August Babies

[Katherine]

Wills, Marina, Musica etc I miss us all chatting together. Time to pass on the mum2be moving on thread - so shall we start up again, and anyone else of course.

Still in cloud9 after last night. Poor DH had to spend the morning getting the holiday cottage ready and then I had to go and help him!!!!! But its OK because I feel great. Not even a little bit sore down there. Just these dratted afterpains to contend with - always think this bit is so unfair! You go through all that and get the reward of a lovely baby but the afterpains don't really give you anything do they. Oh well mustn't complain. MW said I'm back to a third already so thats why it hurts so much.

Wills how are those stitches doing? Hope you are not too uncomfy.

Well just changed 3 merconium nappies so no problems with Bea's bowels at all! And the cloth nappies are doing great - just ordered some more girly ones. Even my cloth sanpro is bearing up - much admired by the MWs.

Oh well better go and get the tea ready. Packed DH off to the park with the kids for half and hour for some peace and quiet so just been wallowing in a lovely bath. Time to return to domesticity now

Hi Neen - sorry you've been having a rough time! Makes you mad doesn't it when the treatment makes them worse than they were to start with.

My little one is being a total star - she is now sleeping 11:30 till 8:00 (I'm whispering this so I don't get thumped by everybody else) - I just feel so lucky, because sleep really does make all the difference.

Ds has been doing impressions of Michael Jackson's kids today - running round the house with a blanket over his head and then laughing hysterically when he runs into things....seems a little odd, but who can tell what goes through the mind of a 2 year old!

Wills, haven't seen you for a little bit - how are things now? Improving? I've been keeping my fingers crossed for you. I'm still amazed you've persevered this long - supermum!

Musica - thump coming your way

DD2 is now 8lb11 which means she's been gaining 0.5lb per week for the last 4 weeks! She's still quite diddy though - short and fat like her mum at the moment!

Someone nearly let a door close on her head this afternoon. Grrrrr. Think I'm going to get her a cycle helmet!

Her bum has magically cleared up overnight. Don't know whether its the nystatin or the metanium but which I'd made the effort to get both of them a few weeks ago!

Worried about Wills too - where are you superboobs? asleep probably - wish I was

And another one from me Musica
Glad to hear you are on the mend Katherine and that dd is packing on the pounds and much improved in the posterior area. Neen, you sound like you have had a nightmarish time, poor you and ds. So glad he is feeling better.
Dd had her first jabs yesterday but smiled at me twice today just the same She is bobbing along on the 50th centile weight-wise which is fine by me and she HAS JUST WOKEN UP, CURSES. Bye all!

Musica, that sounds so lovely, 8 1/2 hours solid kip sounds like something I can only dream about at the moment. Is your dd about 8 weeks old?
Ds1 was about 8 wks when he first slept through, so hopefully ds2 will do the same when he hits the 8 week mark in 3 wks time (neen crosses fingers, arms, legs and gets on knees looking towards the heavens for good measure...)
Wills, hope everything is ok, it's so worrying when they are poorly, you can't help but be paranoid, we all do it. Big reassuring hugs to you ooo
Katherine, hope your bruises and nerves are healing ok. You sound like you are coping so well with everything, hope I get the hang of the chaos as well as you soon!
Must go, need to get a few hours of zzzzz's in before ds2 wakes for an early hours feed...

Ds2 started with the oily skin and 'baby zits' that you mentioned on the 'health' topic Katherine. When did your dd start clearing up?
He started with them about 3 weeks old and now he is 5 wks, they are still bad, and his skin is really oily.

