-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
ParentGaf OT: Birth, Bib and Beyond
- Thread starter User 100115
- Start date
KoruptData
Member
Congrats to the new parents. Welcome to the show that never ends.
As for the cat problem, you can get canopy type things that go over basinets/cribs etc.
In our experience we didn't need one though, our cat avoided our son from the start. He so desperately wants to be friends with her but she ain't buying.
As for the cat problem, you can get canopy type things that go over basinets/cribs etc.
In our experience we didn't need one though, our cat avoided our son from the start. He so desperately wants to be friends with her but she ain't buying.
The Broken Ska Record
Member
Thanks guys. Im beat. Been up since 4:30a and it's 12:30a here.
Congrats to the new parents! Two baby boys born the same day! You're twin parents!
Also, congrats H. Pro! I'm so excited for you!
We have two cats and were nervous how they would adapt, as well. Especially because they both showed a keen interest in baby's things (crib, swing, bassinet, etc.). Turns out they were only interested in his stuff. They both give him a wide berth and pop up after he's gone, to cuddle into his things. I've literally seen our cat waltz into the nursery, because she caught sight of me and wants cuddles, only to do an Abe Simpson about-face when she locked eyes on baby playing nearby. I think most cats are not down for the noise and unpredictable flailing, that goes hand-in-hand with babies.
Now that baby is almost a year and big for his age, we worry more for our cats than for him. He crawls after them and grabs (but he's getting better). His new thing is to rush up to them and poke their noses. Which is definitely better than grabbing, but super confuses them.
Also, writing this reminded me that my "baby" is going to be a year soon and officially be a "toddler." How did this happen? Where did the time go? All of the clichés about them growing too fast are true!
Also, congrats H. Pro! I'm so excited for you!
We have two cats and were nervous how they would adapt, as well. Especially because they both showed a keen interest in baby's things (crib, swing, bassinet, etc.). Turns out they were only interested in his stuff. They both give him a wide berth and pop up after he's gone, to cuddle into his things. I've literally seen our cat waltz into the nursery, because she caught sight of me and wants cuddles, only to do an Abe Simpson about-face when she locked eyes on baby playing nearby. I think most cats are not down for the noise and unpredictable flailing, that goes hand-in-hand with babies.
Now that baby is almost a year and big for his age, we worry more for our cats than for him. He crawls after them and grabs (but he's getting better). His new thing is to rush up to them and poke their noses. Which is definitely better than grabbing, but super confuses them.
Also, writing this reminded me that my "baby" is going to be a year soon and officially be a "toddler." How did this happen? Where did the time go? All of the clichés about them growing too fast are true!
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Thanks, Soul! I'm really hoping for moments like that. I have heard many a tale of it not going well initially between the two because the older one feels like they're being replaced, insecure, etc., but I'll try to get Mia prepped ahead of time. Any issues with your two? Similar-ish age gap?
Thanks, HM! Hopefully it'll pass cert on the first go.
Oh, I got the same thing. I swear half of the congratulatory comments are because they think I've started work on an actual game...
And, can you see why I was getting so annoyed in your thread when guys were saying that pregnancy/giving birth were just an 'inconvenience'? Do they have any idea how much fun it is to even just get out of bed when your bloody pelvis is separating?!
Thanks, zbarron! My fingers are crossed for exactly that. I'm really curious about how they'll interact. Judging from the foods I've preferred during this round, they're going to be veeeeery different.
Cheers, Red! Sad to be rejoining the choppy night fitbit group so soon again, but best to get it out of the way now, I guess. ;_;
Danke, Keri! Thrilling times ahead, I'm sure.
Save me...
I mean, I guess I have heard all those old wives tales about cats sleeping on babies, but this never happened with ours and he is a total lap whore. He was very delicate with the baby, and at most he'd go in for a sniff or a cheeky head lick when she immobile. Just keep the baby's room a cat-free area to discourage hair, and be sure to give the kitty some extra lovings. It'll be fine (I safely napped in the living room all the time with the baby).
We invested in a cat protector thing for the top of the cot - which never left its packaging. Cat was never a problem with any of our children. The only issue is that she liked sleeping in the car seat, leaving it covered in fur. In the end we took to sitting a soft toy in the car seat when it wasn't in use, and the cat found somewhere else to sleep.
