FEB 2010 First birthdays beckon and toddlerdom approacheth...uh-oh!

[InmaculadaConcepcion]

It's humbling to look back at the last year and see how our LO's have gone from helpless newborns to action-packed pre-toddlers.

BRING IT ON!!!

Happy Birthday Rosie! and well done IC and your DH for getting to her first birthday!

BC great video of your DS... how sweet, your DP must be thrilled... he has a musician in the family.

Aw, BG don't be paranoid, it's really hard to find a job at the moment, I'm very impressed that you managed to apply for a job in the first place.. I struggle to do laundry with only one DD!

BG commiserations re the job It is REALLY tough out there, don't get down, you will get there.

Stangirl DD didn't have too much trouble with her first two, but numbers 5 & 6 are causing some gyp (or I hope it is the teeth, and not that she has had a personality transplant).

bethy congratulations to DS1, that's fab

Picking up good makeup tips, thanks Febers! Not that I ever wear makeup any more... But I suppose if I get a job I would have to

Absolutely no improvement in sleep matters here. Except she did go straight down for a nap (her first daytime nap since Sunday), with not even a whimper, in the cafe in front of my mum friends. Who then all say they don't know why I'm complaining so much. I suppose I shall have to start haunting the cafes at nap time

I'm really sorry about the job, BG.

We went to soft play yesterday with my friend and her two girls (4 and 2), had great fun. I'm getting to the stage though where I feel a bit self conscious feeding in public as DS is bigger than most breastfed babies. I know on here it's not that unusual but in the real world there aren't that many of us.

I only feed him three or four times a day and normally at home before naps and bedtime but it was his afternoon nap time while we were there and he was really overtired and I just wanted to get him to sleep. It didn't even work (maybe because I was feeling anxious). So I walked home instead of taking the bus which took nearly and hour and he slept then. Late though 4-5pm.

He woke up at 1am and wouldn't go back to sleep. I gave it an hour then I fed him and he slept until 6.30am.

Yes, PA - hope you are ok. x

BG I'm sorry about your job too. Wankers.

DD has some innoculations today. Trying to look on the positive side - at least I can get some more Calpol on prescription. DP will also be back from his work trip to France (he has a job which I always tease him is more of a holiday than work) - so he can tend to her if she has a disturbed night's sleep. Yay!

Got told off by a nutritionist friend yesterday who said I shouldn't give dd raisins as a snack in between meals . Apparently it's worse than sweets because dried fruit sticks to the teeth like glue, so you may as well coat them in sugar... She usually has them as part of a meal but I must admit that I just throw her a few now and again to keep her entertained. I've also realised that she now expects things like rice cakes and raisins as soon as she sits down. Went cold turkey at dinner last night and she just got her meal and yoghurt - she was furious!!! (I had in fact run out of rice cakes and bread, so wasn't being a total bastard to her...)

I've heard that about raisins BG. I must admit, the reason I don't give them to DD is because when I tried once, a few months ago, she couldn't cope (probably didn't have teeth then ) and I haven't bothered trying again. Figured she won't miss what she doesn't know. (Although she LOVED christmas pudding and mince pies so I'm sure she'd love them.)

Stan why does DD have injections today?

BC I still feed DD in public and she's 11 months now. I'm perhaps a little more self-conscious than I was when she was littler, but have still encountered nothing but beaming smiles and nods from people, or even people coming over and saying "it's the best way", etc. And I live in a fairly deprived area where it is totally normal to bottle-feed, and BFers a quite a rare species.

Mind you I wouldn't be bothered (much) if I got odd comments or looks, I absolutely love feeding DD and will do it when or where I need to.

DD is napping....! Maybe she is over the worst. Three wake-ups last night, heading in the right direction at least (away from five or six).

I don't know what to do about DH's dog I have never liked him, I'm not a dog person and he is very stupid and disobedient. But I am getting less and less patient with the mess and chaos he creates. Today I dried his feet after getting him in from the garden, I didn't do a good enough job, and because the dishwasher was on (he hates it) he went crazy in the living room and left lots of muddy footprints all over the whole room. I went spare and chucked him back into the garden where it was starting to sleet. He barked and barked and all I could think was that I was sorry for the neighbours and I hoped he'd get pneumonia.

Apoogies to all the animal lovers. I really do hate this animal and if there was a way of getting rid of him, without DH finding out it was me, I would do it.

So... what do I do? I don't feel I can go on like this and I certainly can't envisage coping with a newborn, a toddler and a dog I hate.

Is there a section on MN to get advice with pets....?

This isn't the full story by the way, DH and i have had The Dog Discussion a few times but it would take far too long to go into it all here.

Can't believe DD is asleep

A newborn, Scones?!!! Something you haven't told us?!

DD's just come back from our miserable pediatrician. DH got another lecture about how we should be giving her meat and/or fish because she's not as big as she should be. Meh.