Neen they have suddenly gone. She is 6wks and 1 day - she still had them yesterday although they were much better but today her skin is clear. They look horrible don't they. Whenever I mentioned them to doting friends they just laughed and said she was beautiful but all I could see was spots. Proud mummy again now

OOOOHhh, I'm on, I'm on. DH has just rushed out to Tescos with a screaming dd2 (who is remarkably colicky at the moment) and dd1 is engrossed in the TV (opps). I've tried to contribute twice before but once wrote a long one only to loose it somehow and the second time as I started to type dd2 started to scream. Superboobs - LOL ! Unfortunately the wretched thrush is still present and at my 6 week checkup my gp casually announced that it might take another 2/4 months - tears welled up there and then, think she was a little surprised so obviously she's never had it!!!!

dd2 is just starting to go longer than 2 hours between feeds, last night she gave me two 4 hour breaks - couldn't believe it feel sooo much better for it though. However she did scream solidly for 3 hours last night before we finally found a position that seemed to give her comfort dangling head down over either mine or dh's knee. Lots of wind and burps later and off she went for 4 hours!!!!! I think that I had over fed her. dm and I are still arguing and I went to see her yesterday to make up - well I made up to keep the peace but I don't feel made up iyswim. She then asked to cuddle dd2 who I'd just finished feeding an hour before and of course she woke her up (cos she wanted to see her eyes!!!!!!). Of course dd2 woke up furious and wanted more milk. An hour later she came over to mine (to see dd1) and promptly woke dd2 up again and of course dd2 then felt that a nipple was the only way she was going to stop protesting. Not sure what others feel but in the end I felt that the colic we experienced last night was due to overfeeding of foremilk - anyone else ever felt like that? So that doesn't really explain this evening - ah well!

Had my 6 week checkup last wednesday and apart from raging thrush still both of us are fine. dd2 now weighs an extremely healthy 8lb 6ozs (a gain of 2lb 5ozs) and has grown 5 cms.

Blast - gotta go but will be back to talk more individual messages - gosh I miss mumsnet - wish I could master sitting on it whilst feeding but still incredibly sore!

Love to all.

Colic..... comon problem ..... DO NOT OVERFEED it makes it worst !
Hope it gets better soon.....

Pupuce - thanks for the confirmation. dd2 had been feeding every 2 hours or less and gradually I've been pushing her to a little longer as I felt she was snacking. Its good to have the confirmation.

OK - back on! Twice in one night! Katherine - OMG falling over with the baby is such an awful fear. For me I'm petrified of our stairs as I take dd2 downstairs to feed her at night. We have really steep stairs and when dd1 was only six days old I fell down them and dropped her - I can still see her coming out of my hands. I very relieved that you're all ok. I have a baby sling and I love it but you can't see your feet, however that just encourages me to be far more careful. Glad the metanium is working. For me it gets rid of the angry redness but of course doesn't clear up the thrush. The steriod cream is gradually making a difference to her bottom but its still nasty looking.

Neen - what an awful experience for the pair of you to go through. How is ds now? Have you heard from your gp yet. Its frustrating that all we can do is write - I'd want to be outside with a placard stomping up and down warning people.

Musica - gp confirmed that bleeds were due to additional work.

Marina - dd2 didn't smile that much at first but now at 7 weeks is a real beamer and is making up for lost time. She smiles at people as I carry her in her car seat.

Good luck to all - off to bed quick as dd2 is asleep!

Did I chase everyone away?

Hi Wills its been very quiet on here hasn't it. Think everyone has just fallen asleep (dream on gal!) How are you feeling today?

DD2 bum has gone sore again! Aghhhhh! Not sure what but its more on the edges than in the crack IYSWIM so hoping that means its nappy rash and not thrush. Still got a white tongue though and still going with the nystatin so maybe it has stopped working. However her skin is gorgeous again now. She's really filling out and looks so pretty now. Just can't beleive how big she is.

I came down with a tummy bug over the weekend which turned into a horrendous cold and sore throat. Its just not fair - this is so unreasonable. And DH has gone down with it now. No doubt it will be far more serious for him. Huh!

DD2 has been beaming at everyone since 4 weeks. No mistaking it though. And she gurgles and chats with you now too. Don't remember the other two starting this early but they are all different. She does seem a very friendly baby though.

Well we finally got all our honey off the bees so everywhere is very sticky now and we leave snail like trails everywhere we go. DS will be taking a jar into school tomorrow to share so it will be sticky everywhere there too oh and we are going to a chicken auction this weekend. I must be mad. Do I really want more little friends to look after. Still at least we'll have lots of eggs to flog. Life is never dull. Sorry waffling now. Better go.

