Baby Check-In Time!

[littlelion]

1. How old is baby?
2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? 
4. Biggest Struggle?
5. Biggest Success?

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too! 

[littlelion]

1. How old is baby? 7.5 mo
2. Alex is now on formula during the day and bf'ing evenings/motn. Solids are going well. We're doing stage 2 beech nut organics. I also let him try some of our food since he'll start whining when he sees us eat.
4. Biggest Struggle? STTN. He'll sttn once in a while. But still likes to wake up once or twice to nurse. I'm trying to just give him the paci which works 50% of the time.
5. Biggest Success? Getting him on the formula! That took almost 2 months to convince him to take regularly.

AW: Makes me happy seeing alex learn how to move around, figuring out what his little chubby body can do. He's not yet crawling but getting there! This is him planking.

[sterl724]

1. How old is baby?
4.5 months

2. FF or BF? Solids?
FF. We will probably ask the pedi about solids at his 4 month check up. (The doc is on vacation, so the appointment is like a week before he turns 5 months.) Plus, he'll stay daycare a few weeks after the appointment, so I'd like to start before that. Not sure how to go about starting though.

4. Biggest Struggle?
I think we are in the 4 month sleep regression. Night sleep is still awesome, but naps have become a lot more choppy and shorter.

5. Biggest Success?
I've kept him alive and happy. It's so cool to watch him grow and learn to do things. He'll do something once, and then all the sudden he'll do it all the time.

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too! 
DS had recently figured out the dog. It's like he just figured out the dog is a living thing. He's always smiling at her, and when she licks him he laughs. It's adorable.

[ellabee]

1. How old is baby?
6 months

2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going?
BF. Pumping is alright, just chugging along. Can't wait to be done with that aspect, but nursing is going well.

4. Biggest Struggle?
Dealing with the short nap struggle. B sleeps for 34 minutes then wakes up. Occaaaasionally he'll do 45mins. If we're in the car he can go for over an hour if we don't stop driving. DD was like this too.

5. Biggest Success?
Feeding him well. Dude is happy as a clam.

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too!
B can push himself up to sitting from his tummy. I'm half incredibly proud and half like "slow down baby!". Here's a pic from our 6 month photo session last week. The photographer took a few free photos for me as a favor because she was so late in getting my newborn print order to me. I'm so pleased with how it came out!

[teachermomtobe]

1. How old is baby? 5.5 weeks

2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? FF- she has started taking a solid 3-4 ounces so hopefully she is upping her intake so perhaps we can start sleeping longer during the night

4. Biggest Struggle? Wanting to eat every 2-3 hours pretty much around the clock

5. Biggest Success? Finally figuring out some of her cues for being bored, overtired, hungry. Mostly knowing how to get through the witching hour.

[moutonrouge]

1. How old is baby? 4.5 months
2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? BF - I just went back to work so I'm trying to keep up with what she wants to eat.
4. Biggest Struggle? Teething and also sleep all around. She was STTN a month ago, then 1 wakeup crept back in, then another. And her naps used to be glorious and long, now we're lucky to get an hour. I think it's her teeth bugging her to some extent, and maybe it's the 4 month sleep regression too. But it sucks this has happened now that I have to get up for work and can't nap.
5. Biggest Success? She's starting to inch along like she might crawl soon. We also found the bottle and chair that she is willing to eat from/in.

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too!

My mom got us some hand puppets, and DD really likes to watch them talk to each other. I think it's cute to see her so interested in that kind of thing. She's also just noticing the dog and is very into him when he stops by.

[lildiamondeyes]

1. How old is baby? 2.5 months
2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? Bfing, going good. Dude is a chunky monkey.
4. Biggest Struggle? Finding one on one time for just him without the girls trying to maul him or me.
5. Biggest Success? Sleeping. Still up multiple times, but goes right back to sleep.

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too!

[grover]

1. How old is baby? 3.5 months
2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? FF. We'll discuss solids next week at the 4 month appointment.
4. Biggest Struggle? She is refusing to sleep when out and about. FOMO. I feel more stuck at home now than I did when she was 2 weeks old.
5. Biggest Success? STTN. She's also scooting like crazy!

[loves2read]

1. How old is baby? 5 months tomorrow.

2. FF or BF? Solids? I exclusively pump since she never really took to breastfeeding. Because of weight problems though we also mix formula into the breast milk for more calories.

How are things going? Pretty well mostly.  
4.

Biggest Struggle? Weight gain. I can't get her to gain weight. At her four month appointment she weighed 9 lbs. She's the tiniest peanut. Everything with her mental development is right on track but she isn't even on the charts for weight gain.

