JuneBirds 2010 April Chatter

[bluedaisyma]

Tam, if you wean him, try eats on feets http://www.eatsonfeets.org/
I am sorry you are going thru a rough time right now ....how can we help you?

Mer, yay for the heartbeat this melancholy board needs fun news like that

Elena, what's the deal with Levi's night screaming? Sorry! and why are you worried about falling asleep so early...do you think you are pg?

Jessica, what's going on? I bet you look great as a skank

AFM: oh my effin gosh. ok, so I left the window open and it stormed (yes I keep doing that but the AC isn't working). I was up ALL night and nothing came in the window. Well, from 6:15-6:40, I slept, it came in and flooded our room, the dining room and kitchen below and the basement leaked too....right on the banner I had just made for Kailani's birthday I swear, I have never had this happen so much. In no other house! SO, no more window open for me....I know it is bc the gutters get clogged and we call them and they don't do anything. They bring up stuff that we supposedly have broken, so I am not calling (I am afraid of getting evicted). So I gotta see if my mom will come to town and bring her dehumidifiers. It sucks. It's like the floor between the floors is made of paper and a drop of water goes to the next floor. Then yesterday we got a paper about mowing and pulling weeds (um, we JUST mowed 6 days ago, but it rained a lot). And some of the fence posts are broken. Again, we live right by the parking lot and there have been trees down and storms. It's not our responsibility, but i am afraid to not do it. We wouldn't be able to move (no $$ for sec dep, etc, etc) so I am scared.

Enough of that

AFK: he is walking so well....yesterday, he turned around while walking and went the other direction and to move around something, he walked sideways! I have been taking him outside so he can push his alligator walker and he acts like he is mowing the sidewalk, lol. One weird thing, he won't walk in the grass at all! He just stands there, but will walk on gravel, no shoes (and I can't get shoes on him :/). He has been going about 4-5 hrs at night w/o nursing, and then about every 3 during the day, rest of night. Then he was really clingy (and I thought it was bc it was hot in the house and I was fussy), but he feels really hot now and is hoarse (he wakes up crying and sounds hoarse), so not sure. I don't like these fevers! I will end on a good note- when he wants you to come, like to walk beside him (when we were outside), he looks at you, says, "eh" and does his hand in a "come here" motion

[canadianbakers]

Originally Posted by tamarag Hi ladies...ROugh time for me (whats new) Just feel pretty down and worthless. I have supported DH in his career, job moving whatever and now I just feel like crap. I have been out of a job forever just being a sahm (which I royally suck at) I am so jealous because DH is going to go back to school for his masters degree. When will I get to do what I want to do? When can i do something that makes me happy? I feel like I am in a deep dark hole with 3 kids clawing me, flighting with each other, fighting with me and the whole world is walking by looking down and going on about their day not giving a rats arse! I have talked to DH about it and he just doesn't get it and if he does he doesn't care. I saw my psych today and she switched me meds and really urged me to quit bfing with hopes it will help and that we can do different meds if these dont work. Like everything is too much for me right now. I cleaned the kitchen yesterday and nobody can lift a friggin finger to help keep it clean. The stupid dog pulled trash all over the kitchen, peed everywhere and DH acts like it is no big deal!

I'm sorry, Tamara. I would really debate weaning Cooper - in the long run are you going to feel okay with weaning before a year? If not, if you think it would be a disappointment, then it's worth it to keep going till a year and then wean and see what can be done with meds.
Are you doing anything else in the meantime along with the meds - getting outside for fresh air, walks/exercise? I know it's tough with kids in tow all the time, but it's so worth the work. For me and my depression issues, it's like night and day when I can get outside for a walk or some sunshine and fresh air.
I don't really have any advice about the whole DH/dog situation. But for the housework/tidying stuff there's definitely no reason that your DD and DS (to some extent) can't help out. Our kids are expected to help out around the house when asked - we're working on the good attitude while doing so, but they do help out. They have to understand that as part of the family it's everyone's responsibility to help out in/around the house from time to time. Now I certainly don't mean that they do all or even a lot of chores - but picking up all the toys in their rooms/the living room/the playroom so that I can vacuum is a help, kwim?

