FEB 2010 Longer out than in and first Christmases around the corner...we're 9 months on.

[InmaculadaConcepcion]

Shiny new thread, as promised fellow FEBers!

Figured we would start another new one to mark first birthdays, bethlou, so I've held fire on referencing that landmark in this thread title - hope that's okay with y'all!

Anyway, welcome everybody, pull up a comfy chair, someone get the wine out and I'll open a huge box of chocolates for us all to share.

Back from Cornwall after two amazingly easy drives (and I'm afraid we won't be moving theer for about 15 years - you can't get rid of me that easily!!)

Have just tried to catch up on the busy weekend you have all had:
Abs hope the doggy tale ends positively - what a nightmare for you. You don't live near the Midlands now do you cos my brother trains dogs for a living and I believe is rather good! Has them in kennels for a week/month etc.. and sorts them out! So very different from me who had any need for a dog drilled out of me by the fact that we had 4 when I was growing up!

LittleBear That's amazing, as much in your strength of character for getting through it, as with the sucess you're having! With DS1 we only had to do it for 10 mins (so very lucky I know) and I hated that! I haven't gone there with DS2 yet as it's much harder to know with him whether he needs a burp (and I don't want him to wake up DS1 either!)

Can't remember who asked about parenting a toddler - I think it's just different! I follow the Baby Whisperer (when it suits me!) and think I am quite patient and very consistent (mainly because I am someone who lives by routines myself) so I suppose that's why it has worked for us. DS1 did have two cracking toddler tantrums over the weekend - I thought we had escaped them as he's already 2.7, but I guess not!

I couldn't be further from being broody! It's nice to hear that some of you are (and that those of us with 2 haven't managed to put you off with our tales of woe!!) Can't wait to hear who will be first to have another!

Hello to recent joiners/rejoiners - lovely to hear how things are going. Think it is Chocolateyroll.. with the refluxy problems - believe me, I really understand!

I'm afraid that's the extent of my memory (except to say lovely pics/videos which I''ve had a little smile over-thanks), due to continuing busy nights.

DS2 had his 9-12 month check today. The HV wanted to know whether his testicles are descended. For those of you with DS, is it obvious to you? We're not sure about DS2's. Any advice gratefully received.

Lovely vid CC - especially the one of your lo learning to kiss.

I think it was BC who asked about looking after a toddler. I think everyone is probably different but I find the toddler stage a bit more difficult in some ways. I'm not the most patient of people and the defiance toddlers can show and their toddler pace can be quite wearing. On the other hand, dd1 - who is 3.3 - is adorable, loves being a big sister and it's great how helpful she is - getting nappies and bibs without me asking - and how independent she can be if she's in the mood - getting dressed and undressed and recently wiping her own nose which is really cute.

bethylou - is your lo on medication for reflux? We have had to hold dd2 so much because of the reflux that she has got quite used to being held and is difficult to put down. Do you find this?

Well done and congrats Littlebear.

Dd2 has 2 teeth coming through on the top to join her 2 on the bottom. She's been unsettled for the last couple of nights - unusual for her - and don't know if it's the teething or that she has a bit of a cold or is experiencing the dreaded 9 month sleep regression. Not helped by dd2 waking up at 5am with a bad cough and deciding that it was time to get up - which she was firmly told was not possible. Then spent the next couple of hours in bed with her being kicked at regular intervals.

LBH wow

for those on facebook, you can load images and videos there. Then at the bottom of the page showing said file there should be (in small writing) a link for public viewing.

chocolate... I can't look at your name without salivating.

LO is very cute isn't she, makes up for the sleepless nights

Causing contoversy over on AIBU there, LBH!!!

Oh I know. What a mistake to make on the bloody thread title. Have apologised loads!!

Wont do that again!! I am mortified I have upset loads of people!

Oops, LBH! I think it's pretty brave to post on AIBU at all - those threads often turn into Handbags At Dawn...

One of my early MN thread postings unwittingly managed to offend people. It was a horrid feeling and after apologising to the power of x, I just stopped reading the thread as it made me feel so upset. I did have a few people who were supportive, but even so... Not a pleasant feeling.
I was amused by VinegarTits comment about putting on her hard hat, pulling up a chair and getting out the popcorn..!

BTW, how was the rest of last night, LBH? And did you have any luck with yesterday's (or indeed today's) naps?

Any news on your dog, Abs? I was also cured of wanting a dog as a pet by growing up with two, one of which was not very well house-trained....

Weather's rubbish here today. I'm not looking forward to this afternoon's pram nap. We did the first nap lying down and latched on, but it only lasted 25 mins and she needs at least one nap that's a good hour. Good for the figure though, that's what I keep telling myself. I think I'll wear my flowery rain poncho and have festival nostalgia while pounding the pavements. Mmm, a hot pint of spiced cider would be just the thing....

I know!! I did laugh at Vinegar too. I was just so shocked at this huge little boy being weaned at 4 months. I wasnt getting at all people and DD was climbing on me and I sent it before amending the title...too late!! I felt so awful but there was not a lot I could do then. I am not even going to look at the responses anymore. Letting them fight amongst themselves.

