The Zoo!

[WinomoreTheFruitbat]

Is it feeding time yet?

pull up a rock or patch of grass and get comfy in our new enclosure!

Morning all! Quick question, what would you ladies dress your baby in at night if the room was 18?c? 'I' was up and awake lots last night and I think she may have been cold? We have 2.5tog grobags. Thank you xxx

Before I head off to fb to see the pics, I have a quick question; what would you ladies dress a baby in at night if it was 18 degrees? 'I' was up and awake lots last night and I think she may have been cold? I had her in long sleeve vest, thin pyjama top and 2.5 tog grow bag. Thank you

Hi all,

Thanks for lovely messages. We're home and settled.

I've got to say that the birth experience was as positive as it could have been and I'm so lucky to have had such a different experience to last time.

After I posted my DP took L to school and my sister came and we took some things to mum's for L to sleep there if things didn't move quickly enough before induction. Came home - contractions were about every 5 mins (fairly strong but was coping fine) and waters were leaking everywhere. My sister suggested we move to the hospital fairly quickly to be sure baby was happy so we arrived at the hospital about 11.15. They checked and my waters had gone but cervix was 3cm dilated and not fully effaced. They said I was allowed to go home, have a bath and watch some DVDs and would hopefully be back later that day. They did a 20 min trace of baby and sent us packing.
We walked down to the concourse at the hospital and contractions started coming every mins and were strong. I was walking a few steps between contractions and then stopping (but still managed to buy and eat a sarnie from WHSMITH - about 1230). DP went to buy a coffee and sister walked to a different shop to get a baguette...I thought I'd sit down next to lots of old people waiting for transport .. scoff, scoff, scoff of sarnie and big 'POP'. Waters had gone everywhere. My sister put her waterproof jacket around my bottom half and we decided it was not a good idea to head home with frequency of contractions. We walked back up to maternity unit with constant contractions and they were a bit to see me again so quickly. I declared that I was not a wimp but could not go home (12.45).
Poor student MW. She took me to a room, sent DP to get the case and asked my sister to rub my back (even though I was wearing the TENs). She said she couldn't examine me for 4 hours (because of infection risk after SPROM) and I could have some tablets. I demanded to be examined three times and she went off to ask senior MW who each time sent her back to say no. I declared 'right, i'm going upstairs then to consultant unit!'...she examined me quickly and gave me the g&a before she'd even finished. At that point I was needing the toilet desperately!! She said I was 4cm and wanted to leave me a while before filling the pool. I was happy to have g&a and wait. Second MW came in and saw me bouncing on the ball, mooing, high on g&a and insisted the pool was filled quickly (about 1.15). Got in with g&a and contractions were still constant but I was managing to joke and talk for the few secs that they relaxed. Body totally took over and was pushing by itself - student said "NO PUSHING, YOU'LL DAMAGE YOUR CERVIX!!" Second MW said 'just go for it if you want to'. I asked to be checked but she said there was no need and just to do whatever I wanted. Literally 4 mins later he was out, 8lb 13oz and not a single stitch. I lifted him up and out of the water (2.06) - DP in total shock at how easily he'd come out compared to L and my sister was holding my hand. DP cut the cord, they got me out of the pool, wrapped me up like the baby and second MW cwtched me whilst student delivered placenta and sister and DP cooed over the baby. I was SOOO cold but the cuddles from the MW were the best. She was amazing (and it was also the student MW's 40th and qualifying birth and she said it was her fave ).
Sister helped me to have a shower almost immediately and got me dressed and we went to private room. DP went to get L from school and she came to see him straight away. She's adjusting really well for the moment and he's latching well too - long may it last!!

I'm feeling fine - think I may have done some damage to my ahem bottom because it's a bit sore. Might send DP out for some piles cream and then decide I don't need it .

