May 2010 - Drooling, smiling, cooing and nearly sleeping through (and that's just the mummies!)

[rachelfruitloop]

Hi Ladies,

I hope you don't mind, I started a new thread as our first one was quite full! I can't believe we're a quarter-way through the first year already!

Cari, Darcey's like that with strangers. Since she's been settling herself at night, she's in such a better mood in the day - and I didn't think it was possible for her to be any more content than she already is!

I thought we were being really quick off the mark by deciding already Glad we're not too out of the box! I'm worried that 2 under 2 will be too much. I know everyone probably thinks it, but I can't imagine sharing myself between Darcey and another. She takes up so much of me now, that I don't know how I could give another baby the same amount of myself. Obviously I wouldn't be able to and they would never know any different, but I can totally see now how first borns are how they are (said as one). I think I feel guilty already that I won't be able to give another baby the same as what Darcey's had. But of course I'm being daft and it will work out fine. It's nice to know there are so many wise ones here who can slap me help.

Finally got my Christmas namechange. Almost too late - can't believe it's next weekend.

nineladiesdancing love the name change . I completely understand your concerns about having DC2; DH was nervous that he wouldn't be able to love another as much as DD1 and I was worried about not getting to spend as much time with either of them. However although DD2 doesn't get nearly as much 1-1 time with me as DD1 had, when I see them together I realise that they have each other which in many ways is even lovelier. I think that's partly why DD2 has really picked up on her eating for example as she watches DD1 working her way through food and copies her, and there is a lot of love between the two of them which is just lovely to see.

However I don't think that I could cope with 2 14-month gaps so there will be a slightly bigger one between DD2 and DC3 if we decide to go for it and so much is going to be dependent on when my periods ever decide to come back (though the minute they do turn up I can see I'm going to be starting work on DH )

I'm lying here feeding young Molls and need a wee vent. Thought I'd only just posted so didn't have a lot to catch up on but there's been a fair bit of posting past few days and all pretty long winded. Will do some personals first. As I'm on my iPhone it won't be perfect. Apologies in advance.

Ooh exciting news dancing. I had a patient in on Monday who's 43, had a baby early May and is pg again. So it's not that rare or crazy. I'd just love to have one more but couldn't cope with the same level of sickness. If I get my BMI down into the 20s then I might bite the bullet but I'm a long way from that. Good luck to you.

carikube more broodiness! I agree with you about the relationship between siblings being amazing even if later babes get less attention. Think Molly has the best of both worlds as ds and dd1 don't need as much input from me so I've had a lot of time for Molls but she also has them to adore her. And they both do. Dh wasn't really sold on having a third but he is really enjoying Molly now. He's keener than I am on a fourth!

pamelat - sorry things aren't going according to plan. Tell me to butt out but would it help to realise Alex isn't choking - he's gagging. It's totally different and not dangerous. Maybe do a first aid course to help you feel less stressed. Gagging is just a reflex response to anything being put far into the mouth and in babies often happens quite near the front of the tongue. It prevents choking so is a good thing and is best ignored as over reacting and getting stressed makes it all bigger than it needs to be. When Molls gags we just ignore it and so she spits the lump or whatever out and then stuffs something else back in again. No issue. And she gags less all the time as she's learning how to swallow. If Alex gags easily he needs to get over that. Blw and ignoring him (but being beside him in the very unlikely event of actual choking) can work quite quickly

ego love the updates and photos on FB. We had similar at about 6 months with all these milestones happening at once. Thanks for making me feel less weird about having no desire to go out. I have a friend coming over tomorrow and I would really rather she didn't. But she's having a tough time so it's only right I offer her support.
itshappenedagain - sorry you're having hassles with your exes. Nice to hear from you.

Grrr. Can't check who else I should be replying to. My memory is rubbish these days. Sorry for being so crap.

I'm so stressed tonight. Had a big meeting I had to facilitate last night where the not that great and the not so good were talking about mental health services. Took a lot out of me. Dh didn't settle Molls as he was watching the football so she was fractious when I got home. She fed and fed and then slept for 5 hours straight from 1 to 6. Best night I've had since she was born. But I'm shattered today. Had a work lunch thing today which was crap. I'm missing Molly so much when I'm working. Had some time off last week and it was lovely. Feel :( at the thought of a lifetime of bloody working all the time.

Dh has started insulin for his diabetes and it's taking ages to get right so he's stressed and exhausted. It got dangerously out of control on Sunday after we had Mexican for lunch while out Xmas shopping with the dcs. Ruined the trip which was otherwise so lovely.

