiled and is now acting like a little brat lol. Gotta get her back to her sweet self.

[Mushe]

cactuscookie lol! Your little smarty pants is hilarious.

mpc so close! Do you feel ready?

ivy, I hope the sickness eases up for real!

[cactuscookie]

Sept 10, 2018 14:12:10 GMT -5 loira said:

Sept 10, 2018 12:58:41 GMT -5 cactuscookie said:

Our old daycare used to send home these ASQ questionnaires about H's development at certain stages. They said they'd keep sending them when we moved. The one we got last week asks whether she says 3- or 4-word sentences and has a spot to write an example. Here's one of H's recent sentences (in the car on the way to daycare), "I'm going to spill this on my seat, and it's going to make a big mess." So yeah, I think we're doing okay on sentence length. Maybe less good on discipline...

A does this too! And even when I tell her not to throw her toy, she'll pick it up, arch one eyebrow and say in a singsongy voice "I'm going to throw it agaiinnnn!" I am out of my depth with this kid!

Oh my gosh. Hazel is also literally testing boundaries. Like you'll tell her that she has to stay outside with her popsicle, so then she'll just put one foot inside, like, what about this, does this count? What if I slooowly walk inside with the popsicle?

We were shopping yesterday and a cashier took one look at her and said, "She's a smart one, you've got your hands full! I can see that edge in her." And I know it's probably all bogus, but DH and I were both like, YES, thank you!!!

[ivy]

Sept 10, 2018 15:21:03 GMT -5 cactuscookie said:

Sept 10, 2018 14:12:10 GMT -5 loira said:

A does this too! And even when I tell her not to throw her toy, she'll pick it up, arch one eyebrow and say in a singsongy voice "I'm going to throw it agaiinnnn!" I am out of my depth with this kid!

Oh my gosh. Hazel is also literally testing boundaries. Like you'll tell her that she has to stay outside with her popsicle, so then she'll just put one foot inside, like, what about this, does this count? What if I slooowly walk inside with the popsicle?

We were shopping yesterday and a cashier took one look at her and said, "She's a smart one, you've got your hands full! I can see that edge in her." And I know it's probably all bogus, but DH and I were both like, YES, thank you!!!

DD pulls this stuff too. Ask her not to do something and she’ll narrate while she does it then laugh like a maniac. And watch you veeeery closely while she does it.

[shauni27]

mpc, 3 weeks?!?! I feel like you JUST FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT! How is this possible??
cactuscookie, S does this with biting now that he knows he isn't allowed to bite. He will try putting his mouth on us to see if that is ok. Our what about biting our clothes but not us? All while looking at us like, "how far can I get away with this??"
loira, I cannot wait until we can sign up for baby gymnastics. He has to be 18 months here which is frustrating because, as you have seen, he is a crazy baby.

[loira]

Sept 11, 2018 7:45:06 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

mpc, 3 weeks?!?! I feel like you JUST FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT! How is this possible??
cactuscookie, S does this with biting now that he knows he isn't allowed to bite. He will try putting his mouth on us to see if that is ok. Our what about biting our clothes but not us? All while looking at us like, "how far can I get away with this??"
loira, I cannot wait until we can sign up for baby gymnastics. He has to be 18 months here which is frustrating because, as you have seen, he is a crazy baby.

Our class is for 18 months to 3 years old, but honestly all the kids in it were 2 and up, and everyone still struggled to listen to the coach and do what they were supposed to be doing. Do you have a tumblebums type place nearby you could buy a pass for instead? I've seen what he can do and he would definitely love climbing on gymnastics type equipment, but might not get much out of the teaching part yet anyway.

[shauni27]

Sept 11, 2018 9:40:11 GMT -5 loira said:

Sept 11, 2018 7:45:06 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

mpc , 3 weeks?!?! I feel like you JUST FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT! How is this possible??
cactuscookie , S does this with biting now that he knows he isn't allowed to bite. He will try putting his mouth on us to see if that is ok. Our what about biting our clothes but not us? All while looking at us like, "how far can I get away with this??"
loira , I cannot wait until we can sign up for baby gymnastics. He has to be 18 months here which is frustrating because, as you have seen, he is a crazy baby.

