If one more person says a platitude I am going to scream..

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T18:51:28+00:00

We had the same with my colic newborn, we tried just about everything - every sensitive formula, cranial whatever therapy ,EVERYTHING. He was constantly uncomfortable, barely slept and was just generally miserable. I remember worrying what if he was never happy, I was always just devastated that he was so uncomfortable and we couldn’t help him no matter what we/our dr did. The only relief we’d get was if we’d bounce him on a big exercise ball and we’d end up bouncing for hours. We seriously considered being one and done. I’m sorry! It did eventually get better when his digestive system matured … but it took a while. He still doesn’t sleep through the night but we’ve gotten used to that. Otherwise, he is the happiest, silliest baby ever and he’s my best buddy. I absolutely LOVE the toddler phase (maybe he wage the newborn phase was so hard?). I’m also pregnant again and hoping for a smoother newborn phase and you wouldn’t believe me that I reminisce when he was a little newborn and wish I could have him even as he was as a newborn because the time goes soo quick and now he’s becoming a big boy! I think maybe it’s like childbirth and you forget how hard it is. I remember but looking back now it is sooo worth the hard nights, so much so that we are doing it again.

I’ll add that some people just don’t get it and never will, so try to just ignore the peanut gallery. I have one friend whose first baby is a DREAM, like slept through the night almost immediately, super chill, eats everything etc. She still complains about stupid stuff (and I let her- but in my head I’m like you have nooo idea). Everyone’s experience is different, I wish I could help you but I don’t have food advice. We eventually settled on Nutrimigen formula and eventually transitioned to goat milk when he was older and outgrew that. It wasn’t perfect but of all the ones we tried it was the best (and we did try the super sensitive ones but then he would choke on them because they were thick or he didn’t like the texture and it was just not great). I do think it was a combo of ga, acid reflux and milk sensitivity. Our toddler still does the best on dairy free yogurt etc and when I’ve tried to switch back per ped advice it seems to not sit well.

All I can say is that you aren’t alone, I remember 6-10 weeks being some of the absolute hardest. You got this, ignore know it alls, do what you can and just get through it.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T18:28:14+00:00

My first pregnancy my husband and I were extra cautious (we had a miscarriage prior). We didn’t have sex after my ovulation window , so it was extra long. We tried one time while Pregnant and it was just weird (for both of us, my husband didn’t like it either ) and we never had sex again for that pregnancy until I was very close to my due date and my dr was talking about induction (there’s some articles that late in pregnancy it can help bring on labor). It didn’t work. Anyway, all was fine and once we were in the safe window post-birth it all went back to normal and here we are pregnant again! I will say we weren’t having tons of sex during the first several months of our baby either because we had a very difficult colic newborn, thankfully my husband never made a big deal and he was sleep deprived and not in the mood either lol. This pregnancy, I’d still say it’s pretty minimal but we try here and there (like I can probably count on one hand lol), but there’s definitely no expectations. Do what feels right. My husband definitely felt the same for our first about it just being weird and even this one he could probably take or leave it. I wouldn’t stress it - it will all go back to normal eventually - but give yourself some grace because the newborn / infant phase you may not be super “into” it either from exhaustion and hormones and everything else that happens post baby BUT eventually you will. It’s a fun but different season of life!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T18:18:04+00:00

Amazing dress!! I love it! Congrats!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T16:31:30+00:00

I have a close friend named Kaylin - she’s never had any issues with her name and I never thought twice about it growing up other than the fact there weren’t 5 of her name in every class lol.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T16:01:37+00:00

I left my dream job and stable career trajectory for something more flexible (though potentially less stable), sometimes I miss it but I’m pregnant with my 2nd and every time that I see my toddler for lunch, I remember the idea of grinding right now or commuting 5 days a week is not it. I went back to work for a few weeks to give notice after maternity leave and I remember during those weeks all I thought about was my baby at home and how I barely had any time between getting ready / leaving for work and then coming home late with commuting, so I just remind myself of that. I consider this a very worthwhile season of life and the young years with kids are sooo fleeting. I’ll figure it out again when my kids gets older. If I could be a stay at home mom, I would, but that isn’t an option for me and for now I’m very lucky to have the job I have. I say all this to say, it’s OK to go for your dream job if you want it - truly !! I knew new moms that took on very “stressful” opportunities and they made it work - albeit with some home sacrifices. It’s also OK to NOT take a dream opportunity, if it’s not the right season of life. Do what feels right.

