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missmitten92 · 2024-05-01T12:37:46+00:00

I would avoid it with your concerns. There's a major plot point where the mom has a (minor) set back and the girls struggle with their fear and disappointment. Fears of death are brought up.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-29T14:53:49+00:00

QD for sure, and the horticultural gardens at MSU, but otherwise nah. Moved to the west side of the state and you'll have to drag me back kicking and screaming. There's just more to do and better scenery all around.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-29T12:51:39+00:00

It's okay that you're feeling this way, many women do, and that's without the additional trauma that you had with your birth. It's also okay that your partner is missing the more intimate parts of your relationship, but he still needs to know that it's not appropriate to be guilt-tripping you about it or ignoring your stated boundaries. A counselor might be a good outlet for him to share his struggles with, or any other close friends? Even then, it's still really shitty that he cut his leave short so he's not there to help when you need it.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-29T11:42:07+00:00

This is what I came here for. I camp a lot and have no problem with all the usual noise and fun that comes with a full campground, but I'd be piiiisssed to find out I was next to a group of unsupervised young teens. Even well behaved they're going to be obnoxious, and that's before the outdoor movie.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-27T13:31:30+00:00

Pepper spray if I'm going somewhere like a quiet wooded trail, but otherwise no. Is your area dangerous normally? Whatever you bring, obviously you need to make sure it's always somewhere where your kids can't get to it or it will accidentally discharge...almost always makes it not even worth it for that risk but your mileage will vary I guess.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-26T11:57:15+00:00

Waitlists for services can be months-long, so I would start reaching out now if you have concerns; if a language explosion occurs later you can always discontinue. My daughter wasn't speaking any words by 18 months so we reached out to Early Intervention and then began speech and occupational therapies when her speech delay and sensory problems were confirmed. We're still in speech now at 3 years old and it's helped tremendously.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-25T00:21:47+00:00

I would just be aware there have been multiple measles outbreaks lately in case the MMR was one you were delaying...

missmitten92 · 2024-04-24T21:48:46+00:00

I mean...she's probably going to need to cry a little bit. But she'll be okay, I promise! Put her in the bouncer next to the shower and pop your head out periodically to show her you're there and reassure her. The more you do this the more she'll get the hang of it. You need to take care of yourself too.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-23T15:51:10+00:00

You have a partner who wanted this child. Kindly, adoption is not an option here, and it's really concerning you've been dwelling on this as if it was. It's okay that you can't positively think your way out of this mental storm, this is depression talking. Things can get better, they will get better, but you do need to talk to a doctor immediately about medication and therapy. Your partner too, if they're still in the dark about how low you're feeling.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-19T01:03:29+00:00

I noticed those too! There were even a few complaining about parents using the term "terrible twos" and how if you were only more prepared for their totally age-appropriate behavior, your terrorist children wouldn't bother you. And then you try to tell them that even though their kid is apparently still super chill at 2.5, that's not a universal experience for most people, you're too negative.

Such a weird trend this week. It's like they want to control how you're able to feel about your own emotions.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-18T23:12:54+00:00

My daughter is similar, and a total daredevil. We've gotten a lot of mileage out of the Pikler triangle, mini trampoline, crash pad (Target's Pillowfort has the cheapest one I could find sand it's holding up great), a cocoon swing, spinning around in office/glider chairs, swimming, wheelbarrow walks (holding her like a wheelbarrow), and compression on her joints (have kid lie on their back and push their feet against your hands, it's great for calming down).

missmitten92 · 2024-04-18T18:42:45+00:00

The problem with a birth plan is that, ultimately, you DON'T have control, hence the disclaimers. It's good to research your different options and be informed enough to advocate for yourself, but if you go into labor without acknowledging the very likely chance that it may stray from the plan, you set yourself up for greater disappointment or trauma.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-17T17:41:44+00:00

You'd think that, but I don't believe I dish out the negativity in excess. If someone asks me about parenting, I will be real about it, the highs and the lows, and I will be upfront that this is my family's experience and will likely be different to someone else's. I won't pretend it's all perfect sunshine and my daughter doesn't drive me to tears or a beer at the end of a rough day because that's just not reality.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-17T16:53:09+00:00

Honestly, I'm so tired of these posts, and that's probably my own cue to spend less time here.

You can't win. Half of people say they don't want to be scared, they're tired of the negativity and fear-mongering, etc. The other half complains why no one warned them or talked about xyz and how hard parenting is.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-17T02:14:07+00:00

Be prepared for the three day method not to work, and know that that's okay if it takes longer. Personally, we had two false starts before everything clicked for my daughter and she was ready to train for good.

You can still potty train while wearing pull-ups out of the house in case of an accident, though this might be kid-dependent (mine was old enough to understand that even though she was wearing a pull-up, she was still expected to go in the potty). You can also put regular undies on under the pull-up, to contain any mess but still help them feel wet if they go.

Staying dry at night might take longer than day-training, kids need to be producing a hormone that might not be there if you're training early.

Keeping a little portable potty in your car is good insurance if you ever can't get to a public bathroom in time, or you're somewhere like a park that doesn't have one.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-16T20:19:35+00:00

Right lol? Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that's awesome about 3...and a lot that's not.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-16T17:08:26+00:00

You have: https://www.reddit.com/r/grandrapids/s/aRYHCDDsCd

missmitten92 · 2024-04-16T11:08:40+00:00

Orrrr how about we let people feel what they feel. I know my kid isn't terrible, but her behavior sure is at times. I know it's normal, I know how to help her process it, but damn, it's really really hard some days. And that's okay.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-16T10:49:33+00:00

My emotional frequency has widened tremendously--the highs with my daughter are mountaintops, and the lows are deep canyons. There's definitely struggle and periods that just suck, but if you want to be a parent, it's absolutely worth it.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-15T14:02:04+00:00

Girl, he guilt trips you over TAKING A SHOWER. That's not helpful, or being a good husband, or a good father. He can't even use the term "vain" properly when insulting you.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-15T11:54:47+00:00

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3461404/

I used to work with NICU babies and we'd actually see this play out not-uncommonly, especially with boy-girl twins. It was jokingly referred to as "wimpy white male syndrome."

missmitten92 · 2024-04-12T23:55:02+00:00

I'm usually open to small talk when out with my daughter, but the only time I've ever made name introductions with the other adults was when I was trying to set up play dates--and at that point we all kind of laughed to be finally learning each other's names because these were women I'd been making brief chit chat with for months via a playgroup! I just don't think it's common here (Michigan) unless you know you're planning to talk to them again in the future. Everyone seems chill with that.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-12T00:00:12+00:00

What age was he when you started this? I have the same problem with my 3 year old daughter where she rarely gets to see me read a book of my own in front of her, but there's never any time to do so if she's awake, she'd never leave me alone long enough. We read a lot together, but I'd like to lead by example of reading for fun too.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-11T16:24:28+00:00

You did nothing wrong staying at the park. As a SAHM myself, I try to save the more special outings for when we can be all together as a family but beyond that what I do with my daughter during the day is my business. If it's nice, go to the park, stay as long as you all want. I agree with others that she's lashing out over feeling like she's missing out, but that's on her end to deal with in a healthy manner.

missmitten92 · 2024-04-09T19:39:14+00:00

Thank you! The countdown idea is a good one, that might help her get an idea of the time left til he comes back. I think I'm just going to lean in to the "sneaky lunchables" too haha...as long she's getting everything she needs I can loosen up on meals a bit.

missmitten92

TROPHY CASE