5. Biggest Success? Still pumping. I've been struggling a little lately to make the ozs I need but I've managed to keep up. I'm pretty much just taking it one month at a time.

Any AW moments you want to share? Just in the past week or so she's developed pretty much perfect head control and is rolling over consistently. I had forgotten how babies seem to learn things overnight.

[Nymeria]

1. How old is baby? 10 months

2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? BF plus some solids. My supply tanked late last week due to a cold and not staying hydrated, but it seems to be rebounding. I pumped as much in 2 sessions yesterday as I did in 3 on Friday so that was a good sign. DS gets pureed fruits and veggies mostly, along with some cereal before bed. We're working up to bigger pieces of food, but he still only has 1 1/2 teeth so it's still a work in progress. One of his favorite things is self-feeding shredded or a torn up piece of cheese.

4. Biggest Struggle? Naps. He is horrible with naps. I can almost never get him to take one and when he does any good naps are almost always on me. Crib naps are just not happening. The worst is when I spend an hour getting him to fall asleep in his crib only to have him wake up 30 minutes later for no apparent reason.

Thankfully nights are decent and I'll take ok nights over naps.

5. Biggest Success? I think it has to be BF-ing. My goal was to make it to a year and I'm less than 2 months (holy shit time is flying!) from that goal. I have no plans to wean at a year, but I'll probably drop a pump session the days I work in office boost how much solids he gets and see how things go from there.

[littlelion]

Nymeria, lol at 1.5 teeth. Time does fly! GL making it to 12 mo BF'ing, so close!

loves2read, I'm sorry about the weight gain struggle. Has your pedi mentioned trying anything else like cereal? 

grover, wow, scooting at 3.5 mo! Naps while we're out are also a hit or miss with mine. Usually they only really nap in the car ride. 

lildiamondeyes, GL getting more baby quality time! I find it hard with just 2!

moutonrouge, she's so cute...and long! hope your transition back to work is going ok. Alex was up alot MOTN when I went back to work.  I was... not looking my best those first few weeks, kwim.

teachermomtobe, hope her eating more helps STTN! I'm trying to get Alex to take more milk during the day too. 

ellabee, the half proud half slow down is me too...with both my kids! We're done having kids so I want to enjoy the baby stages as long as possible. And omg, can your kid be any cuter? I love the gummy smiles. 

sterl724, I have to admit I let DC introduce solids. Oatmeal cereal only at first.  I think that was the first thing my toddler tried too. I think my pedi recommended that for the iron. Are you thinking purees or BLW?  

[loves2read]

littlelion No she hasn't. Last month her pedi said she really wanted her to hit 10 lbs and she was just staring at Ellie's chart in frustration, running the numbers and trying to figure out a reason. And Ellie was on the table just smiling at her and rolling onto her side and jabbering away. It was funny but I think it also showed the pedi that she isn't unhappy or suffering or behind developmentally. So that was nice. She's on medication right now for silent reflux because the pedi was desperate to find a reason and thought we might as well try that (she also has a little cough when she gets excited sometimes and she drools like crazy which COULD also indicate reflux but also could just be baby things so it wasn't like she was prescribing medication willy nilly). But that isn't the answer because I will guarantee she hasn't gained more than her normal pound a month this month. But we have our weight check next week and we will see where we go from there.

[loves2read]

moutonrouge that picture is so adorable and I love that outfit! I eyed buying that one but decided not to and I'm totally regretting that decision after seeing how cute it is on! I call Ellie fancy pants sometimes because of the crazy designs on so many of her pants. 😄

[littlelion]

Jul 18, 2017 9:38:45 GMT -6 loves2read said:

littlelion No she hasn't. Last month her pedi said she really wanted her to hit 10 lbs and she was just staring at Ellie's chart in frustration, running the numbers and trying to figure out a reason. And Ellie was on the table just smiling at her and rolling onto her side and jabbering away. It was funny but I think it also showed the pedi that she isn't unhappy or suffering or behind developmentally. So that was nice. She's on medication right now for silent reflux because the pedi was desperate to find a reason and thought we might as well try that (she also has a little cough when she gets excited sometimes and she drools like crazy which COULD also indicate reflux but also could just be baby things so it wasn't like she was prescribing medication willy nilly). But that isn't the answer because I will guarantee she hasn't gained more than her normal pound a month this month. But we have our weight check next week and we will see where we go from there.