Originally Posted by bluedaisyma Elena, what's the deal with Levi's night screaming? Sorry! and why are you worried about falling asleep so early...do you think you are pg? AFM: oh my effin gosh. ok, so I left the window open and it stormed (yes I keep doing that but the AC isn't working). I was up ALL night and nothing came in the window. Well, from 6:15-6:40, I slept, it came in and flooded our room, the dining room and kitchen below and the basement leaked too....right on the banner I had just made for Kailani's birthday I swear, I have never had this happen so much. In no other house! SO, no more window open for me....I know it is bc the gutters get clogged and we call them and they don't do anything. They bring up stuff that we supposedly have broken, so I am not calling (I am afraid of getting evicted). So I gotta see if my mom will come to town and bring her dehumidifiers. It sucks. It's like the floor between the floors is made of paper and a drop of water goes to the next floor. Then yesterday we got a paper about mowing and pulling weeds (um, we JUST mowed 6 days ago, but it rained a lot). And some of the fence posts are broken. Again, we live right by the parking lot and there have been trees down and storms. It's not our responsibility, but i am afraid to not do it. We wouldn't be able to move (no $$ for sec dep, etc, etc) so I am scared. Enough of that AFK: he is walking so well....yesterday, he turned around while walking and went the other direction and to move around something, he walked sideways! I have been taking him outside so he can push his alligator walker and he acts like he is mowing the sidewalk, lol. One weird thing, he won't walk in the grass at all! He just stands there, but will walk on gravel, no shoes (and I can't get shoes on him :/). He has been going about 4-5 hrs at night w/o nursing, and then about every 3 during the day, rest of night. Then he was really clingy (and I thought it was bc it was hot in the house and I was fussy), but he feels really hot now and is hoarse (he wakes up crying and sounds hoarse), so not sure. I don't like these fevers! I will end on a good note- when he wants you to come, like to walk beside him (when we were outside), he looks at you, says, "eh" and does his hand in a "come here" motion

I have no clue what's up with Levi and sleeping/screaming/nights lately. Although last night he slept like a dream - he fussed around 1am, I thought he'd want to nurse, but he just wanted his paci - rolled over with it, didn't even really wake up. He did that a couple more times, but didn't wake wanting to nurse until 4 or so. That was nice!
I am getting so frustrated with his napping - or rather lack of - though. It's driving me nuts that it takes over half an hour of me cuddling and nursing him to get him to sleep during the day. If I sit and hold him, he'll nap for 1.5hrs or so - wonderful except I do have a 4yr old and a house to care for as well! Whenever I lay him down I can bet money that he'll be up within 30mins of laying down - usually 30mins on the dot. But this morning was only about 10mins. Driving me absolutely crazy. I wouldn't mind the cuddling, etc if he'd have a decent nap after laying down - Zech was like that, needed cuddles but then would sleep for 1.5-2hrs. I'd love to be able to lay Levi down after some cuddles, nursing, rocking, etc like I could with Isaac, but I've tried a few times and much screaming ensues - and not like just a few minutes and he goes to sleep. He would go on for hours if I left him.
Anyhoo, whatever. Maybe he'll never be a good napper, I dunno. Maybe I should try just one nap instead of trying for morning and afternoon naps? But he gets so tired at 10:30 and if he doesn't sleep he gets grumpy and fussy.

Yes, going to bed so early is very reminiscent of early pregnancy for me. As is falling on the stairs (which I've done twice now, a couple weeks ago at dance and yesterday I fell up the stairs here). And I'm peeing a lot. And my nails are growing fast. No. I'm not taking a hpt. Couldn't bear to see a neg, even though we aren't trying and I wouldn't even want to really be pregnant again this soon - I'm still enjoying Levi's babyness too much.

OMGoodness! I'm so sorry about the flooding! Oh no!!! About the claims of damages - did you guys have a walk-through and sign something listing the details of anything before moving in? Oh that just stinks. House stuff is always so stressful to deal with.
How's Hana liking working with your Dad? (just popped into my head, sorry for the tangent, lol)

K, walking and wanting company!!!