Skellig Gra
Member
Yes I totally get it. Not that I can understand what women go through but my wife couldn't walk for several weeks because Pete was laying on her lower spine. Just a minor inconvenience.
ThatStupidLion
Member
alright gaf - our first baby is due at the end of november. we're not finding out the sex. we're slowly gearing up with some items. I was wondering what your opinions and experiences are with getting a rocking chair.
We didnt get one, we just have a really comfy chair for feeding, i don't really see a benefit but i know a lot of people swear by them. they're very expensive.
My boy is getting big!
A rocking chair/glider is a comfortable place to sit while nursing, if you'd rather not lie down. We sometimes use it even now if our two year old is having trouble going to bed.
In short, it's nice but not necessary. We relied much more heavily on automatic swings at the newborn/young baby stage -- those are lifesavers.
My baby girl just turned 6 on Wednesday and taking her to Seaworld tomorrow. I can't believe how fast time has gone by and how big she has gotten. It feels like not too long ago, she was so tiny and able to fit in one hand, but now she's huge and a challenge to carry up the stairs to her room.
I was supposed to get cut, but deep down inside I want another one day.
I was supposed to get cut, but deep down inside I want another one day.
Septimus Prime
Member
Congrats, H. Pro and new parents!
Skellig Gra
Member
Ditch the rocking chair and get a lazy boy type chair that rocks. Those classic wooden rocking chairs can be nightmares to sit in for extended periods.
http://www.la-z-boy.com/p/recliners/jasper-reclina-rocker-recliner/_/R-010709
Leo already with more hair than Pete
Presumably heckmanimation was talking about modern rockers/gliders, e.g.: http://www.toysrus.com/products/nursery-rocking-and-glider-chairs.jsp
There's nothing there that looks or feels like the old-fashioned wooden "granny" rocking chairs.
BriareosGAF
Member
Yeah, we bought a nice glider, although the ottoman was a pain in the ass and never used. It's sort of a bizarre thing to buy for a few years when I look back on it...
Skellig Gra
Member
Those aren't great either IMO
Same, when my wife was pregnant we'd goto the baby stores and she'd sit in the rocker and fall in love. Cut to 2 months into her maternity leave and her and the baby just chill out on the bed most the time except when the little one returned to her crib. Looking at the rocker I have no idea what to do with it and it can't stay in the baby's room once she masters crib exits.
I'm zeroing in on the 2nd birthday and I've noticed I am slowly becoming a neat freak when it comes to my daughter. My inlaws love getting her paint and stamps and anything with ink which leaves it up to me to clean up the squirmy little princess and some of that paint just never comes out. Sometimes I hide all the paint or throw it out so it can't happen again. Kids get dirty right this shouldn't bother me but its like an itch under my skin when i see paint or ink all over her clothes and body. Its only going to get worse right once she has more command and I really need to get a grasp on the situation... lol
Melchettsmoustache
Member
My oldest daughter (7) has been referred to Speach and Language (UK developmental department) and now to a paediatrician as they believe she is showing signs of Autism. Most likely still 12 months plus from a diagnosis at least.
We have always felt something was different as she doesn't really socialise with other kids, plays alongside them etc. She is affectionate to us, has no issues with eye contact, learned her speach at the expected rates and does generally well in school. She has always struggled to acknowledge kids talking to her though and at times is just down right rude to them in her offhandedness.
It's quite shaken me, my wife being the sensible one. I'm just so worried she will struggle in high school if she can't make friends and what her life will be like as she moves to adulthood.
We have always felt something was different as she doesn't really socialise with other kids, plays alongside them etc. She is affectionate to us, has no issues with eye contact, learned her speach at the expected rates and does generally well in school. She has always struggled to acknowledge kids talking to her though and at times is just down right rude to them in her offhandedness.
It's quite shaken me, my wife being the sensible one. I'm just so worried she will struggle in high school if she can't make friends and what her life will be like as she moves to adulthood.
Skellig Gra
Member
That's why the lazy boy rocker is much better imo. You can put a recliner in any room with seating . More comfortable too.
They are also what, $500+?
The glider rockers are £200 new here and £30-50 used on gumtree or ebay.
Sullivan tried his first food today - blitzed carrot with a bit of breast milk mixed in. To be honest, he barely swallowed any of it, but it was a fun first and we know that food will be a whole new journey which will require persistence and patience. Bring it on!