And my eczema is dreadful. My nipples are grazed again and i'm starting back at the blardy evening/weekend job in 3 weeks.

So lots of good stuff but some not so good. Moany cow.

Pamelat - sorry the sleep is still so bad :( It's really hard work.

Itshappenedagain - I keep getting the 'when are you going to stop BFing?' etc now as well. Sigh. Everyone in my family is very supportive of bfing, but my mum definitely thinks it should stop by about 6 months and that DS should be on formula for the nutrition now . Hey ho, just ignoring it for the time being. Sorry your exes are giving you a tough time :(

Carikube - lovely that DD2 is happy with strangers, can make life a lot easier :)

DancingThroughLife - we conceived DS just after DD turned 1, so it was 2 under 2 at first. I love the smaller gap and I'm so glad we did it. We didn't think it would happen so quickly when we started TTCing because DD took a while but was first month. Seems like a very common gap as well :)

Molly - :( that you're having such a tough time. Grazed nipples must be very painful and missing her at work must be awful :( Hope you have a better day today.

Re going out - I never really want to go out without the children either. I much prefer family trips out during the day. Both DCs sleep well in the evening so we get that time to ourselves anyway so I never really know what I'd do if we did go out.

DS teething now so a couple of horrible nights when he's been up every 10-30 minutes or so :( We're using teething gel, powders and calpol occasionally - any other ideas? I've always dismissed the teething necklaces, but if it's going to be this bad then I figure anything might be worth a try. Poor little mite, I can feel the bump where it's coming through but it's not through yet.

itshappened again, sorry to hear of your ex breaching the order, hope you get it sorted, i know a brilliant but not cheap solicitor in neston if you need a new one.

nineladies, fab name change!

cari, yes i had 2 under 2 aswell, in many ways it was easier than starting again eg nappies, bf etc, and i agree that that the sibling relationship can easily make up for changes in maternal relationships.

i actually plucked up the courage to invite people to my house! had 5 mummies and babies for lunch yesterday, it was lovely, why was i so nervous?

virginia then stuffed herself on the leftovers for her tea, she had a 6" plate full! cous cous and lamb, followed by chocolate mousse and a chocolate button from her advent calendar (guilty mummy smiley). very little ended up on the floor! anyway, she then only woke up for 3 instead of 5 feeds during the night. maybe i need to feed her more??

much love!

oops forgot to ask.....
can anyone recommend a good freeflow travel cup?

Molly thank you, dont want you to "butt out" at al . DD was just to easy to wean and I genuinely never remember her gagging, she just ate everything. Alex gags even on puree sometimes and seems to panic with it.

I gave him mashed up jacket potato last night and he preferred to eat with his fingers, but still readily gagged (eyes water/face goes red too) and normally then sick but I think its because he is chesty/coldy too so its almost harder for him. We have been the bug household for a good 6 weeks now!

I am in bed today with what was a migraine, started to feel better half an hour ago. DH had to take emeregency leave to look after Alx as I woke t 5am being sick and then by 7am couldnt life my head off the pillow etc. a day in bed sounds great but it isnt when you are poorly

missing alex too

Anyway, sleep has improved on last 2 nights to just 1 or 2 brief wakings so feel like will get somewhere

Heffa- Glad DD enjoyed Santa. DD1 went alittle shy around Santa but when asked her name told him her first, middle and surname and her age.:) It was very funny.

Glad DH got to see his grandad :(

Pamlet- Sorry to hear your having a rough time with the sleeps. Lucy is up once a night and thats knackering enough.
Re- weaning the gagging will improve. It might be a case of just sticking with it untill he improves. Practice makes perfect and all that. We too just stand back and let her deal with it (obviously being on hand if she really does need help). They will pick up on you panicking. Agree that a first aid course may help put your mind at ease.
Hope the Migranes ease soon :(

Happenedagain- Sorry things are a nightmare with DS's dad :(
DD's Dad is the one missing out. Sad though :(

Carikube- Glad DD is happy to be left with others. DD1 was rather clingy and wouldnt even go to grandparents easily. Lucy is more relaxed but maybe thats because she more used to being handled by others when in dealing with tantrums DD1. As long as she is getting attention then shes beaming at you. :)

Dancing- Definately agree about the sibling love. DD1 was playing Boo with a teddy and Lucy. Little Lucy was giggling her head off and it was jus soo adorable to see!
They ablsolutely love each other and I just know the moment Lucy is moving then her and DD1 are going to be little partners in crime!
I get days where I feel that I dont do the same with Lucy as I did with DD1 but my friend keeps reminding me that Lucy knows no different and has an inbuilt playmate/teacher in DD1. As long as she doesnt teach her how to throw tantrums!!

