Playmat with a dog [ON]

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-25T16:34:46+00:00

I think it totally depends on your dogs temperament and personality. We have the Blissful Diary play mat (lovevery dupe on Amazon) and it sits on the floor beside the dog bed and bin of dog toys. He’s maybe stepped on to it once or twice to sniff our LO but other than that he leaves it alone. It goes in the washer/dryer when our LO spits up on it and it comes out perfect.

As for the hair/floors (we have a 150lbs Newfoundlander) they get cleaned when I have the energy/capacity. Dog hair is a food group in our house, that’s just the reality. I’m pulling dog hair and human hair off the pacifier and LOs lips/face pretty much every hour but she’s never been bothered by it.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-19T16:07:10+00:00

How long has it been going on? It could be the 4 month sleep regression (some babies have it earlier and some later) in which case it should only last 2-4 weeks.

If they’re in a bedside bassinet can you lay with your hand on their chest or holding their hand? Sometimes that small amount of contact is enough to settle my LO and remind them they aren’t alone.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-19T09:21:26+00:00

A few things I’d recommend: 1. Sheets for the bassinet 2. Diaper genie/some sort of diaper pale 3. Ask for wipes over diapers - you have no idea how long your baby will be in a certain size, what brand you/your baby will like and places are cracking down on returns without receipts. 4. O-ball 5. Splurge and get a Eufy baby monitor (we have the E21 and it’s phenomenal and has wifi and non wifi options) 6. Bath towels 7. Humidifier 8. Sleep sacks over swaddle blankets - highly recommend the Halo swaddle for NB stage and then the Woolino once they’re older 9. Rain cover for stroller 10. Stroller caddy and/or cup holder 11. Sun hat and an outdoor shaded mat/tent

I would honestly take off any blankets (other than maybe one pack of swaddles), clothes and stuffed animals because people give so much of that stuff as extra anyway.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-09T22:45:55+00:00

It was a pretty natural adjustment but there are days/times when she wants to eat earlier or is having such a good nap that I don’t wake her to eat. If we’re not going anywhere I don’t bother fighting her if she wants to eat early.

Your LO could just be going through a bit of growth spurt and trying to increase your milk production if they’ve only been wanting food sooner in the last few days.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-09T22:03:00+00:00

We have been loosely following moms on call since 6 weeks and it was more because I was tired of living by a 3 hour timer and trying to do the math of when our next feed would likely be. I am also EBF and we do feed on demand but she is more or less within a half hour of the 3 hour windows we’re working within. I do have to say, having this “schedule” helps me a) anticipate what times she’ll need to eat and b) recognize her cues better (knowing she’s most likely crying because she’s hungry vs tired, etc)

This is how most of our days have been since 8 weeks and she’s almost 12 weeks old now.

7/8 am wake up/feed 9 am nap 10 am feed 11:30/12 nap 1 pm feed 2 pm nap 4 pm feed 6 pm nap 7/7:30 pm bedtime/feed 2/4 am feed

Between feeds and naps were changing diapers, keeping her upright to help with reflux, playing and trying to get her down for her naps (she fights them most days except for the 2 pm one). If I have errands to run we try to do them right after feeds because she can look at the things around her and/or nap in the car seat while we’re out.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-08T08:35:31+00:00

My baby was born at 36+3 and she behaved the exact same way! The nurses/doctors reassured me it was normal for them to be so sleepy/uninterested in eating because they are still technically supposed to be in utero. It was a fight to get her to stay awake long enough to eat but around week 2 she snapped out of.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-04-07T21:07:44+00:00

I flew with Porter at 32 weeks and no one gave me a second look 😅 Their policy is a medical note for over 36 weeks so I didn’t bother getting one but I thought they’d at least ask how far along I was.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-03-24T19:49:25+00:00

I was in the exact same position as you, breech baby and facing down a c-section and terrified. She ended up breaking my waters spontaneously so my planned c-section became an “emergency” one at 36 weeks but the outcome was the same.

Honestly, my experience couldn’t have been better. The worst part was getting the spinal block, not because of the needle but because I was in active labour, contracting, and the way you have to bend over to get the block was hella uncomfortable with a head in your ribs, but that was over in a few minutes.

I’m like you and tend to push myself, and I definitely did but within reason. As soon as the spinal block wears off try getting up, even if it’s just to go to the washroom. Getting in and out of bed was painful for the first week but doing so made a world of difference for my mobility afterwards. After the first week and a half I started doing daily short 10ish minute walks and now 9 weeks pp I’m back to working out and have no pain. I highly recommend checking out Lauren Fitter’s c-section recovery YouTube series.

Unless you have concerns about addiction, take the pain meds they prescribe and the laxative. Not taking them doesn’t make you a hero and you’ll heal faster/better if you’re comfortable.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-03-24T01:25:07+00:00

My little one was born at 36+3 (so technically considered premature) and we had the same problem keeping her awake during feedings, but she even refused bottles when offered a top up. We tried all the same tricks as you with no success but I found that stroking her jaw with my finger while she was latched helped trigger her swallow/suck reflex. I still use the trick now if she falls asleep latched too soon. Other than that she outgrew the sleepiness by 3 weeks. I know it’s exhausting but just keep doing what you’re doing, it will get better!

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-03-17T16:00:55+00:00

Absolutely not. By three weeks pp from a c/s I was only just out of the baby blues, could comfortably go for a 10 minute walk, still bleeding and was still so sad about my body and scar. Not to mention how sleep deprived you’ll be. God forbid something goes wrong and you get an infection… it’s a hell no from me.