DD is very healthy and although not tall and plump, is certainly not skinny. Still makes you question yourself, though.

IC I am scared of going to the pead for the 1 year review, I know she needs it but I can't bare the advices on feeding, probably the contrary than you, she is too fat and should not have any fish or meat yet . Actually she is eating exactly like us now. I do try to make more soups than usual (even if then it is a battle to feed DD1).

scones Newborn?
I would hate having a dog too. We have a pact with DH if we have a dog we need a house with garden (obviously) and the dog will NEVER been allowed in. I wouldn't bet on pneumonia there are made to live outside unless it is a chiwawa.
There is a whole pets section on MN. Not that I ever go there, oh yes! I was considering a hamster for a while, I settled on a zhuzhu pet instead www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse

PA

stan and CS congratulations on the teeth.

BG hang on. It is not pointless, hope it will get better soon, it IS a tough market.

Planning an apple tart for DD2's cake (as with DD1's first birthday) just flour and butter for the crust and apple compote and slices for the top. (no salt no sugar, she can have it as well). She already "stolen" far too many chocolate cakes, and sugary stuffs from her sister or the baby groups. For some reason the french think it is OK for a 10 months old to help herself to chocolate cake. I was . The mums told me "but she wanted it" Of course, she wants it! doesn't mean she can have it . Or am I too tough?

What is [bsmile] is it for the chinese new year? [bconfused] why it is call "burns"?

scones the injections are Hib and MenC. The MMR will be at 13 months. I bloody hate dogs - all types. Not as much as I hate horses though. Cats on the other hand I adore - we have 2 (with a third adopted from next door) and my MN nickname is after one of them. Could you negotiate finding a good home for him elsewhere - where you could visit?

IC my DD is not as big as she should be and she eats anything - just not much of it. I went to university with a girl who had never eaten meat or fish in her life and she was 5ft 10inches tall and athletic. There are entire cultures where veggie is the norm eg southern India.

mamal your apple tart sounds scrummy. I must admit though I'm with the French on the chocolate cake. DD could have as much as she likes - might be something to do with me wanting to feed her up though as she is below 10percentile. I'm planning to buy her an M&S chocolate cake for her birthday and once I've given a few slices out allow her to chow down face first. Nothing funnier than a child literally covered in cake. Specially if she's in a posh frock or dressed as a pirate (I haven't decided which yet).

The special icons are in honour of Burns night - a celebration of the Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Someone Scottish may be along in a minute and fill you in. It's v v big in Scotland - as big as NYE. The hat is a a traditional Scottish one.

Here's an anecdote in favour of dried fruit... Just been shopping with the girls and dd1 asked me whether she could have some sweets. She'd been really good so I said yes, only for her to turn a corner and fetch a pack of dried apricots!!! I was incredibly surprised (she ignored the entire aisle of sweets and chocolates) but also very pleased! So here's to dried fruit 'sweets' and I'll be a bit more careful only to give them alongside meals.

IC your dd looks totally fine to me (and very cute, too). I don't think Spain is hugely vegetarian friendly, so don't worry about what they say. And as long as her height and weight chart are roughly on the same centile and she is not falling off the bottom of the chart, she's fine

mamaloco love the idea of the apple tart - her birthday is tomorrow, isn't it?
Oh, and I had a HV weigh dd1 twice once because she couldn't believe how heavy that girl was (tall, too, so they weren't worried, just surprised...)

Scones... as you know I have dogs and they have given me lots and lots of extra work... and there have been many, many times that I've thought about getting rid of them (obviously I never would but it does get a little too much sometimes!) but I do love them dearly. I have to remind myself that they were there first and having a new baby in the house has been a shock for them too. Now I have always been a huge dog lover, and I've found it difficult, so I can imagine if you didn't like this dog before your DC arrived, then it must be very hard. Have you tried talking to your DH about this? It is not the dog's fault. After all, he is only a dog, and getting his paws dirty and barking is what dogs do. Could someone look after the dog while your DH isn't there? Could you explain why you dislike him so much? The most important thing (however tempting) is not to take it out on the poor dog. He must sense that you dislike him which will make him worse. You should talk to your DH about rehoming him as if you are going to have more children, it really isn't fair on you or the dog, is it?

Stangirl woof!

Abs That's my first biscuit - thank you! I'd never wish any harm to a dog though - i just don't enjoy them or want them anywhere near me. I would be incensed if I ever saw someone being mean to any animal. I can't even bear spiders to be killed just because I'm terrified of them.