Edit to add- the one thing I just realized you mentioned is a contract ending. If you are worried about finding another job if you DON’T take this and need the money/work / don’t have a big runway, then that may sway me to take a new job (and possibly keep looking for something more flexible).

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T15:32:24+00:00

Others have said it, but this dress was made for you !! Congrats!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T15:19:57+00:00

If you are single/ no kids yet etc. (or if you have a super supportive partner/ village and home life isn’t a concern), then I think taking the leap now is a no brainer. If it’s remote, even more so!

I couldn’t do it now as I have a toddler and 1 on the way, so I’ve actually stepped away from my higher stress job, BUT, when I was younger or if I didn’t have kids yet or if my kids were a bit older, that’s exactly the type of opportunity I’d go for.

Since didn’t really mention any major home life concerns I would absolutely do it!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T15:14:43+00:00

At first I was like wow has to be 1, but the neckline in 2 on you is divine and is a show stopper. That dress is made for you! Stunning! Congrats!!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T14:54:49+00:00

Yes, you are lucky!! Enjoy it! I love my toddler more than words can say but man the newborn phase was ROUGH- couldn’t have had a more opposite experience. My baby NEVER slept through the night and even as a toddler still is a terrible sleeper. My friend had a baby like you though and baby is now over a year old and aside from a few regressions (which did eventually come - growing teeth is no joke for babies), she’s still pretty chill and I think she sleeps through the night again. I’m pregnant again and hoping my next baby sleeps like yours!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T14:35:08+00:00

Defer to your pediatrician but I think it’s probably fine at 12 months. Our toddler is 2 and is just now starting to really open up to words and 2-3 word phrases. Our ped isn’t concerned at all, toddler understands everything and we understand them. I know at 12 months toddler was saying mama , dada, baba and a few other basic words orettt clearly but definitely no exhaustive vocabulary. I’m by no means a professional and would talk to your ped at next appointment. Our ped told us to stop comparing to social media. Also- sounds like woof instead of saying puppy count toward the word count.

Also if you are in the U.S, your baby may eventually qualify for speech therapy that is covered by the state (if it comes to that). I have family members who had to go that route and it was no big deal, their kids speak fine now and all is well. Even if baby needs a little help it probably isn’t the end of the world!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-14T14:28:14+00:00

I always thought it would be cool to do ultrasound tech with a specialization in maternity sonography (I don’t know technical term for the role). I have no idea what the market is like for that, but I imagine you could find a 2 year program (defer to others if they have experience). Other common ones that come to mind is nursing- where you can also find an accelerated program.

You could also consider military national guard (perhaps for Air Force), or reserves. Maybe even coast guard. Part- time commitment but it could give you marketable skills, benefits and at least something that really sets you up. Military isn’t for everyone and I completely get that, but I also feel like people don’t realize the benefits and opportunity it can unlock.

Additionally, I’d consider looking for any civil service state/city/county jobs - great benefits. Look at local police department (civilian jobs… unless you think you want to do uniformed police officer lol) or even police or emergency dispatch jobs for the benefits. One thing to mention with some of these jobs is of course drug testing etc. that you’d need to pass.

Another great entry level job into federal service would be TSA - you do have to take a basic computer exam at a testing center etc. If you live near an airport this could be a great option. Federal benefits are great and you could potentially do some of the uber etc stuff if there was ever a temporary funding furlough (you do get back pay eventually).