Last week he had his first wedding (on the outside anyway), and also turned 5 months old.
Last week he had his first wedding (on the outside anyway), and also turned 5 months old.
Gravy Boat
Member
Quoting myself to say that for the first time my daughter came to me and told me she needed to dump. Plopped her on the potty and away she went! So bloody proud. She had to phone both sets of grandparents to tell them what she did.
Jive Turkey
Unconfirmed Member
Preemies don't develop their core muscles as much as full term babies. Apparently it has to do with the fact that they aren't compressed as the womb reaches its expansion limits. Because of this, preemies tend to start doing things out of order, like trying to walk before they learn to crawl. My son also learned to roll from his back to his stomach before stomach to back. That caused me to lose no small amount of sleep, I assure you!
It's a look I could definitely get used to. Hell, I might just go full Doctor Who and have him permanently in a bow tie!
Skellig Gra
Member
Sully looking sharpSullivan tried his first food today - blitzed carrot with a bit of breast milk mixed in. To be honest, he barely swallowed any of it, but it was a fun first and we know that food will be a whole new journey which will require persistence and patience. Bring it on!
Last week he had his first wedding (on the outside anyway), and also turned 5 months old.
If you can't afford it you can't afford it. If you have the money/budget it's worth it as you'll get a lot of use out of it.
Septimus Prime
Member
Happy Father's Day!
I started mine with a blowout.
I started mine with a blowout.
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Happy Father's Day, GAF Dads! Hope you guys had a pampered or chill day. I am curious, though. What do dads actually want for Father's Day? I really struggled with the gift. While I know it's the thought that really counts, Mother's Day has an easy throwaway like flowers (which, while maybe uninspired, still look and smell lovely and are always welcome), but Father's Day...?
I went with pancakes, bacon, and beer in the end, but still.
Yup. :/ I didn't have it as bad as your wife, but I can empathize a little as Mia pushed into my lower spine while I was at the bank and I passed out. Super painful, then nothing. Then embarrassment. ^_^;
It just kills me that they think it's conscionable to force a woman to carry a baby against her will then give birth to it when stuff like this is the norm for so many women, to say nothing of what it would do to her career or life in general. Just gets my goat!
Ah, very good to know. Thanks. I'll try the gift thing too, I think. I had heard from several acquaintances that you really have to give extra attention to the first born or things can get pretty hairy with jealousy and the eldest trying to hurt the strange new interloper. Mia'll still be too young to really get it, but she's used to being the center of my attention, so I don't want her feeling insecure or left out. I'll do my best to keep her confident and happy with whatever hellion comes along.
Cheers, SP!
Thanks, Browny!
And congrats to all the new parents joining us! Post anytime you start getting the blowout blues~
I went with pancakes, bacon, and beer in the end, but still.
Yup. :/ I didn't have it as bad as your wife, but I can empathize a little as Mia pushed into my lower spine while I was at the bank and I passed out. Super painful, then nothing. Then embarrassment. ^_^;
It just kills me that they think it's conscionable to force a woman to carry a baby against her will then give birth to it when stuff like this is the norm for so many women, to say nothing of what it would do to her career or life in general. Just gets my goat!
Ah, very good to know. Thanks. I'll try the gift thing too, I think. I had heard from several acquaintances that you really have to give extra attention to the first born or things can get pretty hairy with jealousy and the eldest trying to hurt the strange new interloper. Mia'll still be too young to really get it, but she's used to being the center of my attention, so I don't want her feeling insecure or left out. I'll do my best to keep her confident and happy with whatever hellion comes along.
Cheers, SP!
Thanks, Browny!
And congrats to all the new parents joining us! Post anytime you start getting the blowout blues~
hey_monkey
Banned
I wonder if that's what happened to me - when I was pregnant with my daughter I passed out in the post office just out of the blue and woke up to so many people crowded around me. I don't remember if there was pain or not but she was always in a weird position so I was in pain pretty often. But I am not a fainter so it was very weird.