GL at the weigh in. I mentioned cereal since I've heard they use it in the bottle for reflux. But I think I've also heard of special formula with higher calories...maybe used for preemies.  Hopefully she's gained this month and nothing more is needed! 

[thankfulsnail]

1. How old is baby? Theo is 12 weeks.
2. FF or BF? Solids? How are things going? BF at home, feeding expressed BM in a bottle at daycare. BFing at home is fine. Yesterday was Theo's first day at daycare and even though he's taken bottles twice a week fine at home, he was rejecting it or only eating half bottles most of the day until close to the end of the day when DCP slit the bottle nipple open a little more for a faster flow, then he finally took 4 oz. She texted that he's taken bottles much better today which is a relief.
4. Biggest Struggle? STTN. He was doing 7-8 hour stretches for the last several weeks but the last 2 nights he's only done 5 hour stretches. Not cool now that I have to go to work in the morning and can't nap, but I guess I shouldn't complain about the extra cuddles. <3
5. Biggest Success? Actually handing him over to the daycare lady. That felt like ripping my heart out of my chest, but everything has been easier since I ripped off that Band-Aid.

Any AW moments you want to share, or pic too!

Theo is at the same in-home daycare as his big sister. She was so concerned about him yesterday and was always stopping what she was doing to go check on him. During nap time, DD was so worried about whether or not Theo was sleeping that she wouldn't sleep until after she was convinced he was sleeping, too- so she got a short nap yesterday, but it seriously warms my heart that she wants to look after him <3

[sterl724]

littlelion I bought some rice cereal at Target, but then I second guessed if he was ready. I also read that rice cereal is no longer the go-to because of arsenic? I didn't realize that oatmeal cereal is more preferred? I ended up not opening it and may just wait until we go to the pedi.
I plan to introduce purees...I have no idea where to start! Do I buy the little jars of baby food? Is there a "preferred" brand or way to start introducing? (I don't have any desire really to make them myself... unless it's super easy.)
Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing!

[Nymeria]

Jul 18, 2017 11:18:41 GMT -6 sterl724 said:

I plan to introduce purees...I have no idea where to start! Do I buy the little jars of baby food? Is there a "preferred" brand or way to start introducing? (I don't have any desire really to make them myself... unless it's super easy.)
Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing!

Gerber has a first fruits starter kit. It has tiny containers of banana, pear, and apple that you could try first if you want something small to start with. We did this and it was nice to see if he was ready for purees using tiny containers instead of wasting full jars.



Otherwise, we just bought jars of Stage 1 foods to try. Stage 1 is single ingredient purees so you can watch for any reaction. Our go to has been Beech-nut (Just, Naturals, or Organic) or Earth's Best. We have bought Gerber as well but I prefer the glass jars over the plastic tubs. Our pediatrician had no comments on what brand. Most baby foods, especially the fruit/veggie purees are good about being just the food, or just the food, some water, and Vitamin C.

We bought a bunch and started trying one food at a time. The only hangups so far have been the green veggies (green beans, peas) - he's just not a fan. But once you get to Stage 2 they start mixing fruits and veggies so that has helped.

[littlelion]

Jul 18, 2017 11:18:41 GMT -6 sterl724 said:

littlelion I bought some rice cereal at Target, but then I second guessed if he was ready. I also read that rice cereal is no longer the go-to because of arsenic? I didn't realize that oatmeal cereal is more preferred? I ended up not opening it and may just wait until we go to the pedi.
I plan to introduce purees...I have no idea where to start! Do I buy the little jars of baby food? Is there a "preferred" brand or way to start introducing? (I don't have any desire really to make them myself... unless it's super easy.)
Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing!

I said no to rice cereal in case it constipated. I can't imagine FDA allowing something harmful esp for babies? I'm just saying since I've never researched this. 

What Nymeria said, introducing one thing at a time. There was a thread on solids on here with a good chart. I did gerber for the 1 stage but do like the Beechnut Organic for later stages. And I started at close to 6 mo.  More for convenience than anything. The cereal I did with 1 oz milk and a little cereal and gradually increased. So now he has 2 oz milk with enough cereal to make it a thick oatmeal consistency.  Sometime he's too hungry and wants nothing to do with the cereal. 

[littlelion]

thankfulsnail, My toddler does the same thing at DC! loves to check in on Alex before he goes down for a nap. And his teacher has been very nice to walk him over.  He also sees him outside on their walks and will run over for a quick kiss. And likes to yell at the other kids "My Alex!". Toddlers apparently love babies. 