I hate the thought of people thinking I am a horrid bitch...learnt my lesson!!

Last night was good...she went down in 4 mins but woke at 1.30,3.30 and 5.30am But I only got out of bed three times as she only cried a while on the first waking.

So in total on 1st night where it was 5 hrs total crying to last night only an hr and a half.

I am so pleased. But....had her weighed this morning, she has lost half a pound. The health v said not to worry but I cant help it.

Probably down to her teething, has been sick a few times and keeps dropping her milk intake. Although she took a whole 7oz before bed last night. The day before only took 2 oz ALL DAY!

There is always something isn't there???!!

Am going to try and work out how to post a video of Isla on FB or something of DD later toninght.

Love the sound of spiced cider!!! Haven't had a drink for soooo long. Maybe that can change soon now getting some sleep eh?!!

People are v. sensitive about weight but if there wasn't something in what you said then they wouldn't have got so snitty. < shrugs >

Had 8 month check today. HV said at this stage DS should only be having 3 breastfeeds a day. I think that's pure bollocks.

His weight gain has slowed down - dead on the 25th Centile but I can't say I am that bothered. Highest he's been was just below the 50th. She said I should give him puddings... He eats well and there's always at least 2 massives poos a days so... She was like a parrot, just telling me to do things when I had already said I didn't do that thing and why (ie the plug covers and the evidence for it being safer not to use them in the UK, and saying that I didn't want him to have a BCG without the skin test to find out if he had my immunity). Waste of time.

Oh and she gave him a heavy book to hold to keep him still on the scales. I said "aren't you going to take the book away before recording his weight or you'll get the weight of the book added to it?". She hadn't even thought of that. I despair. Honestly. Then she tried to put the dot on the wrong line again.

I am feeling a little bit defensive.

BC I don't blame you for feeling defensive.Three breastfeeds a day is bollocks YOU are right. Don't let anyone tell you different.

I was asked why was I feeding 3 hourly at 5 months. I didnt know any better so went to 4 hourly and DD didnt gain, got my period back and anxiety killed my let down relfex. Worst feeling in the world, DD not able to get to any milk. I felt such a failure and was forced to FF and I still miss it. Especially as my milk dried up in the first 4 weeks (long story) and I fought to get it back again in the first place.

DD is 25th always has been (FF and weaning made no diff..Ha HVs!) although she has slipped today.

Sounds like a dozy HV with the book!!

dd2 is a little madam today. She is such a busy baby that she gets very cross when I want to do boring things like washing, dressing, changing, feeding... She also looks like a wind up toy when I lower her to the ground - she starts crawling before she is on the floor!

Well, DD2 has clearly been reading this thread and has started waking at night. I'm blaming a cold, teething (still nothing), her decision to cry when offered mush but absolute joy when offered real food, the moon and anything else I can think of!

Will come back later and chat about other stuff on here - just wanted to mark my place.

BabyG same here!!

DD has learnt to cruise around the coffee table. Blooming scary as I am scared of her falling or banging her chin!!

More stuff to put out of her reach too....

Hello everyone

Thanks for your concern about my naughty dog. I am still waiting to hear if the sheep in question is going to be alright. The guy from trading standards went to visit the farmer and inspect the sheep yesterday. He called me later in the afternoon and said he thought the animal would be fine but advised a course of antibiotics. He said I need to be very careful from now on and keep my dog muzzled when we're out as now he's had the taste of blood, he'll attack again and again. Great! I am going to call the farmer again to offer to pay... he's been very nice so far but could suddenly decide to prosecute.

Bethylou I'm in London but I would appreciate some good advice from your brother! Could you please ask if he's ever dealt with a wayward sheepdog?

IC I have always had dogs and rescued several when I lived in Spain. As you know there are strays everywhere. I adore dogs! The dog in question is from Barcelona and has always been pretty easy... since DD was born, my dogs wake up and flip a coin to see who is going to be the biggest arsehole! I definitely need to see a behaviourist as they are just getting more and more delinquent...

I also love sheep!

CC thanks for instructions on showing pics. How public is public viewing on Facebook?

Off to putt DD down. More later...

Oh, you have been busy bees.

Randomly:

LB well done, let's hope that every night gets better. Did you ditch the dummy at the same time? Do you still use it during the day? (Sorry I'm curious but thinking of doing the same next week )

Abs good luck with the dog and the farmer

watercress hopefully your DD will go back to her normal sleeping soon

CC I hope the pram nap wasn't too wet this afternoon

DS has now cut his 3rd teeth at the top and number 4 is starting to show too. I'm aiming to do some sleep training next weekend and have taken some time off in order to do so. I'll post my questions to the sleep forum as I have got some incertitudes about what to do. I'm impressed that some of your LO can sit by themselves now, DS only want to stand up!

Hi GF
I did put the dummy in but she drops it crying (there are 3 in the cot, so figured if desperate, she will learn to put it in)

She cried for only 1 minute tonight..Amazing!