AFM: Levi's working on walking too now. He can go 2 or 3 steps, between people or the couches, etc. He gets so happy and proud of himself, lol. Too cute.
His third tooth (top left one, kwim?) is just about enough through to see it. It's been a long week + of that one. :banhgead: Which has probably contributed to the night waking/screaming we've had. I hope the other one isn't the same! I did put his teething necklace back on yesterday (have had it off for a couple months now) just to see if it would make any difference for/with him. Dunno if it's doing anything or not. Although he does seem to be drooling less today.

Ruthie had her school musical last night - Adorable! She did such a great job! And the boys were actually pretty good, sitting and watching it. Fairly quiet.

Today I need to take Isaac to a preschool wellness thing - they check hearing, sight, and development, and usually speech language but the pathologist is still on mat leave so they're waiting on that until Sept. It's so that they know where the child is before starting kindergarten, that way if any resources are needed for the child they can have them ready to go right away.
And I think Zech wants me to take him to karate tonight.
And Ruth and Isaac are supposed to have dance pictures done tomorrow. I'm undecided on them, honestly. I don't want to bother going - dance has been such a big hassle for me this year, so unenjoyable except for watching them have so much fun. But there's so little left I do want to finish with a good effort. So I'll probably pack everyone up and go in, get a couple pics for this year. And I'm SO hoping that they'll be fine with trying something different next year - Ruthie has been talking about piano lessons, and I know they have gymnastics in a town about 10mins away (which would be so much better), and we've all ready registered Isaac for karate in Sept. I'd love a break from dance, even if only for a year.

Anyways, gotta go make lunch. Sorry for the novel - I'm feeling even better, thus more chatty

[tamarag]

Elena I am glad you are feeling better! Just reading your posts makes me tired. You are so busy.
I am sure you've tried but will he sleep or cuddle with one of your shirts that you've slept in? I seriously don't know why I waited so long to get the hammock! Since then he has slept thru the night! You could really make one easily!
Yeah Elena I feel like I would be even more depressed from weaning and that it may create more trouble...I have an appt with the Pedi to check his ears and I will see how she feels with the new med dosage. Although i feel more comfy after talking with the pharmacist and talking with infantrisk (dr. hales hotline) So since he is a few days away from 11 months I will push thru till a year and see how it is at that time.
I will be working hard on getting the kids to help out more...you are right, there is no reason why they can not help and pick up after themselves. part of it is my fault because it is just easier to scream and yell at them and then do it myself, then be mad for having to do it....vicious cycle!

Jul i can not believe K so advanced (well all of the junebugs are except Cooper ) I am totally ok with it...in due time I will be chasing that booger everywhere! He actually turns in circles while sitting, so funny! The more I watch him the more I think he wont crawl at all and go from sitting to pulling up to walking!
So sorry about the flood. Man there has been some crazy weather everywhere. Sounds like the landlords are kinda a PITA! So cute about K telling you to come...
Thanks for the hugs. It really does mean alot that you ladies are so helpful and supportive. I feel alone alot of the time and being able to talk with you gals helps immensly! I hope this group never goes away or I would really cry!

AFM...well I started back on an old med that makes me really sleepy..I took it at 8:45 and I am already starting to feel groggy. My doc said that I really needed it and that I deserved a nice restful sleep!
This weekend I am doing my first 5k...only walking it though. There is no way I could run it and may have to bring both boys...should be interesting.

[canadianbakers]

Originally Posted by tamarag Elena I am glad you are feeling better! Just reading your posts makes me tired. You are so busy. I am sure you've tried but will he sleep or cuddle with one of your shirts that you've slept in? I seriously don't know why I waited so long to get the hammock! Since then he has slept thru the night! You could really make one easily! Yeah Elena I feel like I would be even more depressed from weaning and that it may create more trouble...I have an appt with the Pedi to check his ears and I will see how she feels with the new med dosage. Although i feel more comfy after talking with the pharmacist and talking with infantrisk (dr. hales hotline) So since he is a few days away from 11 months I will push thru till a year and see how it is at that time. I will be working hard on getting the kids to help out more...you are right, there is no reason why they can not help and pick up after themselves. part of it is my fault because it is just easier to scream and yell at them and then do it myself, then be mad for having to do it....vicious cycle! AFM...well I started back on an old med that makes me really sleepy..I took it at 8:45 and I am already starting to feel groggy. My doc said that I really needed it and that I deserved a nice restful sleep! This weekend I am doing my first 5k...only walking it though. There is no way I could run it and may have to bring both boys...should be interesting.