Had better go and make lunch for L. Back later xxxx

Oh Hyena I'm crying! How beautiful!! That sounds so lovely! Well done you! I can't wait to have another! OMG did I just say that!? That's how lovely your story is! [Grin]

Hyena I'm so chuffed for you having such a wonderful labour I actually want to burst into tears!
I'm just so pleased it all went so well and you got to give birth in the pool - must have been truly amazing I just don't know what to say, just want to come and give you all a huge hug! Bubba is absolutely beautiful xxx

meeeow I have no idea about temp of room, never used a room thermometer before.
I put J in a fleecy type babygrow (from Primarni), no vest, 2.5 tog growbag and a thin blanket over the top. If his hands are cold I put another cellular blanket on top of that. Is that any help?

OMG Penguin YOU. ARE. SOOOOO. NEXT! Hahaha, excited? ........

Congratualtions Hyena Your birth story has me in tears (very happy good one you understand)

Well done you and so glad you are home.

...look so happy typed CONGRATULATIONS wrong.

Thanks ladies. He looks exactly like L but is much fairer. She had such dark hair and eyebrows when she was born.

Just to add to my birth story - my hands felt really swollen when I was in the pool and I took off my engagement ring and gave it to DP just a few mins before DS was born. I said, "I'm not giving you this because I don't want to marry you". The MW said - "It's usually at this point that people are discussing divorce!" I said "NOOOO I don't want to divorce him - he's lovely!" COOOOO lots of AWWWWWs from MWs. See - it really couldn't have been a terrible labour at all.

Haha Penguin. You're next .

Just realised that this little chunker is the heaviest born so far. Do I get a prize? Maybe just give him a name instead.....

SWI
Tigger Cycle 26 (CP/MC april, june08 & april 09)

Infanticipating
PenguinPoo 34 weeks pg EDD 16 Dec

Yummy Mummies
E GIRL! A. born 7th October 08 5lbs 12oz
Impala GIRL! E. at 0630am 4th November 08, 7lbs 15oz
Hippopotamum BOY! E. born 3rd December 08, 6lbs 5oz
WinomoreTheFruitbat! J. born 18th March 09, 8lbs 5oz
Havingagiraffe BOY! N. born 13th April 09, 6lbs 12oz
MamaFox BOY! C. Born 11th July 09, 7lb 13oz
WolvernineInMarigolds GIRL! F. Born 18th July 09, 9.24am, 8lbs 7oz
Meeeow GIRL! I. born 6th August 09, 3.09pm 8lbs 9oz
CaptainNemo GIRL! T born 28th August 09, 5.19am, 8lb 9oz
Turkleton TWO GIRLS! K & A born 8th October 09, 4lb 9oz & 4lb 5oz
Hyena BOY! Born 11th November 09, 8lb 13oz

I know people say this about all babies but Master Hyena is seriously gorgeously cute, cute, CUTE!

Penguin Mwwwwwah Mwwwwah Mwwwwah - You're next!! (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)

Actually have just realised Penguin that is really exciting - You're next!

Yes Hyena fantastic size! And squeezed out of your 'Lady Garden' lol I'm impressed! And a little clever girl!

Penguin how's it feel top be top of the list?!

Hyena Had a proper little weep at your full birth story you made it sound so lovely, well apart from the farmer giles bit of course I can't believe how quickly it all happened, but the main thing is you didn't have to be induced!! Can't wait to find out the name, if you don't pick one soon we'll have to think of one for you!
So not sure about this top of the list thing very scary!
Well scan today showed placenta hasn't moved at all, so although I'm having another scan in 2 weeks when I'm 37+3 they have provisionally booked me in for a c/s for the 9th Dec, they wanted me in on 1st Dec but it's full already Seeing consultant rather than registrar at next scan so it's possible he'll try and bring it forward and squeeze me in as they feel the 9th is a bit close to actual due date.
I have very mixed emotions about it, glad that there is end in sight from the SPD, will be all done and dusted by Christmas too, but feels wierd that I won't experience a contraction or labour, but at the end of the day I will get my LO and that is the main thing!
Oh also had growth scan, the head and thigh bone mesured spot on for my dates 35+3 but the buddha belly measured 38 weeks They have put the baby at about 6lbs so could be a runner for beating the Hyena cub at this rate

SWI
Tigger Cycle 26 (CP/MC april, june08 & april 09)