Our class is for 18 months to 3 years old, but honestly all the kids in it were 2 and up, and everyone still struggled to listen to the coach and do what they were supposed to be doing. Do you have a tumblebums type place nearby you could buy a pass for instead? I've seen what he can do and he would definitely love climbing on gymnastics type equipment, but might not get much out of the teaching part yet anyway.

nope.  You cannot even use the space until 18 months. It is frustrating.

I need to take him to our aquatic center though. There is tons he can do in there--lots of climbing and playing and it is nice and warm in the water.

[thoseareradishes]

mpc, oh my goodness I can't believe it's so soon!

shauni27, the gym E goes to starts at 4 months! Which I can't really imagine. She is in the 4-18 month class and now that she stopped hating the teacher she is really loving it. They do songs first, then little exercises (walking, jumping, supported flips), then it's play time while the teacher helps each kid on one of apparatuses, like the beam or the bar. Then balls and songs and bubbles. E has learned so much and actively participates now, helping to clean up and doing the hand motion and everything. I love it. I'm planning on signing E up for tinkergarden soon, do you have that near you? It's an outdoor class.

[mpc]

speaking of activities, DS started t-ball last night. We found out they will have practice TWICE a week for an hour and a half each night. I was not expecting that much! I'm already feeling overwhelmed by the commitment. But he is so excited to do it. We also signed up DD for music class again. That's more my doing, but it's good for her age. Thank goodness we have grandparents nearby because keeping up with this stuff with a brand new baby will be tough I'm sure.

I have been feeling so far from ready for this baby, but I guess now it's starting to feel inevitable (right, lol). So I'm shifting to feeling like lets just get this started. I'm definitely over being at work. Logistically, there are still things we need to do to get ready, but I've started making a list, so that's something.

[shauni27]

thoseareradishes, we are way too rural to have things like tinkergarden (though that sounds awesome!)

[Mushe]

Sept 11, 2018 11:13:00 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

thoseareradishes, we are way too rural to have things like tinkergarden (though that sounds awesome!)

Keep your eyes out! A girl I know from running started a group where I used to live, which is super rural.

[ivy]

Sept 11, 2018 13:19:07 GMT -5 Mushe said:

Sept 11, 2018 11:13:00 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

thoseareradishes , we are way too rural to have things like tinkergarden (though that sounds awesome!)

Keep your eyes out! A girl I know from running started a group where I used to live, which is super rural.

My sister is a tinkergarden instructor! It's growing by leaps and bounds - you never know! 

[loira]

Going next week to tour a Francophone preschool for A! I am astonished they even have spots but so relieved. This would save us some money (as opposed to daycare) and my H can get some more time to work a couple of days a week. Too bad they don't have it every day, but I was desperate for the French element and I think this will really help her language for when she goes into the francophone school.

[King26]

Sept 11, 2018 11:13:00 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

thoseareradishes, we are way too rural to have things like tinkergarden (though that sounds awesome!)

This is my problem too. Eric have the YMCa but that's about it. So we are doing swimming lessons now but that's about all we can do around here until he is 2 or 3.

[King26]

I am having a hard time keeping up with everyone these days. I read the posts but rarely have time to answer. I feel like we are at a busy time right now since I'm back to work, j is on the move constantly, and weekends are busy.

J has been cruising on furniture for like 2 months but will not take a step on his own. I think hes scared and I dont know how to help him take that first step. Any suggestions?

[loira]

Sept 11, 2018 20:03:15 GMT -5 King26 said:

I am having a hard time keeping up with everyone these days. I read the posts but rarely have time to answer. I feel like we are at a busy time right now since I'm back to work, j is on the move constantly, and weekends are busy.

J has been cruising on furniture for like 2 months but will not take a step on his own. I think hes scared and I dont know how to help him take that first step. Any suggestions?

Move the furniture slightly farther apart? He'll do it when he's ready. God, I can't remember how many laps I did with A, who refused to walk on her own until 16 months, then finally walked a few steps and started running laps like 5 minutes later. Weirdo.

[thoseareradishes]

King26, E started crawling last Christmas, took her first step in April, but didn't walk full time until July. By July I was like, ok kid, let's get this show on the road and start walking!! But she needed that time to build up her strength and balance. Does he have a toy he can push and walk behind? I wouldn't do anything special for him, he'll get there

[King26]

Sept 12, 2018 6:40:55 GMT -5 thoseareradishes said:

King26, E started crawling last Christmas, took her first step in April, but didn't walk full time until July. By July I was like, ok kid, let's get this show on the road and start walking!! But she needed that time to build up her strength and balance. Does he have a toy he can push and walk behind? I wouldn't do anything special for him, he'll get there

He does. He loves his push toy and runs around the house with it but won't try to step on his own

[shauni27]

King26, don't push it; he will do it when he is ready. Count your blessings, lol.