Molly- Sorry you miss Molly so much when your working. :(
Hope you start to feel more relaxed and less stressed soon.

Ego- Glad you had a fab time with your Mummy friends. Its sounds lovely.
Thats the one thing I miss is having Baby friends for Lucy. Most of our friends have toddlers DD1's age. They love Lucy and are all over her but find it hard finding other friends with Babies as they all seem put off with a toddler running around and I havent had the same opportunities to meet them ( ie Baby groups/massage classes.)
Re cup- We tried sooo many different ones with DD1 and now have a cupboard full!
this was good although not freeflow. Its gives the same feeling as drinking from an open cup.
However DD1 stuck on the good old TommeeTippee first cup. Lucy is currently using a TT cup at meal times and manages fine with it.

Lucy is trying to crawl now. Her little knees are coming up so doubt it will be much longer. She also wants to stand the whole time and really pushes herself up on your lap and refuses to sit down!
Still a monkey for fighting her daytime naps which can be very frustrating.
Just got DD1 into a local nursery and starts after xmas. I know she will love it but im going to feel so lost for 2.5 hours every monday! However it will be nice to spend some quality time with Lucy. :)

Hey all, again, apologies for leaving it so long :)

Molly - sorry to hear things aren't great. I'm not back at work yet and i'm dreading it already - work used to be really important to me now its not so.

Lucee - I am absolutely delighted you have found someone else - you deserve it!

WLTK - glad you are now being left alone re weaning, good for you for standing you're ground

Ego - christmas album sounds good :) Woo hoo re weight gain!

Heffa - sorry to hear about DH's grandfather

Pamelat - hope your migrane has gone

Pigley - rian also wanting to stand when on my lap and hates day time naps!

Hollyoaks - OMG!!! How scary!! So glad Grace is better now.

Tomlin - wow! Good luck with all that cooking, i don't think i'd be able to cope! I hope they bring you lots of wine!

Dancing - i have been thinking of a second too but thought i am mad, glad i'm not :)

Rian has 2 more teeth coming through at the top. Re sleep we have managed to get down to one bottle during the night which is great but he is still waking needing his dummy replaced quite alot.

Weaning - Eating is going well, he is having porridge for b'fast, 5 oz bottle, lunch, 5 oz bottle, dinner (tempramental at this meal), 8 oz bottle, bed then 7 oz during the night!! Not sure when to reduce more daytime bottles and add snacks?? He's weighing more that 19lbs at 6.5 months!

Whats slightly concerning me is that he is sooo clingy and wont go to anyone when i'm in the room. It's now getting to the point that i can't leave him to play on the floor without sitting next to him or he just screams. I've tried not picking him up straight away but he just gets himself so worked up with no signs of giving up. The 2 of us ended up crying our eyes out together this afternoon! :( As a lot of you will know it's so hard dealing with constant screaming with no break. When DP gets in from work he takes him but again Rian screams if its not me thats feeding him or putting him to bed, al abit overwhelming...any ideas ladies?

Anyhoo, sorry if i've missed anyone, hope everyone has a good weekend x

den, most babies go through a clingy anxiety thing somewhere between 6 and 12 months, in a way its a positive thing as it means that they have learned something, that mummy can walk away, the hard thing is they havent yet learned that mummy always comes back. before this stage when they couldnt see something it didnt exist. i know this wont help on a physical level but hope it helps emotionally.
how about if you spent ages playing peekaboo so that hopefully he will learn that you 'disappear' for a while but always come back, maybe leave various time lengths in the hidey stage before the happy 'BOO'

or maybe tell me to shush lol

WE HAVE SNOW! i know plenty of you are fed up of it, but it is our first snow, and i can wear my bridal shoes again, yippee! i am so sad i actually interrupted virginias bedtime routine to bundle her up and take her out to experience it, oddly she then had a really good night, only 3 feeds

Den26 - Don't worry, it's normal for them to have a clingy stage. DS is very clingy to me atm but just enjoying it because DD was always very clingy to DH.

Ego - we're very happy with the snow here too! So exciting :)

Pamelat - hope you're feeling better soon.