Infanticipating
PenguinPoo 35 weeks pg EDD 16 Dec

Yummy Mummies
E GIRL! A. born 7th October 08 5lbs 12oz
Impala GIRL! E. at 0630am 4th November 08, 7lbs 15oz
Hippopotamum BOY! E. born 3rd December 08, 6lbs 5oz
WinomoreTheFruitbat! J. born 18th March 09, 8lbs 5oz
Havingagiraffe BOY! N. born 13th April 09, 6lbs 12oz
MamaFox BOY! C. Born 11th July 09, 7lb 13oz
WolvernineInMarigolds GIRL! F. Born 18th July 09, 9.24am, 8lbs 7oz
Meeeow GIRL! I. born 6th August 09, 3.09pm 8lbs 9oz
CaptainNemo GIRL! T born 28th August 09, 5.19am, 8lb 9oz
Turkleton TWO GIRLS! K & A born 8th October 09, 4lb 9oz & 4lb 5oz
Hyena BOY! Born 11th November 09, 8lb 13oz

Hi ladies, sorry for not being on here lately, real life seems to have caught up with me
My gorgeous little man is 18wks tomorrow and now weights 6.95kg. He has been rolling over since 12wks and is sitting in his bumbo nicely now, the dd's love it now he can 'sit' up with them in the lounge. I've put some new pics on FB, will post my fav one of ds on here too.
Otherwise I've been busy planning dd2's 4th bday party and dh's 40th party, both before Xmas, plus Xmas itself. Managed to talk dh out of the pool idea, he was quite sulky about if for a couple of weeks but has realised that financially we should do other more important things first. We had a builder in to quote on a couple of options we have for extending the kitchen/lounge, so are considering those. Lots going on lately, that's for sure
Big welcome to the new babies that have arrived in my absence, I've been keeping track on FB.
Anyway, 10pm here so time for bed for me. I promise not to disappear for so long next time

Hyena Just read your lovely birth story. Huge congratulations my love. Sounds like a really amazing experience. I'll be off to look on FB in a sec to see what your cub looks like. If the girl's reactions are anything to go by my uterus might be doing a little skip . So pleased that he's here, safe and sound and that you've got your much longed for little boy. Love it when a story has a happy ending....

Talking of which, Penguin....nearly time for your happy ending . Will be lurking with intent over the next few weeks to see what flavour you end up with.

Big fat hello's to everyone else. Afriad MN has taken a back seat to every day life. Build still not finished....sigh.... Flora doing really well. Not sleeping thru yet so bit tired. But bonny and chubby none the less. Spitting image of Libby. Apart from that it just seems that life is very busy with three kids. Not complaining, but I do sometimes dream of the day when they are ALL at school . xxxxxx

I have another question; I has started waking in the night it started with 4am and is now 2am! She sleeps after feeding but when I tried giving her a bottle of ebm at 10:30pm she slept longer, I can't keep that up anymore though as I'm just not making enough milk to spare! I'm strongly considering one bottle of formula at 10:30pm, has anyone else done this? Or have any other advice? Thanks in advance ladies x

Hiya Mamafox and wolverine good to 'see you' sounds like you are both busy especially mamafox with all that partying and building your planning!

Evening all

Just enough time to post before dinner on. We now eat at 5:30 so that N can join us but I do feel like an OAP.

Very late in the day but meant to say Mr Panda sounds like a little sweetheart - what a perfect Sunday he planned for you. He has earned very many good husband points from me.

DP is off out tonight so I have delegated bedtime to him as I will be 'on shift' all night again. Tomorrow night though I am sleeping in the spare room as have left enough EBM for a whole night off - yipeeeee - will probably go to bed at 7pm just to sleep for 12 hours straight.

Meeow Haven't mixed fed myself and pump a bottle a day for DP to give at night but lots of people in my NCT group used one bottle of formula without any problems although when they introduced more than one they found their own supply dwindled. I only express 6/7oz though but have tried more and found it makes no difference to waking times but then as we know N is not a fan of sleep. Are you giving the bottle, in which case could you not just feed as then she can take what she needs to fill up? HTH

Mamafox Your building plans sound very exciting and cannot believe DS is 18wks (I know I always say that to you - ) He looks so cute with DD's on FB and so grown up in the Bumbo.