I don't feel like I do nearly enough, so it's so nice to have you mamas telling me I do, lol. Actually I never thought to try putting something of mine in his bed I think I'll try that tomorrow, maybe just a pillow case off my pillows or something, across his mattress where his head lays. Hmm... although I have been laying him down (for naps) in our bed, which obviously would smell like us, and that's where he's waking after max 30mins. Grr. I may try it still, though. I'd just love longer naps from him, even if it means one decent nap after lunchtime. I don't mind the night waking, once or twice to nurse back to sleep, as long as it's not accompanied by 2hrs of screaming!
I do wonder if a hammock or something like that would help - heck, I'd use the swing still if he stayed in it, but when he wakes up he started grabbing the side and leaning out and could possibly get his head stuck between the seat and the bars - just not safe anymore. Anyways, he will nap longer periods if he falls asleep in his car seat and stays asleep when I stop the van - which he almost always does if it's naptime. When he does this and I'm home (like today) I just leave him in the van and check on him every 5-10mins. Today was very easy, it was warmer so the van window was open and the house windows were open ( for that, btw!!! oh that made me feel so good!). He'll nap there for 1.5-2hrs, every time.

I wasn't trying to put down the idea of weaning now, just wanted to make sure you thought of it from all angles, kwim? I just wouldn't want you to wean and then realize after that you felt badly for doing so - I know that it would pain me horribly to have to wean before a year and would end up causing more depression from guilt than I could ever hope to treat with meds. It's not an easy choice at all. But you are very close at this point.

Oh, I hate groggy feelings from meds.
Good luck on the marathon! Do you have a good double stroller? Like a bike trailer one would be perfect for it. Even if you have to take the boys, I bet they'd have fun (and probably nap a good chunk). Just make sure to bring them some snacks and definitely something to drink.

[bluedaisyma]

Tam, good for you on the steps you are taking! I mean it, I think the 5K will be great- good exercise and fresh air is really helpful. If you ever need to talk or anything....PM me, I am happy to give you my #, ya know?
For the kids, I would really make a chart. My kids have done their own laundry since they were like 6, and emptied the dishwasher since they were 4 or so....at one point, I had a big chart on the basement door where they rotated what chores they did. For example, maybe for a week (or a month), one kid was in charge of emptying the dishwasher, one was in charge of trash and recycling, one was in charge of pet feeding and poo pick up, and the last was in charge of towel laundry for everyone. And then weekly, it rotated for vacuuming, sweep/mop, etc. It worked really well, since it was in writing and so forth. And they used to have to earn tv and video game time. But alas, since the divorce and 2 of them going to school, it has gone to pot. I still have them do their own laundry and dishes, but everything else is on a whim, since they aren't here all the time, either at school, lacrosse, work (my oldest) or their dad's, so it's hard to get a routine. I do need to work on it though esp for the summer when they will be here weekdays. sorry for the tangent, just thought I would share what worked for us!

Elena, I don't think you said anything about the weaning in a bad way! It is good to get all sides of the coin and Tam knows we love and support her and Coop no matter what!
Hey, if napping in the car works, then do it! That's why my 2nd lived in the swing, lol.
And take a test, woman! Someone needs to keep Mer company
Sounds like you need a break from dance, have a new routine for a bit and then maybe go back to it if they miss it!