Katherine your life sounds hard but wonderful. I found that the thrush came and went in waves. Just as I'd think gosh we're getting somewhere it would come back and be almost the same as before - it was that characteristic that got me down the worst. A case of 5 steps forward 4 back iyswim. I've just ordered my next fortnights worth of drugs but can now definitely tell that things are starting to improve so at least I believe there must be a light at the end of the tunnel.

DD2 is filling out as well but unfortunately has ezcma creaping all over her face which is such a shame. She is also starting to have long wakeful periods during the day (not sure I was quite ready for those yet) during which she normally coos and gurgles (gorgeous). Still in an feud with my mother unfortunately who wrote to me to tell me that she was to set up times during the week when she could have dd1 or else. Not sure I like the or else or for that matter the fact that she doesn't mention dd2. Still eventually for an easy life I made peace but inside I'm still furious.

We're currently considering get rich quick schemes. I've come to the conclusion that actually I rather like being at home with my girls but I don't want to give up my lifestyle. I've always fancied working for myself so dh and I are thinking of a change of direction, one that will at least keep me closer to home and girls and give me far more flexible hours. They're not really get rich quick but you can always hope.

Wills your mum sounds SO INFURIATING. Masses of stmpathy for you.

Are you sure that it is eczema? The spots of DD2s face looked a bit like excema as her skin went quite dry as well but it was just like a balclava - her face and head and neck where covered but then it stopped. It lasted about 2 weeks and then vanished overnight. Well you can but hope.....

Know what you mean about working from home. I started doing this when I started my family. I started a website based business. Its taken a long time to get going but I can pick it up and put it down as it suits me now so its great although it doesn't make a fortune - at least I feel I'm contributing. Simply don't have time to go to work!

Got to go - DH has come home with the bug. Better TRY to sound sympathetic !

No, you didn't Wills I was just too disorganised to remember this thread's title or search for it.
Not much to report from House of Marina except that dd got the final push-off from the hospital, which was good. She had to show her dimple and her still VERY hairy bot to three medical students in the process, though. She also did a lap of honour through antenatal and ultrasound after one of the midwives spotted us - it's nice to be remembered although in a busy hospital you feel a bit uneasy about being quite so memorable IYSWIM.
Sorry to hear you are all still under the thrush cloud - dd is spotty but I don't think it is real eczema, more like what Katherine describes. Dd is still not much of a smiler but she could gurn for England and has started cooing and gurgling too - even crowing with laughter sometimes. Bed beckons, I've just seen the TIME. Wills, I am very sorry about your mum, she sounds a piece of work even though I'm sure she doesn't mean to hurt you so much.

Hi Wills....
I am really sorry you can't kick this thrush thing ! That must be very frustrating and painful - I'm afraid besides the info I've given you in the past.... I am at a loss with anymore clever ideas.... I presume you are rigorous in your treatment of it. You have my symapthy!

As for your mum... well it got a bit like that with mine until her sister and I got into e-mail contact and she made some valid points about why my mum was behaving in such a way and highlighted different points in my own behaviour... anyway it has helped.... not perfect by any means but we are both making an genuine effort. Is there anyone who knows both of you who can listen to you and help you understand why she behaves this way and maybe give you suggestions on how to deal with it/improve it ?

As for change of direction... I went for that BIG time.... all I can say is that my income has dropped dramatically. I earn a 5th of what I use to earn.... and DH still earns a very meager £400/month.... still we are absolutely fine. Surprisingly fine actually... discovered tax credits , found easy way to save some money and ENJOY the kids.....
If you want to discuss this off-mumsnet - feel free to e-mail me
And I am MUCH MORE happier !

Hi would you mind if I join this thread as my 30th july DD is much nearer in age to yours than the june/july thread?