Wolverine Good to 'see' you and glad your lo's are keeping you busy. Am with you on the tiredness - hope she goes through soon.

Penguin Ooooh a date. Makes it all a bit real doesn't it? Mind you I should think the ever expanding bump does that for you. As you say as long as your little bundle arrives safely after all this time then the rest is all secondary.

Big love to the Hyena family. Hope all is going marvellously. xx

giraffe when I feed her from the breast at 10:30pm she's on for about 40 min but wakes up earlier as if she isn't taking enough?! I've tried bf then ebm top up at this time but she's too asleep to take it after bf and so doesn't end up having it!

Hello ladies, just back from holiday and popping on briefly to say a huge congrats to Hyena and her new cub ! Loving the FB pics, esp the one with big sister looking all proud - CUTE !!! We are literally just home so I'll catch up properly and post over the weekend. Am just so glad induction wasn't required in the end

Hyena Your birth story was just so amazing, exactly how I wish mine had been with the pool etc . At least I know it is possible second time around, although I'm not sure that's enough to persuade me to have another anytime soon! Seriously though, it sounded like a wonderful experience. I hope bf is going well and look forward to finding out what name you've chosen very soon!
Penguin How exciting to have a date! Make the most of the next three weeks and the time you have to yourself because it will be in short supply from here on in
Mamafox Lovely to see you, wow you are busy at the moment! Good luck with all the parties. DS sounds lovely and it's great that your DDs are so taken with him.
Wolverine Lovely to see you and pleased F is doing so well. I won't depress you by informing you that E is 53 weeks and still hasn't slept through
Welcome back Hippo, hope you had a lovely time.
Meeow Could I be having a growth spurt? Also is it around 16 weeks that some babies who had previously slept through start waking? I haven't done mixed feeding either so I can't really advise but have you looked at the threads in the breastfeeding section? As I mentioned above, E is no guide as she still seems to be on some sort of newborn feeding pattern during the night. Quite when she'll stop I don't know!
Giraffe When DH is on the late shift I eat with E too, although I've recently been giving her dinner at 4.45pm which is a bit early even for me. I do try to have a snack with her whilst she's eating her evening meal though and we have breakfast and lunch together. Enjoy your night off tomorrow! I'm off to a Jamie at Home party so no doubt I'll come home to E awake and playing in the lounge with DH. She refuses to take a bottle these days and he struggles to settle her so it's easier for her to be up with him if she wakes whilst I'm out
After a cold at the beginning of the week, which she's still got, E now has hand foot and mouth disease (HFM) I hadn't heard of it until this morning when the nursery called me to tell me that's what they thought she had. They don't exclude children with it fortunately but they called later to tell me that she was a bit unsettled and had a large ulcer under her tongue so I went to pick her up. She was fine yesterday and this morning otherwise I wouldn't have sent her, and of course as soon as she was back home she was fine too and happily playing and charging around. Fortunately the ulcer doesn't seem to be bothering her too much and she's eating better than she has been in recent days. The spots don't seem to be itchy either. I took her to the GP just to be on the safe side and he confirmed HFM. He was very familiar with it as his DCs had it last week!
No news from Fruity recently - hope she's OK.
Have a nice weekend all

Oops, forgot to name change after posting on my PN thread - first time I've done that! Hope I haven't blown our cover

Morning cricri Impala surely we're not being stalked anymore. Nice to 'see' you. Sorry that E is poorly, you've had a bit of a run of it recently haven't you?
What is a Jamie at Home party? When I got back from our NCT girls night out N was partying in the lounge with Daddy. He had one of the other Dads round with their daughter and they had both been up having a PJ party! As you say though best to just give in sometimes and keep them happy otherwise Mummy wouldn't have a life.

Forgot to say the other day Nemo Sorry to hear about your Mum, that must have been tough for you all, you have enough going on. Nice to see you though, hope the gorgeous T is doing well.

Come on Hyena have you got a name yet?