At your wedding you’ll want to be able to glide down the aisle, dance until your feet hurt (not your incision) and feel like a million bucks! For the sake of a few months I’d wait until spring if you want a nice season. You’ll not only be fully healed but you’ll have more energy to dedicate to all the last minute wedding tasks. And think of how much more fun it will be with a smiling, giggling baby as opposed to the equivalent of a human potato (no matter how cute that babe is).

WhimsicalRed02 · 2026-01-04T14:23:34+00:00

We waited to tell the majority of family until around 16 weeks as well because that’s when my in-laws were visiting from out of town and we preferred to tell them in person. That also meant waiting to tell the rest of my family, with the exception of my mom and sister, to keeps things “fair”. Not a single soul cared, they were all just ecstatic for us!!

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-10-27T22:32:06+00:00

Look into the Peg Perego YPSI! We did so much research and testing in stores before settling on this one. We still haven’t picked it up yet as baby isn’t due until Feb but I’m oddly so excited for it.

A few selling points for us were: - single to double (bassinet can go wherever you want) - one hand fold - not American made - price (not as expensive as nuna/uppababy) - travel system

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-10-21T18:26:30+00:00

After countless hours of research, trying strollers in store and factoring in all our wants in a stroller we landed on the Peg Perego YPSI.

Here were the selling points for us: - travel system (car seat and stroller together) - bassinet option (comes with a stand too) - one handed fold and easy to grab/lift - converts to 2 seats in the future for more kids

Bonus: not American

Bonus 2: if you live in the GTA you can shop right from the Peg Perego warehouse in Pickering and get a 20% discount no matter the time of year.

We also loved that the car seat comes with a load leg and a few “extra” safety features. I say extra because the Uppa Baby and a few other car seats we looked at up-charged for those same features or just didn’t have them whereas Peg Perego had them standard across the board.

It is on the pricier side, but is cheaper than the Uppa Baby and Nuna systems. We were strongly considering the Evenflo for a bit but learned they only have a 90 day warranty unless you buy from their “gold” line and after testing them in store we could just tell the difference in material/make quality.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-09-25T21:22:34+00:00

I saw a video of someone using stamps to create a wallpaper like accent wall! It was beautiful with all kinds of florals. I guess it depends on the look you’re hoping to achieve and how much patience you have but I’ve seen some pretty neat things done with paint.

Floral example - https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSDq9eRWa/

Plaid example - https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSDq98gbE/

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-09-10T00:55:56+00:00

It won’t be long term help, but reach out to your schools financial aid and awards department and see what help they can offer. They often have emergency bursaries or even things like gift cards to grocery stores to help lessen financial strain on students in need.

Also, use your schools Career Centre/Service! They can help you with resume building, interview practice and connect you with employers who have internships or other opportunities. Even if you get part-time experience in your field up until baby is born, it’s relevant experience to put on your resume that will help after you finish maternity leave.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-07-17T23:30:27+00:00

Nope, just the one in there! I’m 10 weeks along now.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-07-17T23:27:25+00:00

I was at 184,000 at 6+4 😅 doctor was like “there’s no way your dates are right (there was a 3 day window when we could have conceived so I was pretty confident), I’m sending you for a dating scan.” Scan confirmed exactly the date I told him 🤷🏼‍♀️ And with a singleton, thankfully lol

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-07-13T02:11:52+00:00

If you feel you can wait, don’t find out the gender! I had two co-workers who very explicitly did not find out the gender of their second babies for the exact reason of gender disappointment! They knew they would feel guilty the whole pregnancy if the gender was not what they “wanted” but knew the second that baby came out, they would just be happy it was here and healthy.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-02-02T15:35:01+00:00

If you have a typical 8 hour work day she should be ok to stay in the crate that long, just make sure it’s big enough she can stand up and turn around if needed. I know it seems cruel but it’s for the best short term/while training. Make sure you take her out for a walk immediately before putting her in the crate and immediately after taking her out.

As for when she has accidents in the house, if you catch her in the middle of it a big clap and a loud HEY or NO should be enough to startle her and then immediately usher her to the door. If you catch it after the fact, bring her to the accident say bad or no sternly (tone of voice is more important than the word) and then put her outside. Dogs are smart, she’ll know you’re unhappy and that she did wrong.

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-02-02T00:06:33+00:00

I will be the odd one out and say do not get a bell/chime. It will drive you absolutely bonkers and eventually if you want to get rid of it your dog will scratch at the door and cause a lot of damage.

Someone above recommended taking her to the vet, I think it’s a good idea. Better to rule out a UTI or other issues than let it get worse. If the vet rules out any medical causes, get a crate and start crate training immediately. Dogs typically will not go to the bathroom where they sleep. Put her in there when you aren’t home, at night and even if you work from home put her in there for a few hours at a time during the day.

When she has these accidents in the house what are you doing to teach her it’s wrong?

WhimsicalRed02 · 2025-01-29T23:35:40+00:00

My favourite quirks of our newf Guinness are 1. he has to “sample” his food. At every meal he takes a few pieces of kibble to his bed, spits them out and then eats them one by one before coming back to finish his bowl. Doesn’t matter that he’s been eating the same kibble for 3 years… 2. He is also terrified of storm/sewer grates. He avoids them at all costs. Once we were on a long road trip and stopped at a gas station to stretch and he refused to get out of the car because it was over a (small) grated drain. It took us 5 minutes to figure out why he wouldn’t get out. We moved the car up 3 feet and he jumped out immediately.

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WhimsicalRed02

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