DS is shuffling himself along on his bottom now when he can. He keeps pulling himself up on to everything as well and then trying to walk once he's up Very cute though, if I get close to him he grabs my clothes and stands up.

Re cups - we liked the 360 as well. DS uses the Tommee Tippee first cup and seems to like it. DD is on the later Tommee Tippee cup for 24 months plus or something and likes it. She had a straw cup but the straw was rigid and she fell on it a couple of times so I got rid of it.

DH's grandfather died yesterday :( Very peacefully which is good. Waiting to hear about the funeral but now sure if we'd be able to make it in this weather, at least DH managed to see him one last time.

Hey Ego & Heffa - thanks, makes me feel a bit better that its just a phase

Ego - thats for peekaboo tip have been playing that with him, maybe need to do more. Glad you're enjoying the snow, we had another couple of inches yest.

Heffa - so sorry to hear about Dh grandfather but glad he got to see him. Can't believe DS is pulling himself up to stand! Wont be long til he's walking then?

I've had a day of cooking meals for Rian today - soup, veg cous cous and veg lasagne. We eat alot of jarred sauces which have salt in so he doesn't always eat same as us.

ML good to hear from you - was wondering how you were. Really sorry that the situation with DH has got worse - I don't usually like to comment on relationships but sounds like he's being very selfish.

Glad you're finding strength in little Olivia

Hi ml and mogg, good to hear from both of you.
Ml sorry to hear of further troubles, I hope you start to feel better soon, once decisions have been finalised and you can move forward somehow. Big hugs.
Olivia really is a sweetie and I am pleased to see that she is keeping you sane, give her an extra hug from me, she is very special

Swine flu jab, what's everyone doing?
Have just posted in health for advice but don't know if many people visit health and want some advice
Don't think my GP would appreciate me having an appointment just for advice and I don't know how much knowledge the receptionists would have (thoough they are unusually nice, not hitlerish at all)

ML - lovely to hear from you. So sorry you have been having such a horrible time :( Glad Olivia is doing well, she sounds like such a delight. Love that she's crawling, must be so much fun this time of year Big hugs to you.

MoggMum - good to see you as well.

Ego - I didn't give DD the swine flu jab last year because I had it when I was pg and it hurt my arm so much I didn't want to put her through it. Also, I figured I could just keep at home away from major problems. We haven't been invited this year, not sure what I'd do if we were.

Den26 - glad you're feeling better, it is just a phase :)

Hello everyone! Just hopping on to wish you all a very, very happy Christmas, and that you all get where you need to be despite the snow, and that 2011 is peaceful and prosperous and comes with loads and loads of sleep.

I know I have been away from the thread forever, but I have just had a good read and it's SO great to hear how everyone is doing.

We're fine - well, other than we have nowhere to live after 14 Jan as house just fell through (calm, calm) and we're totally snowed in and Co-op is running out of red wine (calm, calm). Also Tilda not yet quite sleeping all that well . And like many of you ABSOLUTELY BRASSIC now. No money at all.

But we're very happy and I am so excited about our first Christmas as a little family.

So, happy Christmas to you all, and glad you're all still around! Will try to put Christmas baby pic up on my profile now.

Hi so sorry I have been away for an age as well, will try a proper catch up soon.

I had 2 under 2 for a while too and went on to have another 2 so can't be that bad, no it was fine really.

Jacob is doing great, haven't a clue what he weighs would guess well over 20lbs, he's cutting teeth 3 & 4 just now, sitting up by himself, trying to crawl and brill at feeding himself, sleep still totally rubbish though.

Must dash off but will catch up soon promise

Hi all

Quick post while expressing at work as usual. Will try to manage proper personals later in the week.

Sorry your h being such a twonk ml - Olivia looks such a darling on FB.

Nice to hear from you mogg sk and luckyc

All is well here in the snow and ice :)

Stay safe and warm everyone

Happy Xmas all!

Not posted for yonks but have read regularly.

DD is 7 months and crawling and even pulling herself up to standing! Arghghhgh! Nowhere is safe!

Still BFing, but began weaning on the day she turned 6months. She loves her food but insists on taking the spoon from me and feeding herself. The mess is incredible! The dog's favourite position is beneath teh high chair - my dining room floor is spotless, licked to an inch of its life!

ML so sorry all is so crap for you. My ex left when DD1 was almost 8 months, more fool him. I know exactly what you mean when you say she's such a support.

