Seeking Mom in Eastern MA

Hi, I have an 18 month old daughter, so I hear you on all the worries, especially about development. My daughter was slow on her gross motor skills (late to crawl and walk), but is a bit advanced in the verbal area. Remember that every child develops are her own pace, and that all the "average" ages for acquiring new skills are extremely variable when it comes to an individual child. Even knowing that, it's hard not to worry :)
My daughter is in a small family daycare, so is mostly healthy, but I'm actually home with her today because she has a fever due to a cold. I'm not sure if the weird poop stage ever ends. Is your daughter on solids yet? That's a whole new world of weird poop. I remember the first time my daughter ate a lot of blueberries, WOW. Anyway, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

Kids do wierd things! Don't worry. And don't worry about the constant colds. The way I looked at is, they are building their immune systems! As for developmental stages, every child develops differently. Some walk faster than others, while some are really good with puzzles. At that age (18months - 24 months, maybe even younger and older)there is such variety and individualism. Don't try to compare your child to others as all it will do is frustrate you, and your child. Just go with the flow and know your child is completely normal.

Hi C.,
agree with everyone else so far - would like to add - find a really good pediatrician that you trust and take their advice about developmental stuff. Mine was TERRIFIC - I could call about anything, and they would call me back and reassure me (first time mom after years of infertility - also VERY overprotective and concerned!).

Also, you can check out your local MOMS club - just google them. You can join a playgroup and they have events for all kinds of moms. It can be a source of support for you - really important! Good Luck!
Warmly,
E.

Hi C.

Welcome to Mamasource and Congrats on your new little daughter. I have been through many of the stages you mentioned. First off, try and relax. Easier said than done I know when you have a infant. I think the more relaxed a parent is, the more the child is. You will be surprised how things will fall into place. I have a 8yr old and a 2yr old. With my first child I was a worried wreck. It just takes a little getting use to...... with the help of family, friends and your pediatrician and us Mamasource Moms you will get through it all!!

To touch on what you requested..... wierd poop stages will last a while!! Most of the time, only be alarmed if you ever see blood in the poop. As far as daycare colds, I have been told most children get the most colds early in life. As my oldest entered preschool, then K, then 1st grade the colds became fewer as the years went on ...(He did have about 7 colds in preschool that season) .... I think the part about "is she where she should be" will come natural to you, just read as much as you can and just try not to worry!!! Your new little girl will bring you lots of love and hugs!!
Enjoy .. K.

Read worried all the time. It's a new book I got through amazon. It was amazingly freeing. I also stick pretty closely to the Dr Sears website and books. I agree that picking one philosophy as long as it is working for you is a good idea. But you have to trust yourself. If it doesn't feel right, look for something else. Also find yourself a mamma group of friends with kids about the same ages so you can get the support you need. When my kids were that age, we formed a neighborhood group that rotated houses weekly and stuck with it. It was the most amazing gift to myself, we used to laughingly call it "moms group", but it really was and I can't imagine making it through that time without those women. Make sure it's supportive and non-competitive and feeds you. I find local libraries, and/or LLL/attachment support groups are the most accepting place to start.
good luck and congratulations.

Hi C.. My boys have put me through the ringer and they are only 6 and 18 months if can think of it they have probably done. Everyone worries about things you need to try to relax a little. There is so much info out there that it is hard not to worry when reading some of it. I suggest you pick one book and one website to double check on things. I love the Baby Book by Doctor Sears. It is packed full of info and it is goes to age 2. He has an entire line of fabulous books that are worth a look. Good luck. My boys have done so much feel free to drop me line with any questions.

Im in Orange ma, have 2 daughter 2 1/2 and 6 1/2.... been thru more than you want to know! feel free to get in touch!

We all have worried about these things! Consider picking one book or website to go by, otherwise there is way too much info out there. Talk to other moms & you will feel so much better that we all have been through the sleeplessness and other not so fun things, but as you grow more confident the joy your baby will bring is amazing!