Got some good news a few days ago about work. Currently I do freelance work (broadcast tv) near Heathrow and have to stay away from home for however many days I work and then head off home to Worcester. 12 shifts and a 120 mile drive each way don't really gel even if I usually only do 10 ish a month. (though its been 20 a month since Feb to boost the bank balance)
Anyway, my wife currently works from home for a large broadcaster and they've said they are happy for me to continue her work while she's on maternity leave. I know one of the girls she works with as well so that's helped. So with a bit of luck I'll be able to do that even for just a few months (though it could be longer) and spend lots of time at home. The job allows you to start whenever and finish whenever so also might be useful if I'm wide awake at 4 am!
So 10 more work hours a month than I typically do, nearly the same money, no 2.5 hour commute, and I get to be there to help out for a few months, possibly more!
Feeling very lucky, just hope it all pans out.
Anyway, my wife currently works from home for a large broadcaster and they've said they are happy for me to continue her work while she's on maternity leave. I know one of the girls she works with as well so that's helped. So with a bit of luck I'll be able to do that even for just a few months (though it could be longer) and spend lots of time at home. The job allows you to start whenever and finish whenever so also might be useful if I'm wide awake at 4 am!
So 10 more work hours a month than I typically do, nearly the same money, no 2.5 hour commute, and I get to be there to help out for a few months, possibly more!
Feeling very lucky, just hope it all pans out.
Nor those of us who, thanks to an infected insect bite and enough drugs to make us rattle, spend most of the day half asleep and can't drink beer.
Actually had a great day, though feeling wrecked right now...
Captain Tuttle
Member
Just dropped the kids off at sleep-away camp for the first time. It'll just be for a week but I miss them already. My son was stressed out about it (he's 11, his sister is 10) but they seemed to be enjoying themselves when we left.
I'm probably more nervous than they are right now
I'm probably more nervous than they are right now
KoruptData
Member
Sleep when the baby sleeps they said. Little guy sleeps all day just waking up to eat and diaper change. Decided to live a "normal" life and play some videogames, watch TV. Well, here we are at 5:30 AM and I have maybe slept an hour so far. Little guy is a night owl. He will only sleep when held and is just fussy. I think I took everyone's advice about sleep for granted. Lol. Now I pay.
Septimus Prime
Member
Wait til you try to let them
ThatStupidLion
Member
Thanks for the tips everyone, ill have my wife read through he posts too and hopefully it convinces her that we dont need a rocker.
Im sure ill be checking back periodically wib more questions - Cheers
Im sure ill be checking back periodically wib more questions - Cheers
Violence Jack
Member
My wife spoke to me last night about postpartum depression, and how it might hit her hard because her family has a history of depression issues. What signs should I be on the lookout for, and how bad does it usually get? She's still about 3 1/2 months away, but I'd like to get some advice to prepare.
TheBaldEmperor
Member
I've posted in here maybe once or twice but so I'll pop in and say "hello!" again.
Looking for help with my 3 year old son. Recently we crossed the line to where we said goodbye to diapers except when he went to sleep. It has been great. He remembers when we are driving in the car and will ask me to stop somewhere if he has to go. This past week it's like he's totally disregarding all that. It's so frustrating because he has been great for over a month. A few times this week he went to another room and peed on the floor and today he took a dump on the floor, literally 2 minutes after I asked him if he needed to go. I'm so frustrated and he doesn't really have a good answer for why he's doing it when I ask. When he had peed the two times this week he ran and told me as soon as he did it, too. Anyone else experienced similar regression in potty training? Usually the rest of the day he's good with it. Just so irritating to be moving backwards.
Thanks for any input.
Looking for help with my 3 year old son. Recently we crossed the line to where we said goodbye to diapers except when he went to sleep. It has been great. He remembers when we are driving in the car and will ask me to stop somewhere if he has to go. This past week it's like he's totally disregarding all that. It's so frustrating because he has been great for over a month. A few times this week he went to another room and peed on the floor and today he took a dump on the floor, literally 2 minutes after I asked him if he needed to go. I'm so frustrated and he doesn't really have a good answer for why he's doing it when I ask. When he had peed the two times this week he ran and told me as soon as he did it, too. Anyone else experienced similar regression in potty training? Usually the rest of the day he's good with it. Just so irritating to be moving backwards.
Thanks for any input.
Could be a small regression. Either way, try and redirect it in a positive way. Inventivise and celebrate the successes and dont make a big deal of the accidents. Maybe a reward scheme... every time he successfully goes toilet he gets a sticker. Every 10th sticker = a treat.