AFM: well, Hana loves the work, but my dad is mean, lol. he yells all the time and hana comes home a bit more emasculated each day...although, he is getting a tough skin. It's just scary bc the weather (lots of rain, no work) and it slows down in June, so....he is putting his resume back in AV thing
Tam, what is the infantrisk hotline? Do you think I could call them about yam cream? I need to do something about my progesterone but won't do anything UNnatural and don't want to do premarin either (pregnant mare urine cream )

AFK: sick again. Got a fever 2 nights ago with a really phlemy, gaggy cough. Out of nowhere (he had been a bit clingy). Then woke up no fever, but was a bit mellow and cough (sounds really wet and then he gags). Then last night at the lax game, he started feeling warm again and as we were leaving, he puked all inside the carrier- on me and him and the carrier, so it was driving 40 min home . Had a fever all night and coughy...idk what is going on. this am, fever and had a bit of diarrhea with is cough.
it is fun watching him discover new things. he goes down the stairs now too pretty well. forgot what else I was gonna say :/

[canadianbakers]

Jul - I'm scared to teach my kids to help with laundry, although they most likely would do all right. DH doesn't even touch my washer/dryer without explicit instructions though, lol.
Nope, no testing for me. Not yet anyways. I'm quite sure I'm not pregnant, just feeling odd from stress. At any rate, no testing!
I'm sorry things aren't going great with your dad and Hana. Sounds like your dad's just a rough tough guy, not bad, just that way. But if Hana's not used to it it would get to him.
More I hope K starts feeling better soon. Poor little guy.

AFM: it seems like when I get one decent night out of Levi I end up paying for it for the next week! Last night was 12:30am until 3am. He does have a cold though and was very stuffy. I finally gave in and got him some cold meds and he was able to "unstuff" and sleep.
This morning he started getting tired around 10am and crawled in my lap. I had him just fall asleep and then had to get up to get Isaac a snack. Levi slept for all of 3mins. Seriously. So I just got him up and kept him up until after lunch. By 12:30pm he was really tired, fell asleep nursing, and stayed asleep when I laid him in our bed. He stayed asleep until nearly 4pm So, I think keeping him up for one nap after lunchtime may be the best option to get a decent naptime in with him. It won't really work when we're out and about in the day, he usually sleeps in the van, but for when we're home all day we'll try it.

[tamarag]

Originally Posted by canadianbakers I don't feel like I do nearly enough, so it's so nice to have you mamas telling me I do, lol. Actually I never thought to try putting something of mine in his bed I think I'll try that tomorrow, maybe just a pillow case off my pillows or something, across his mattress where his head lays. Hmm... although I have been laying him down (for naps) in our bed, which obviously would smell like us, and that's where he's waking after max 30mins. Grr. I may try it still, though. I'd just love longer naps from him, even if it means one decent nap after lunchtime. I don't mind the night waking, once or twice to nurse back to sleep, as long as it's not accompanied by 2hrs of screaming! I do wonder if a hammock or something like that would help - heck, I'd use the swing still if he stayed in it, but when he wakes up he started grabbing the side and leaning out and could possibly get his head stuck between the seat and the bars - just not safe anymore. Anyways, he will nap longer periods if he falls asleep in his car seat and stays asleep when I stop the van - which he almost always does if it's naptime. When he does this and I'm home (like today) I just leave him in the van and check on him every 5-10mins. Today was very easy, it was warmer so the van window was open and the house windows were open ( for that, btw!!! oh that made me feel so good!). He'll nap there for 1.5-2hrs, every time. I wasn't trying to put down the idea of weaning now, just wanted to make sure you thought of it from all angles, kwim? I just wouldn't want you to wean and then realize after that you felt badly for doing so - I know that it would pain me horribly to have to wean before a year and would end up causing more depression from guilt than I could ever hope to treat with meds. It's not an easy choice at all. But you are very close at this point. Oh, I hate groggy feelings from meds. Good luck on the marathon! Do you have a good double stroller? Like a bike trailer one would be perfect for it. Even if you have to take the boys, I bet they'd have fun (and probably nap a good chunk). Just make sure to bring them some snacks and definitely something to drink.

I didn't take it that way. No worries! I only had to take Cooper with me so it wasn't bad. He did really well, fell asleep for about 30 minutes and was good for the rest of the time!