She is 10wks now and had her 1st injection today. So cross as the surgery only do injections every other monday, and, she was 8wks the wed after one so had to wait 2 wks. They then phoned on monday to say the injection clinic was off this week. She would be 12wks by the next one! I made a fuss and they booked her in with the nurse today. I wish I hadn't as she had nothing ready,(so they were straight from the fridge?) didn't know about meningitis C, I'm sure they didn't go into the muscle, and she didn't use alcohol swab?

Sorry to go on, but it is stressful enough to amke your precious babe scream without worrying that it has been a waste of time (and pain)as not done correctly.

Moan over! I too fell down the stairs a couple of weeks ago carrying Jess, very scary! I am so carefull now, it really knocked my confidence.

oops must go as DD1&2 are watching video which is nearly finished and I haven't even started dinner yet!

Hi everyone. Welcome KMS! Nice to see you! Sorry I haven't posted for a bit - have been having a bit of a guilt trip about how little creative stuff I do with ds, so had a trip to Early Learning Centre yesterday to stock up on playdough, craft materials etc. Not that we've done any yet, but it's a start. Poor dd just gets left in the corner on her playmat. She is very smiley now, and ds adores her! Had first jabs last Friday, and she was a bit moody afterwards - a bit hot and bothered. Good old Calpol saved the day though.

Hope you're all ok. Wills, it sounds like things are improving every day for you. You certainly sound more positive. Like the others, my dd's spots cleared up overnight - one day they were there, and the next, beautiful clear skin!

Hi musica! good to catch up. ds2 was at a friends while I was at a post-natal class and he did a collage and a model and I felt very guilty that we havent had time for anything like that for ages. I have made playdough for them. Have you tried it? sooooo easy! and cheap! will give receipe if you haven't got it.

Jess seems fine after jabs as I gave calpol straight after it. hasn't needed a second dose. really hope she doesn't get a bad lump because of jab into fat instead of muscle. (still cross and bubbling fury!)
Hope we still get 8hrs tonight!

Wills, funny you should talk about wanting to do something where you can work from home, that has been on my mind for a while too.
It would be great to be able to do something that I could work on at home (maybe set up some sort of home office in the spare room to make it a bit more official, that I would be able to start off small, then sort of take on more and more work as the boys got older and my work became more in demand.
I'm pretty creative, which is helpful in my curent job, but I don't get to use it as often as I'd like, so I thought a while ago of making hand-made wedding invites, etc.
Not too much outlay, just would have to make some examples to put in a 'brochure', get some business cards made up, maybe a few ads in the local paper, leaflets drops in local area.
Looked in Yellow pages and there are only about 2 other companies in my area that do same, so maybe an opportunity there.
Probably would start off by getting family and friends to keep an ear out for anyone they know getting married, and then mention me...

Don't know if I will ever actually get this off the ground, but it's been nice to have a daydream, and writing it all down had got me a teeny bit excited about the possibilities!
What sort of ideas did you have? Sounds like you were thinking of joining forces with your dh?
Maybe we should start a thread for ideas!

Getting a bit more sleep at nights now, we find if ds2 gets a late feed, around 11.45pm/12am, he usually will go till 4am-ish, then till 7.30/8am, so this means only one get-up in the night, which is fine. He goes back down to sleep really well at 4ish, which is wonderful, we used to spend hours trying to get ds1 back down in the small hours!

Getting bored with my nickname now, so don't be surprised if a new name appears on this thread one day and starts chatting away - it will be me!

Aghhhh. Need to have a rant. DD2s bum has gone really sore again and she has been waking up crying inconsoably. So decided to air her bum tonight and leave nappy off. Soon noticed that she was waking up crying and THEN weeing so the pain was coming before hand. Once she had wee'd she was happy again. This bothered me that it might be a UTI so rang NHS direct (If you ring 192 now you are told to ring another number to get the new directory enquiries number!).

Anyway after interrogating me for ages the nurse said that although she had no other symptoms it did sound like a UTI and I needed to see a Dr tonight. But I had to wait while they processed it at another hospital to be given an appointment at our cottage hospital. Finally they rang back and told me to go straight in, surprise surprise.