How is your daughter? Mine is 2.5 and had trouble at first sharing us with baby. Even now he sometimes lashes out..slapping or hitting alex. smh. thin line between love and hate. 

[thankfulsnail]

Jul 18, 2017 12:02:35 GMT -6 littlelion said:

thankfulsnail, My toddler does the same thing at DC! loves to check in on Alex before he goes down for a nap. And his teacher has been very nice to walk him over.  He also sees him outside on their walks and will run over for a quick kiss. And likes to yell at the other kids "My Alex!". Toddlers apparently love babies. 

How is your daughter? Mine is 2.5 and had trouble at first sharing us with baby. Even now he sometimes lashes out..slapping or hitting alex. smh. thin line between love and hate. 

DD is 3.5 and struggles with sharing me but thankfully doesn't take it out on the baby- nothing but kisses for Theo, but she sometimes tells me to put him down and play with her when I'm feeding him, or will want to stay with me instead of going to the park with Daddy.


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[moutonrouge]

Jul 18, 2017 9:42:33 GMT -6 loves2read said:

moutonrouge that picture is so adorable and I love that outfit! I eyed buying that one but decided not to and I'm totally regretting that decision after seeing how cute it is on! I call Ellie fancy pants sometimes because of the crazy designs on so many of her pants. 😄

Thanks! That was a grandma buy - it's super cute, and also I can imagine my mom wearing that shirt in adult size (it's totally her style). 

[peaseblossom55]

E will be 9 months old in a week.

Ff and solids. She loves to eat. She has 2 teeth but we haven't done any pieces of food yet.

Bedtime some days. It took 2 hours tonight not sure why unless another tooth is coming in soon.

I pumped for 8 months with low supply so proud of what I did for her.


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[lildiamondeyes]

So where is question #3?

[littlelion]

Jul 19, 2017 18:59:55 GMT -6 lildiamondeyes said:

So where is question #3?

Lol. That was solids. But I combined it w #2. The off numbering has bothered me this whole time.

[lildiamondeyes]

Jul 19, 2017 19:01:38 GMT -6 littlelion said:

Jul 19, 2017 18:59:55 GMT -6 lildiamondeyes said:

So where is question #3?

Lol. That was solids. But I combined it w #2. The off numbering has bothered me this whole time.

Its been bothering me as well. I just got nosey enough to ask.

[jftb]

Jul 18, 2017 11:18:41 GMT -6 sterl724 said:

littlelion I bought some rice cereal at Target, but then I second guessed if he was ready. I also read that rice cereal is no longer the go-to because of arsenic? I didn't realize that oatmeal cereal is more preferred? I ended up not opening it and may just wait until we go to the pedi.
I plan to introduce purees...I have no idea where to start! Do I buy the little jars of baby food? Is there a "preferred" brand or way to start introducing? (I don't have any desire really to make them myself... unless it's super easy.)
Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing!

My pedi is pretty old school, but even he said oatmeal over rice because of arsenic.

[babystandish]

-8 weeks
-BF. Going good, except she's starting to be picky about bottles.
-sometimes she only wants to be held for naps, but everything else is going good.
-keeping her and the toddler alive lol

AW pic



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[sterl724]

Jul 19, 2017 19:42:11 GMT -6 jftb said:

Jul 18, 2017 11:18:41 GMT -6 sterl724 said:

littlelion I bought some rice cereal at Target, but then I second guessed if he was ready. I also read that rice cereal is no longer the go-to because of arsenic? I didn't realize that oatmeal cereal is more preferred? I ended up not opening it and may just wait until we go to the pedi.
I plan to introduce purees...I have no idea where to start! Do I buy the little jars of baby food? Is there a "preferred" brand or way to start introducing? (I don't have any desire really to make them myself... unless it's super easy.)
Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing!

My pedi is pretty old school, but even he said oatmeal over rice because of arsenic.

I'm glad someone can support that from a doc. I haven't given DS any yet, and was going to ask at our next appointment. Any idea how/why there is arsenic in rice but not oatmeal?

[jftb]

Jul 20, 2017 10:47:52 GMT -6 sterl724 said:

Jul 19, 2017 19:42:11 GMT -6 jftb said:

My pedi is pretty old school, but even he said oatmeal over rice because of arsenic.

I'm glad someone can support that from a doc. I haven't given DS any yet, and was going to ask at our next appointment. Any idea how/why there is arsenic in rice but not oatmeal?

I guess there's arsenic in all rice, not just rice cereal. It's the way it's grown? 

(My unprofessional information.)

[sterl724]

Did not know that. Interesting.