Originally Posted by bluedaisyma Tam, good for you on the steps you are taking! I mean it, I think the 5K will be great- good exercise and fresh air is really helpful. If you ever need to talk or anything....PM me, I am happy to give you my #, ya know? For the kids, I would really make a chart. My kids have done their own laundry since they were like 6, and emptied the dishwasher since they were 4 or so....at one point, I had a big chart on the basement door where they rotated what chores they did. For example, maybe for a week (or a month), one kid was in charge of emptying the dishwasher, one was in charge of trash and recycling, one was in charge of pet feeding and poo pick up, and the last was in charge of towel laundry for everyone. And then weekly, it rotated for vacuuming, sweep/mop, etc. It worked really well, since it was in writing and so forth. And they used to have to earn tv and video game time. But alas, since the divorce and 2 of them going to school, it has gone to pot. I still have them do their own laundry and dishes, but everything else is on a whim, since they aren't here all the time, either at school, lacrosse, work (my oldest) or their dad's, so it's hard to get a routine. I do need to work on it though esp for the summer when they will be here weekdays. sorry for the tangent, just thought I would share what worked for us! Elena, I don't think you said anything about the weaning in a bad way! It is good to get all sides of the coin and Tam knows we love and support her and Coop no matter what! Hey, if napping in the car works, then do it! That's why my 2nd lived in the swing, lol. And take a test, woman! Someone needs to keep Mer company Sounds like you need a break from dance, have a new routine for a bit and then maybe go back to it if they miss it! AFM: well, Hana loves the work, but my dad is mean, lol. he yells all the time and hana comes home a bit more emasculated each day...although, he is getting a tough skin. It's just scary bc the weather (lots of rain, no work) and it slows down in June, so....he is putting his resume back in AV thing Tam, what is the infantrisk hotline? Do you think I could call them about yam cream? I need to do something about my progesterone but won't do anything UNnatural and don't want to do premarin either (pregnant mare urine cream ) AFK: sick again. Got a fever 2 nights ago with a really phlemy, gaggy cough. Out of nowhere (he had been a bit clingy). Then woke up no fever, but was a bit mellow and cough (sounds really wet and then he gags). Then last night at the lax game, he started feeling warm again and as we were leaving, he puked all inside the carrier- on me and him and the carrier, so it was driving 40 min home . Had a fever all night and coughy...idk what is going on. this am, fever and had a bit of diarrhea with is cough. it is fun watching him discover new things. he goes down the stairs now too pretty well. forgot what else I was gonna say :/

Thanks Jul! I feel really good about the 5k and really want to do another one. I am going to try to get out in the evenings to jog/walk. I feel so guilty since we pay $72/month for a membership to the Y. The only use we are getting out of it is a discount for camps and preschool. Awww well what am I gonna do....
Poor K. Wonder whats going on? So many viruses sounds like he is just getting back to back ones.
So with the chart...what was the punishment for not doing them? I would like to limit tv time but honestly it is harder on me. and honestly everytime I complain about them I can only blame myself. I don't follow thru on anything...

http://www.infantrisk.com/
and the number is 806-352-2519 you can call and they will tell you if it is safe. It is Dr. hales website and it is texas tech university...where I went to school!

Originally Posted by canadianbakers Jul - I'm scared to teach my kids to help with laundry, although they most likely would do all right. DH doesn't even touch my washer/dryer without explicit instructions though, lol. Nope, no testing for me. Not yet anyways. I'm quite sure I'm not pregnant, just feeling odd from stress. At any rate, no testing! I'm sorry things aren't going great with your dad and Hana. Sounds like your dad's just a rough tough guy, not bad, just that way. But if Hana's not used to it it would get to him. More I hope K starts feeling better soon. Poor little guy. AFM: it seems like when I get one decent night out of Levi I end up paying for it for the next week! Last night was 12:30am until 3am. He does have a cold though and was very stuffy. I finally gave in and got him some cold meds and he was able to "unstuff" and sleep. This morning he started getting tired around 10am and crawled in my lap. I had him just fall asleep and then had to get up to get Isaac a snack. Levi slept for all of 3mins. Seriously. So I just got him up and kept him up until after lunch. By 12:30pm he was really tired, fell asleep nursing, and stayed asleep when I laid him in our bed. He stayed asleep until nearly 4pm So, I think keeping him up for one nap after lunchtime may be the best option to get a decent naptime in with him. It won't really work when we're out and about in the day, he usually sleeps in the van, but for when we're home all day we'll try it.