It is pouring with rain here and we have to go out for some last minute Christening stuff. Would really rather curl up with a coffee and a piece of cake at home. Boo

Morning ladies,
Busy day on Friday - found out baby was RH+ so had to go back to hospital for a lovely antiD injection (which obviously they hadn't ordered to we had to wait for hours!). Took DS to pick DD up from nursery which she was thrilled about and then went to local arts centre for early evening drink to meet some friends (to clever avoid visitors all weekend! .
He didn't sleep at all first night home except at 7am when he fell asleep for an hour on DPs chest and last night he managed to feed every 45 mins but my milk is in and BF is going well so I don't mind. Will just have to try and be sensible and rest in the day so I'm not ratty with DD.
We've had such a productive morning - DP changed the beds, house is spotless and washing is done. DP has been fab - he was so nervous with DD but a total natural with DS and bonding has taken place much quicker which I'm so thrilled about. Am waiting for the MW now but she'll come any time before 4 which is helpful. He's got veru mucky eyes - prob a slight infection to I'm cleaning them a lot.

Names - we're closer. Either Joseph Evan (sorry Hippo or Gethin David. I think I prefer Joseph but DP prefers Gethin so I want to wait a few days to see which grows on us.

We're going to chill all weekend and avoid visitors, watch DVDs and give L lots of cuddles.

Happy weekends to all xxxxxxx

AND have just noticed that DD has her first set of crawlies in her hair. Great timing, L! DP is already on his way out for some lotion...so much for private education . Do you think I'll be ok to use lotion on hair (to be on safe side?). Will check with MW.

Love both of those names Hyena but am I allowed to express a preference for one?

Yes you are Giraffe. DP is all for Gethin but I really like Joe.

Two kids bathed and asleep. Nits have been tackled but will give it another go tomorrow. Also did DP but haven't had time to do myself. Ah well - XFactor time. Should wake baby and keep poking him to get him to sleep later on - sooo tired!

OMG I have just typed a huge post (I am not joking) and lost it due to DP's stupid new Notebook and its tiny keys

Anyway, here is the gist...

Hyena am in awe of your birth story, I somehow missed it last night due to new MN layout. You did so well and so did your wee man coming just in time ! Am so impressed by you still loving your DH so close to giving birth !! Am so chuffed for you my dear and he is absolutely adorable

Meeow I started giving E a bottle of 'hungry baby' formula at bedtime from 4-5 months in a desperate attempt to get more sleep - it made little difference but was a welcome break for my aching boobs. E had no nipple confusion atall and is such a hungry boy he didn't even seem to notice it was different milk ! Good luck, I used to pull my hair out daily trying to think of ways to get more sleep ! E started sleeping through at 6 months but we still have nights where he wakes for a cuddle - wee monkey !

impala poor E being so ill - hope she recovers quickly. I didn't even notice your faux-pas, seemed so natural to see your original name ! Does E sleep lots during the day ? I find when E sleeps less he settles more easily but then on the flipside he gets grumpy before bed - we can never win can we !!?

Penguin I am soooo excited that you are next ! As Brucie would say (I hope you watch Strictly) "you're my favourite" - you had such a rough time getting PG and now that you are you have had a blimin' hard time. I reckon you'll have the most angelic and easy baby ever as reward . Don't worry about the c-section, like I said before it is a 'skoosh' and don't be dreaming of Hyena-stylie straightforward, natural birth as that just doesn't happen for 99.9% of us ! Added bonus for a Dec baby is knowing that you'll be all done and dusted in time for santa - I was exactly the same (due 6th and delighted he came 3rd as was not fancying NHS turkey !) At least you know that you will not be waiting or pushing on xmas day - yippee ! Please just concentrate on the end result as opposed to the means of delivery - healthy baby arrives, who cares how it came out !!? Hopefully Fruity can reassure you that a planned section is even more fab than a EMCS (which in my book was great !) xx

Well our wee holiday was lovely - we had lots of bracing walks on the beach and ate out for breakfast, lunch and dinner - yum ! The townhouse we stayed in was amazing so a good time was had by all .

I have a question about feeding - I am stil feeding E from a spoon, he will be 1 in 3 weeks - eek ! when did you ladies hand over the spoon ? I am terrified of the mess and the fact that I won't know how much he eats.. Am I being a control freak ?...