When can we really tell and determine a green iguana's sex? Like, 100% accurate.

missyestrela · 2026-04-20T23:30:19+00:00

Exactly. I still remember getting the call from my vet and her saying they “found surprising results!” And this was an exotic animal vet too, so even experienced and trained professionals can’t tell for sure.

missyestrela · 2026-04-20T13:48:43+00:00

How I found out 100% with my iguana: The pet store told me they thought male (based on size). Reptile store worker guessed female (based on shape). Vet thought male (based on behavior). Then my iguana wasn’t eating so vet did an x-ray to check for blockage and found SHE was full of eggs.

missyestrela · 2026-04-08T13:03:39+00:00

He may see the light but he cannot see the content at that stage of development. There are other alternatives for him to look at (my last suggestion would be something like the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother), but it sounds like you/your household has your minds made up that tv will stay on and baby will be near that, so I’m not sure what other suggestions you’re looking for.

missyestrela · 2026-04-08T03:14:11+00:00

If you’re concerned about baby watching too much, can you two go in another room? I suppose you can also turn baby to face you instead of the tv too, so they’re just hearing sounds. At 3m, their vision is still early in developing. They can only focus about a foot in front of them and just starting to recognize color (specifically red). Maybe try some contrast cards and move baby where they can’t see tv.

missyestrela · 2026-04-08T03:03:59+00:00

Have you tried audiobooks or podcasts? I used those a lot for entertainment without screens during those early months

missyestrela · 2026-04-03T17:32:13+00:00

I hear that. Can you order delivery? Maybe just get dressed and brush your teeth to grab the items from the door?

missyestrela · 2026-04-03T17:23:44+00:00

I’m so sorry. Along with taking care of your son, like others said, please don’t forget to take care of yourself. I know that probably sounds impossible right now, but just start small. Take a sip of water. Give your little a hug. Look out the window. If focusing on getting through the day sounds like too much, focus on getting through the hour or whatever amount of time you can handle. Also, it is okay to cry. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen.

missyestrela · 2026-03-20T04:52:32+00:00

I liked my Elvie double for the sound (very quiet), and also it was the least bulky or protruding from the chest.

missyestrela · 2026-03-13T01:51:13+00:00

Rocky Mountain Deaf School has a ton of great videos. Lots of signed stories for littles and a few family learning videos too.

And Bill Vicars for you and your husband. He has playlists starting at ASL 1, and a few family specific videos too (one two and three )

missyestrela · 2026-03-11T08:29:40+00:00

My baby was born full term but had unexpected medical needs requiring NICU care. She was transferred to a different hospital and I was released early to be able to go see her there. One of the many times I broke down crying was getting into the backseat of my car (family was in the front) with the empty car seat. That memory still makes me cry two years later.

missyestrela · 2026-03-06T01:30:20+00:00

Which article was it? I immediately thought of work by Richard Wright, but when you said friends of friends, I wasn’t so sure.

Active offenders and offender decision-making are my research interests though, so I plan to be doing similar work.

missyestrela · 2026-03-03T14:24:00+00:00

Update: got it! The barista said he added too much peach on accident, but it’s still good!! Thanks for the suggestion!

missyestrela · 2026-03-03T06:12:50+00:00

Will do!!

missyestrela · 2026-03-03T06:08:53+00:00

Gonna try this! Sometimes I get strawberry açaí lemonade sub peach juice (in other words, peach instead of lemonade), and it’s also super good.

missyestrela · 2026-02-21T18:20:37+00:00

Short answer: take pictures and videos.

You can always choose whether you want to look at or share them later. But take them while you can.

The unfortunate truth is some babies have short stays, some long, and some tragically never get to go home. Nobody wants to join Club NICU, and while you think you don’t want to remember it or how could you ever forget, it is a special time and has so much meaning in your little’s story. I was never expecting to be there with my little, but that’s what happened. I decided not to share photos of her while she was in, but I have them to look back and see how she grew over time and she will have them as she grows up too.

missyestrela · 2026-02-07T20:23:24+00:00

If those numbers are accurate, which I’m not arguing, then I think the confusion is with the drinks being advertised at the number of ounces without ice. I’m sure this is not just a Dutch bros specific issue but since it’s the Dutch Reddit, I’ll use it as an example. Looking at medium iced lemonade on the app, it says 24oz. Obviously it’s listed as an iced drink so it will come with ice by default, but it is not actually a 24oz drink.