Sorry about the sleep Elena. That is exactly how Anthony was up until 15 months when he weaned! Maybe keeping the 1st nap short say under 30 minutes that would help the later nap and thus help bedtime.

AFM: like above, I did the 5k and am looking at doing more! It was really nice and refreshing. Tons of kids, stroller friendly too. The next one I am looking at is more of a race and not a "fun run"....

So I am starting to worry about drinking while nursing....I have been under the mindset of "if your too drunk to drive then your too drunk to nurse" BUT after reading from Dr. Hales website I am a tad nervous....
http://www.infantrisk.com/content/al...-breastfeeding
Basically the amount to wait depends on how fast you metabolize the alcohol which depends on weight and therefore would determine how long to wait. I like to have a drink (one beer 2 max) at dinner and then I usually nurse him shortly after 1-1 1/2 hours later which would be when it peaks...I could wait till after he goes to bed but lately I am really enjoying having a beer at dinner....WWYD?
Sometimes I feel like an awful mother because of the amount of meds I take. I mean today I took my regular antidepressants, one zantac, 2 aleve and a diflucan all at the same time...then poor Cooper is exposed to all of that. I just feel bad like I am harming his liver and kidneys! This is definatly my anxiety talking....

Love the FB chat... Elena

[MeCo7707]

Tam - there is a Liver cleanse for nursing moms called LiverglowII, it's supposed to benefit mom and breastfeeding baby, help keep the liver happy and healthy...maybe you could give it a try. I honestly don't see a problem with having a beer and then nursing, but that's just my opinion.

[canadianbakers]

Originally Posted by tamarag So with the chart...what was the punishment for not doing them? I would like to limit tv time but honestly it is harder on me. and honestly everytime I complain about them I can only blame myself. I don't follow thru on anything... Sorry about the sleep Elena. That is exactly how Anthony was up until 15 months when he weaned! Maybe keeping the 1st nap short say under 30 minutes that would help the later nap and thus help bedtime. AFM: like above, I did the 5k and am looking at doing more! It was really nice and refreshing. Tons of kids, stroller friendly too. The next one I am looking at is more of a race and not a "fun run".... So I am starting to worry about drinking while nursing....I have been under the mindset of "if your too drunk to drive then your too drunk to nurse" BUT after reading from Dr. Hales website I am a tad nervous.... Love the FB chat... Elena

We have a chore chart as well - it's got a bunch of different spots per day, you can fill it in for whatever you want (markers, white board, kwim?). We talked to the kids and told them they will start with 'x' for allowance and if they have a bad day (generally this means missing 2 or more "chores") they will lose some of their allowance.
I say "chores" because they're not all really chores - right now they are:
- brush teeth, get dressed, make bed, backpack
- good table manners
- good attitude (this means playing nicely with friends/siblings, having a good attitude when asked to do things, etc)\
- homework & reading (for ruth and zech)
- keep clean & dry (for isaac)
We try to remember to do the chart each night before bed with them - there are magnet stickers they can put when they've accomplished that chore that day.
For the allowance and losing per day they are different for all the kids:
Ruth starts with $2, for a bad day she loses $0.25
Zech starts with $1, a bad day means losing $0.10
Isaac either gets $0.25 for a good week or $0.10 for a not great week (that would mean lots of accidents and not listening well for multiple days)
It seems to work for the most part with our kids.

Last night was really good! He went to bed at 9pm, woke to nurse at 2:30am, back to his crib until 7am! He napped really long yesterday afternoon, only one nap, and today I kept him up through the morning. I didn't get him down for a nap this afternoon until 1:30 and he only slept an hour, but oh well. We'll figure it out.

So glad you got to the 5k!!
I wouldn't worry about drinking while nursing - I never have. I mean, I wouldn't get drunk while nursing (or not nursing for that matter) but I have no problem having a drink or 2, like with dinner or a cold beer on a hot day, or a couple glasses of wine after their bedtime. I've never noticed anything different about any of the kids when I did.

Yeah, yeah, whatever!

[tamarag]

Mer intersting about the Liverglow II...I wonder if it would help with the depression too? That and the Blues Buster II