Hope everyone else is well. I love reading how you're getting on, but work juggling and baby means it's been hard to find a spare 2 mins to post.

Hope 2011 is wonderful for us all!
xx

Hobnob - yay for your DD crawling :) I love that stage! Glad weaning is going well.

Lovely to hear from SK and LuckyC.

Hope everyone's safe and warm :)

I haven't looked at this thread for ages, but just wanted to say Happy Christmas to everyone. I do think about you all often - you all got me through a really horrible pregnancy!

I hope you are all alright, Hollyoaks I hope Grace is recovering.

I have been back at work since November 1st and miss the children terribly, but unfortunately needs must.Fortunately I do love my job.

Tom is not great at the moment, he hasn't really been all that well since he was born, but he is happy most of the time. He was in hospital last week as he has been wheezy for weeks despite steroids and antibiotics and 3 different inhalers. While there they found his liver and spleen were very enlarged. So he's undergoing tests at the moment. It's probably as a result of a series of viral infections I hope, as the alternative is not good.

For those of you who are on FB I really love looking at your pictures and following your progress. I am really sorry that I have been so rubbish on this thread - I think with both of us working full time and now having 4 children things have got a bit on top of me!My husband has been for a vasectomy so that is definately it for us, I was really broody, but 4 is perfect for us.

Will be thinking of you all this Christmas - enjoy unwrapping everthing with your LO's - think Tom will enjoy the paper more than his presents!

Take care and have a great 2011!!!

Hello all, Happy Christmas

KateyJane hope its all due to th virus's as you say. Sounds like you have had a rough time.

ML sorry your husband has treated you and DD like that glad DD is keeping you going

Sorry for lack of personal responses, I have got to try and get the xmas food today and snow, snow, snow ..... Its DD's last day at nursery so much easier to go today

Alex is such a cherub. SK like Jacob hes a big lad, 23lbs at last weigh in He needs to get moving!! Bless him.

Never slept through, thinking about swapping milk for water in the night, especially as he is so big, we really need some sleep.

No teeth, no sleeping through and no crawling but 2 weeks coming up of help over Christmas yippeeeee. Hope you all get to relax.

Morning all,

Good to hear from those of you that we haven't seen for a while. kateyjane I'm in awe of you with 4 kids and working full time; I'm trying to find excuses to not go back (not due until June 2011) as I can't imagine doing FT and having 2 kids but I guess you're showing that if it can be done with 4 kids, 2 should be a doddle .

DD2 was 7 months yesterday and no sign of rolling/crawling/pulling up yet which tbh I'm quite thankful for as trying to run in two different directions isn't something I'm looking forward to - DD1 is just hitting 21 months and so is still of an age where she is getting in to places she shouldn't really be going etc.

Just braved the supermarket and I think we are now set for Christmas. We're off to an outdoor carol concert tonight which should really get us in the Christmas mood...suppose I should wrap some presents at some point as well...

Happy Christmas to everyone

Ohh lots of posts...

Den- Glad the weaning is going well. When weaning DD1 I just took my lead from her as to when she cut back on bottles. I would find she either wouldnt want it or would just start drinking less and less the more she was eaing.

DD1 also went through a really clingy stage and wouldnt even go to grandparents. It does pass :)

Heffa- :( sorry to hear about DH's Grandad.

ML- :( to hear about your troubles with DH. Great to hear that Olivia is giving you the strength and that shes doing so well.

Ego- DD1 didnt have the swine flu jab last year either. There was so much about the side effects that it put me off.
I wasnt even offered it during my pregnancy last year. Like Heffa, not sure what i'd do if the dd's were offered it this year.

Lucky- What a nightmare! I hope you manage to find somewhere soon! Good to hear from you :)

SK- Hope the snow up there in Scotland isnt making you too housebound. Good to hear Jacobs doing well :)

Hobnob- Glad to hear your all doing well :)

Kateyjane- Poor Tom, Hope the test results come back OK. Do let us know :)
I cant imagine 4 kids and working full time!

Pamlet- Enjoy the extra help over christmas! :)

Lucy is 7mths, not quite crawling, loves standing herself up on your lap, LOVES her food, VERY vocal and VERY loud! I think shes competing with DD1!
She has just started saying Dadda which is so lovely to hear, and means I can nudge DH at 3 am when shes awake and tell him 'She's calling you'!

So good to hear from you all, and to echo others... Hope you all have a fab time enjoying your Bubbas first Christmas!