[starryfish]

Sept 12, 2018 7:49:12 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

King26 , don't push it; he will do it when he is ready. Count your blessings, lol.

this x10000000.....I was SO ready for S to walk.....but OMG is it a game changer when they do!!!!!! 

[thoseareradishes]

Sept 12, 2018 10:14:02 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Sept 12, 2018 7:49:12 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

King26 , don't push it; he will do it when he is ready. Count your blessings, lol.

this x10000000.....I was SO ready for S to walk.....but OMG is it a game changer when they do!!!!!! 

I actually was really happy when E started walking.  It made going out so much easier, especially to doctor appointments.  She didn't want to sit in my lap anymore, but I didn't want her crawling around on the floor.  Since she had been crawling for like 6 months and cruising for a while, it didn't seem any different in terms of babyproofing, other than she had further to fall.  But, she's not running yet, so I may change my mind when that starts.

[starryfish]

Sept 12, 2018 10:33:16 GMT -5 thoseareradishes said:

Sept 12, 2018 10:14:02 GMT -5 starryfish said:

this x10000000.....I was SO ready for S to walk.....but OMG is it a game changer when they do!!!!!! 

I actually was really happy when E started walking.  It made going out so much easier, especially to doctor appointments.  She didn't want to sit in my lap anymore, but I didn't want her crawling around on the floor.  Since she had been crawling for like 6 months and cruising for a while, it didn't seem any different in terms of babyproofing, other than she had further to fall.  But, she's not running yet, so I may change my mind when that starts.

oh yes that was easier than crawling but RUNNING.....that is a game changer.....especially when they run away from you in a store.....sigh lol

[shauni27]

Sept 12, 2018 10:37:07 GMT -5 starryfish said:

Sept 12, 2018 10:33:16 GMT -5 thoseareradishes said:

I actually was really happy when E started walking.  It made going out so much easier, especially to doctor appointments.  She didn't want to sit in my lap anymore, but I didn't want her crawling around on the floor.  Since she had been crawling for like 6 months and cruising for a while, it didn't seem any different in terms of babyproofing, other than she had further to fall.  But, she's not running yet, so I may change my mind when that starts.

oh yes that was easier than crawling but RUNNING.....that is a game changer.....especially when they run away from you in a store.....sigh lol

exactly! I felt the same way at first--walking was not much different than crawling. But running. OMG. and the climbing.

[oneslybookworm]

King26, I get it. G is doing the same thing, he can do everything with his walker, but won't take a step on his own. He actually took a few steps yesterday, but only because he was walking around holding our finger and we ripped our hand away and momentum kept him going. I understand being anxious wanting them to walk, even though every tells you to thank your lucky stars they're not. It's hard wondering if you're doing something wrong and why aren't they taking that step, etc. So yeah, I totally feel ya!

[cactuscookie]

More fun with this questionnaire:

"After your child watches you draw a line from the top of the paper to the bottom, ask her to make a line like yours. Does your child copy you by drawing a single line in a vertical direction?"

My child: "No, don't draw lines! Draw letters!"

This is going well.

[shauni27]

oneslybookworm, that is a good point; it is easy for me to say "consider yourself lucky!" but I think I would worry about it as well if S was not walking independently or whatever the milestone was that we were talking about. For both you and King26 though I would not be worried--they are still well in the range of normal and are SO CLOSE to walking. If they showed no signs in walking with furniture, hands, toys, etc then I would be worried. But they ARE walking, they are just being safe and cautious.

S on the other hand climbed up onto the couch last night and was jumping and spinning around and he OBVIOUSLY fell off and slammed his head wicked hard on the floor. The kid is the opposite of cautious and it shows when he gets reckless. Poor bugger.

**note, he is fine. We checked him for signs of head injury and concussion (oddly enough my dad was in the ER this weekend with a concussion and S and I were there with him so I had just spoken to the doctor about signs to look out for) and he is his happy little self this morning.