As for her day naps...did CC on her morning nap but she didnt sleep for very long - about 20 mins. So have settled her today for this. Only takes 5 mins and she is off.

The lunchtime one...cheating with this. Letting her co sleep with me in my bed. No dummy needed and she does 2 hrs easily now.

I am going to work on this in a couple of weeks time to see if she will do it in her cot without blooming re-settles.

The first two nights were horrid..i wont lie.She threw up and pood. She is teething too. It feels cruel at the time but it is worth it for her and us. It does work. We went in every 5 or 10 mins and said shh shh sleepy time Isla.

Feel free to ask if I can help anymore.

Hope everyone else ok. Gawd I have written an essay (again)

Thanks, GF - the sun came out, so it turned into a pleasant autumnal walk (and DD slept for 2 hours...!!)
I love "incertitude"!! I think you mean "doubt", but incertitude is such an excellent sounding word!!

Ah, bc, bliddy HVs, eh? I agree with LBH - ignore and BF as much as you and your DS want.

Centiles? I don't think DD's even on the bottom one yet

LBH that you had to stop BF after all your hard work to get it established. It took me a big effort and a lot of tears to get DD breastfeeding and I would have been hugely upset if crap advice had forced us to stop prematurely.
Good luck for tonight!

Fingers crossed, Abs... A Catalan dog, eh?!

Oh, bother that MN jinx, watercress! Could be the 9moSR that's nixed your DD2's sleep - if so, it'll likely go back to normal once she's through it. That's the good news. The bad news is the sleep regression can last a couple of months because it encompasses two developmental leaps. Let's hope this is just a short blip, though!

Love the wind-up toy image, BG

Sounds like you got out of Cornwall just in time, bethylou...

1 minute, LBH

IC I am still gutted I am not BF. I have BF envy. I have been thinking of becoming a BF councilor. I learned so much about it and re-lactation etc. Would love to help other mums.

Enjoy it for as long as you can! It's tiring but fab!!

Hello everyone

Hope you are all well. Big wave and hope to come back soon for a proper catch up.

Yes IC a Catalan Sheepdog cross!!! Crossed with a German Shepherd... so basically a WOLF!

LittlebearH I've been reading the AIBU thread and I feel for you! My DD was born on the 75th centile and went down to the 25th after ten days! She kept on the 25th for the first six months and I had real issues with her weight. I remember I used to get very upset when people would say she was skinny or small. I would break out into a sweat every time I had to weigh her, the pressure was excruciating. She had an allergy to dairy through my breast milk so everything was going straight through her. I went to a La Leche League meeting and they suggested I give up dairy entirely, which I did and in two weeks she gained 480g!... and since eating solids and co-sleeping she is now very bonnie I had no idea how hard breast feeding was going to be, and despite all the comments, I kept at it and I really love it. My advice to you is to stay off the AIBU forum as it seems to be very negative and quite nasty... and you don't need that right now!

Good luck with the sleep training GF.

After reading AIBU, I feel very lucky to be on this thread with such nice, normal, brilliant mums... Oh God! I'm dreading DD going to school and having to deal with other mums!!!!!!!!!!!!

busy busy busy! just a quick marker? more soon!

Welcome back flying how are you? Long time we haven't heard from you.

IC oops that will be French! Sometimes I'm convinced words are the same in the 2 languages!

Did I just read that right LBH your DD has a 2hr nap. If we're lucky that is the sum of her naps.

DD has taken a few more one steps but nothing further yet she went through a phase of falling over again, but I think that was her adjusting to walking around just one handed. We've booked her 9month check up for a few weeks, so shall see how the weight is then. She's looks chubbier than she used to me, so hopefully should all be fine. The pediatrician here is very relaxed and suspect I won't have any problems.

flying welcome back, can't wait to hear your news.

facebook:provided your privacy options are all set to no-one can look at me: then only people with the link can see the page.

Thanks CC for the facebook info. I promise to get onto it!

For tonight however, a reflux answer for Chocolatey only . Yes, DS2 is on domperidone and now lanzaprazole (after stopping omeprazole and having been past ranitidine, that DS1 is still on at 2.7yrs, on the way!) DS2 is definitely more keen to be held than DS1 but it's hard for me to know really whether it's because we've held him more, as they've both been refluxy, though in different ways. My lounge carpet is completely wrecked - I counted 49 splat stains at the last count! Will wait it out till after potty training and then replace it. Do check out the thread for mummies of refluxy babies - in the breastfeeding area I think.

Night all

CC yeah have been practising the naps since June!!! She does 45 mins at 9am and 1hr and half to 2hrs at 12.30pm. (3 re-settles though)

If that went wrong I would go for a drive at 4pm to get her through till 7pm

Dont go mad...I got the times from Gina Ford.

She talks a load of crap but the routine times work. DD was always sleepy but has trouble staying asleep.

DD slept through till 6am today!!!!! HOOOOOORAY!!!!! My first night in since when pregnant July 09 without getting out of bed!!!

Bethylou trying to walk off smugly! What is exercise??!!

Reflux sounds a nightmare...