Abs you're absolutely right and most of the time, I do try not to take it out on the dog, and even pat him and say good dog sometimes. (But then have to go and wash my hands. Another reason I don't like him: more hand-wasing; as if I don't do enough of that already. I'm not OCD by they way, just find I have to wash my hands a lot since DD came along.) And I have told DH how I feel about him (dog), and basically he just isn't listening, because he can't bear to bring himself to hear what I'm saying, as what I'm effectively saying is "I don't want to live with your dog". So we're at this stalemate where I'm getting more and more worked up (and very broken nights obv aren't helping), but there's nothing specific to complain about. DH would just look totally nonplussed if I went mad about muddy pawprints. They are mostly gone now after a good hoover anyway. So what is the fuss about, I suppose. It just feels like he creates so much more work for me to do and it's his bloody dog!!!

Not pregnant. Just aware that I could be soon (TMI - ovulation any day now). Feel a little ambivalent about the prospect right now what with lack of sleep and all. Mind you, the lack of sex probably means it won't happen this month anyway

IC Rosie is holding her line though? And is alert, happy etc... Of course she's fine, you know she is. What Stangirl said about vege cultures.

Just looked at MN did some important stuff on my laptop, then looked down and found dd2 very patiently standing by my chair waiting for me to notice her. Her huge smile when I did so made me feel like a very bad mummy...

Oh bollocks. Just been to GPs for DD's jabs and the receptionist had it wrong - they are not allowed to give the jabs at all before the 1st birthday - not even 6 days. So I have to go next week again. However, it will not just be the Hib and Men C but the MMR as well - so at least they'll all be over and done with. On a real downer though the HV said she had actually lost weight since she was last weighed in December. We went through everything I feed her and how and the best she could come up with was keep on doing what I am plus give her vitamin drops and keep giving her the 6mth+ ff rather than the 1yr+ or just cow's milk. She did comment on how incredibly active she was though.

Hi All

IC I believe happy birthday celebrations are in order. Hope the two of you had a great day. I can't remember the exact day but know it +-1 day from my brothers B'day.

Also to let you all know I am fine, if somewhat stressed. I shall be in the UK next week barring any disasters.

PA

Yay, PA's back!

DS is in bed asleep, he had a major tantrum because DH and I were eating a muffin (sharing with him) and then there was no more muffin He's so much on a seefood diet!!!

He also have his eczema back + very dry skin so I've changed his cream (from E45 to Zeoderm) and his bath wash (from Johnsons to Aveeno). Fingers crossed it will help.

BG bummer on the job

PA welcome back

BC good luck with the dog

mama happy early birthday to your DD2

Welcome back PA and very best of luck for the flight!!

Today I hate my DH.

Yay, PA!! Good luck for the travelling

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. Yes, we know this really, but health professionals are good at shaking your confidence, eh?! Following the lecture he received, DH made DD a lunch with quinoa in almost every bite in some form then was stressed when she was less than enthusiastic about some aspects of it. TBH, I look at her, can see she isn't skinny and she generally radiates health and vitality, so I don't have a problem with her being petite. Cheaper for clothes
She's right on the bottom curve, but that's where she's always been. She's a little tall for her weight, but hey... as long as she's healthy and happy.

WRT dogs, I have a foot in both camps. I grew up with a couple and that's why I have mixed feelings about them. I love that they can be so unconditionally affectionate and fun-loving. But I must admit, as I've got older I've become less tolerant of their more unhygienic habits.
Here in Spain, people are intermittent at best about picking up after their dogs, so buggy naps can become something of a slalem....

BG, that often happens to me, too. Except that I look down and DD is actually staring entranced at the laptop screen - she adores looking at pictures and short clips of babies, especially herself and the adverts on MN can keep her attention for ages

Aw...what's up, Bc? Do you want to give vent?

BC This morning I hated my DP. Making too much noise getting his clothes out for work. I had been out of bed numerous times with DD who I had just got off to sleep.

What he do BC? Have a rant to us. [wink}

PA Hello!

SB Oilatum is very good on my friend's DD. She is 6mo and has it bad. Has been the best so far teamed with Aquaeous cream.

DD is all over the place. Was fussy at mealtimes and shite naps. Totalled an 1hr and 10 mins all day. Sleeps for 2+ hours at CM. Not for mummy who was working from home today. Prays again for a better night as working tomorrow, cue alarm set for 5am. Not that I need it.

Stan Try not to worry about weight. I have same issue with DD.

LBH when you work from home, do you have childcare or are you looking after DD too? I wouldn't be able to do both. I found it hard enough last year when I was working two days from home, not to do the housework. Suddenly the oven urgently needed cleaning, or the windows, or the skirting boards etc.

Hi PA have a good flight!

IC don't even get me started on the dog sh*t This town is ridden with it, I have never seen so much, and the garden is too even though I nag remind Dh about it all the time. And DD will want to play out there this summer. Oh that bloody animal!!!

What has he done BC?

SB were you and DH sharing a muffin? I realise that DH and I are total gluttons when I hear what other people eat.

Stangirl It is so hard to make them eat, when they don't want to. DD didn't even eat her toast at tea time, so her tea was half a scrambled egg and a clemantine. I do worry.