Anyway after all that the Dr looked at my cloth nappies and said "why are you using those" in a tone which implied horror. I then described what was going on and she went away for a while then came back with her diagnosis. Appently my DD is crying because her bum is sore and she is ANTCIPATING that its going to hurt when she wees.

Blimey I must have a child prodigy - I can't remember exactly when babies learn about cause and effect but I'm pretty sure its a lot older than 7wks. 2ndly its pretty amazing that at this age DD can anticipate a couple of minutes ahead that she's going to wee. Quick get the potty we should have her potty trained by next week. Not to mention the fact that all this remarkable thought proocessing is going on when she's asleep!

Oh and I should really think about disposables to get rid of this nappy rash. Grrrrrrr!

I am furious. Just hope its not a UTI.

Finally got home at midnight. What a waste of time. Of course DD2 is now sleeping like a - baby! Not a peep out of her.

Anyway on a slightly calmer note - one of those "bringing tears to your eyes moments". Feeding DD2 this morning and DS clambered up next to me and said " I do love her you know, thank-you for making her mummy!" Awwwwwww.

Just a quick post - it's very late and I'm falling asleep! Finally had post-natal check - was in and out in 3 minutes! Mentioned bleeding - she said was not uncommon, and to take it easy. That all seems to have stopped now anyway.

Ds has had a very manic day, totally exhausting himself, so that he got very sad at bedtime, crying his eyes out (which is very unusual - he normally just lies down and goes to sleep.). Managed to totally exhaust us as well! But I don't think we'll be complaining about going to bed somehow.

Katherine, did your doctor really suggest that? Sounds loopy to me! Ds doesn't know when he's going to do a wee, and he's over 2!!!

I do lots of teaching from home Wills - didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. It does mean staying at home with the kids, but isn't always very easy if they're demanding attention. Thank God for CBeebies!

Well I really am going to bed now - night all!

Hi all and welcome to KMS (Neen, why are you bored with your name?). Sorry to hear about your doctor, Katherine - my HV keeps asking me when we're going to switch to reusables after I told her my plans, she is very keen. I hope she feels better soon and hope it isn't a UTI. KMS, why were you concerned about the alcohol swab - hygiene or mild anaesthesia? You sound like you know about these things - all I could see was a huge needle heading towards my tiny babe's leg...I think I cried more than she did and only remembered afterwards that I got dh to do all the first series of jabs with ds.
Dd is finally smiling and crowing. We had a weekend away with her that went well, thank goodness, in that she was much admired and slept reasonably well in our hotel room.
Musica, do you teach music from home by any chance? I've always loved being a librarian until now, as it dawns on me that this is a line of work you simply can't do from home

marina- I thought they were supposed to swab site for hygiene reasons, but I now think that this isn't done for vaccines as alcohol may inactivate it. (I was a veterinary nurse in my previous life before kids but have forgotten more than I learnt!)
i took a good look at DD's leg the next day and she had a needle mark and then a long red line and lump going down her leg. I am sure it was supposed to go into the muscle, and she wouldn't have a mark like that if it had. just annoyed that after all that i should have waited for the normal clinic in the end!

Katherine- doesn't a call to nhs direct always end up being advised to go to casualty. Cloth nappies are great aren't they!Which ones are you using? Did Dr test urine? is nappy rash thrush? Hope it's not UTI.

Has anyones hair started falling out? mine is coming out in handfulls. I had forgotten about this. Must remember to clear out plughole every time

NHS Direct - we've been referred to 'Primary Care Unit' each time we've used it - i.e. the out of ours GP at the hospital.

Marina - how did you guess? You must be psychic!

Well, I'm feeling like 'good mummy' today. After lots of days of CBeebies, we've actually done something productive today - ds saw lots of friends, had a music session, did some painting and lots of reading (me reading, and then him 'reading' from memory!). So, am not feeling too much like crappest mum ever to live which is my usual assessment of myself.

Wills, so sorry you're still having problems with your mum. Fwiw I think she's being really unreasonable, especially when you've been having such a tough time with feeding etc. Make sure you look after yourself plenty!

Obviously 'out of hours'. It's very late....