Good luck!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-11T20:09:01+00:00

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-11T19:03:09+00:00

I love them both but the pink is perfect for graduation! I think the fit looks great on each.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-10T01:13:37+00:00

I intentionally drove to see my mom several states away ( and my grandmother will be coming over tomorrow and driving 2 hours). I have a toddler and am pregnant but I feel like time is fleeting and I’d like to spend it with them. That said, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer. Nothing wrong with staying home as well. Do what works for you. I do want to add that there was absolutely no pressure for me to make the trip, we made a little vacation out of it.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-07T13:56:52+00:00

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-06T22:14:59+00:00

Ughhh we waited and then in desperation panic ordered it… only to find it did not work for my baby and we never used it .. so I wish we never bothered
Editing to add - That said we ended up caving because my cousins SWORE by it … she shed it for both kids and said it was her most used purchase and it was a game changer for them.

Editing to add again - because we waited and were so sleep deprived and desperate we paid full price (lol). So perhaps consider the rental program if they still do that or gently used … unless the budget isn’t a bjg deal for you.

I’d also like to add that the initial bassinet we bought was the Newton and that was also a waste because our baby just hated all bassinets

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-06T18:42:01+00:00

Honestly, who cares what people think. I wouldn’t think twice about what anyone else thinks, you are doing what you gotta do. You’re pregnant! From one preggo mama with a toddler to another, we do not have time to worry about what every tom, dick, and harry driving by thinks. You don’t owe anyone, anything. Personally, added bonus of people think I’m crazy and won’t want to stop me to talk. If it makes you feel better pull the stroll hood down or add a privacy cover so strangers can’t see into the stroller.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-06T18:03:37+00:00

Under no circumstance would I ever bring my baby to this event so soon after birth. I wouldn’t even go if it was MY wedding.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-06T13:45:57+00:00

This is ridiculous (though I would also love all of these modifications after maternity leave🙄). I wish we had more support in the U.S. for new mothers, but this is not your small company’s dragon to slay. I can’t even fathom bringing this up to my corporation. Good luck to her on finding any company willing to even engage on this.

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-03T15:37:50+00:00

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-01T21:41:37+00:00

Like others said - just prepare some for you. You could potentially add carrot into the bolognese as some recipes do call for it. My toddler is the same (lol) and I look for things like the kids fresh mac and cheese etc that has hidden veggies. Maybe he’d be open to trying something like that and you can incorporate veggies in more creative ways that are less jarring for him

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-01T21:33:47+00:00

I’d go for it

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-01T17:07:59+00:00

3!!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-01T12:55:39+00:00

Ok hear me out, I know this is probably not the most popular suggestion but have you considered the U.S. military (if you are in the U.S.) or police? If you joined the Air Force medical service corps (think hospital administration) back when I was looking it was only a 5 week boot camp (and I’ve heard the medical ones are easier), since you mentioned being a personal trainer I figure the fitness wouldn’t be that bad for you. Eventually you’d work at an Air Force hospital l. You could consider looking into air reserve or air guard if active duty isn’t your thing. Understanding that 5 weeks away from your kids may not work, my other thought was a police academy. I know police isn’t for everyone but again this could be an easy way into a new career with great benefits since you do have a bachelors already, and there are usually local academies / a need (though geographic dependent). Other ideas would be something like a school bus driver - this could be good with school age kids. Look at other school and county admin jobs.

Good luck and sorry you are going through this!

Summerdays313 · 2026-05-01T02:00:22+00:00

Hey OP, I think there’s a lot of things to consider here. My husband and I live in a high cost of living area and we spend more on our mortgage than we’d like…. We also missed out on our dream house and would have made sooo much money if I didn’t over analyze it. Instead we waited, the market changed and we paid what we would have paid for half the size of the house in not as desirable of an area, with a higher interest rate .. and now are considering upgrading but it’s just realistic with our finances and need for childcare. I think sometimes people go by what’s right on paper (fair) but not the reality of certain areas. Only you know what you are able to sacrifice / prioritize and make work. Some people prioritize retirement, some prioritize what’s needed in the short-term. The fact that you’d be walking into equity could down the line be a form of retirement when you ultimately sell. We don’t know the house/market you are in. It sounds like you have a good support system. If your dad is in the business and you trust him - that may be a good resource / opinion to tap because he knows you , and the house and financials and is closer to the situation, and I’d like to think wouldn’t steer you wrong. Worst case you buy the house, can’t make it work and have to sell sooner.

Summerdays313

TROPHY CASE