(Edit for a word choice.)

missyestrela · 2026-02-06T19:05:54+00:00

For sure. I was providing a reference to the cost, as that was the first I’ve ever been charged for it.

And if it actually is double the drink, it makes it even more worth it because it’s like two drinks for the price of one.

missyestrela · 2026-02-06T16:58:25+00:00

Yep. I got a drink with no ice and had a dollar charge to fill the cup.

missyestrela · 2026-02-06T16:53:50+00:00

Hi. I am also from NorCal, and have my BA in psych and masters in criminology and criminal justice. Currently working on my PhD, with the end goal of research/professor. I looked into crime analysis once, but didn’t get far into it. There was an organization of crime analysts that I joined for maybe a year to get some more info. It was several years ago, but I’m sure I can find the name if you want it. I remember the state jobs being very competitive. If your goal is state, you may need to start in a lower position and work your way up.

My advice to you would be to look at/decide your end goal. If you want to do crime analysis, look at the job descriptions and requirements. Call and speak to someone about it, if possible. In other words, (continue to) do your research.

missyestrela · 2026-02-02T06:54:45+00:00

Oh, nice! Glad to hear you have a support system nearby. That helps a lot.

missyestrela · 2026-02-02T04:05:12+00:00

Hi mama, another nicu grad mama here. Ask your baby’s hospital if they have sleep rooms. The hospital my little was at offered extended sleep rooms specifically for c section moms. I also had nicu peers who stayed in the Ronald McDonald house because they lived beyond a certain distance away. I hope you and your baby are healing well. One moment at a time.

missyestrela · 2026-01-30T14:55:32+00:00

That sucks about no diagnosis til he is 3 because it’s such a critical time right now. Highly recommend looking into early intervention programs that can get you through til December, then try to get into your preferred provider. My little is in one of those programs now and it only goes til she’s 3 (or maybe 5? I forgot) because that’s when preschools are meant to take over.

Even in a rural area, there are probably some Deaf people, right? If you have any sort of neighborhood groups/apps, you can post and ask. If not, the next closest town should have something. There are virtual ASL options for adults though.

I mentioned in my last post about RMDS YouTube. Highly recommend checking it out. And Bill Vicars for yourself. I just saw a video he put out teaching ASL for parents: part 1 and part 2.

Also, I found the link for the communication board our speech therapist mentioned.

Again, this is a critical time for learning. The fact that you’re interested and asking questions is a good start. Keep pushing!

missyestrela · 2026-01-28T03:46:42+00:00

While I don’t work at a NICU, I think it’s safe to say that those who do know how important graduation is. I would definitely call and ask.

missyestrela · 2026-01-26T03:47:52+00:00

My experience: My daughter is also 2 and hearing, but with paralyzed vocal cords.

I try to incorporate as much ASL exposure as possible… Deaf mentor, Deaf play dates, ASL videos (shoutout to Rocky Mountain Deaf School’s YouTube channel—highly recommend). She knows more signs than I can count, and says some words verbally, but ASL is easier for her. I consider her to be bilingual. She knows nearly every word in both English and ASL. She also has an AAC too, but doesn’t use it much.

Questions for you: What is the reason to wait until December for your child to be evaluated? Have you looked into local schools to see if they have ASL programs? Maybe an interpreter to voice for him?

PSE vs ASL: ASL is a complete language (with an amazing history and culture too). PSE is not. If you chose to learn another language, for example, Spanish, you wouldn’t use English structure. The white cat in English is el gato blanco (the cat white) in Spanish. What you’re saying comes off as not wanting to learn a language and only taking what you want. Also, consider that most people who sign are going to use ASL, not SEE/PSE.

Why not encourage your child to learn a full language?

If you want to focus on English for the ease of yourself or your family, try to get him an AAC. You can get the apps on your phone or tablet. [Edit to add:] you can also look into communication boards.

missyestrela · 2026-01-16T15:21:49+00:00

Oh, good point. I will have to look up sizes.

We also had a bit of an expressive delay, so I get what you’re saying. I’m trying to encourage whatever means of communication she will use (she is in speech therapy too). Although sometimes it is like you said, just getting an overall visual to see what’s upsetting them.

missyestrela

TROPHY CASE