Late Jan 2011 (some very, very late!) - here we go!!!

[ThreeBubbasAndManyBumps]

Graduated
JJKM - Twin Girls
Stars - Baby Boy
FloraPost - 6th Jan - Baby Boy
Mimou - 14th Jan - Baby Boy - 7.3lb
Zippy - 14th Jan - Baby Boy - 7lb
LadyBuzz - 18th Jan - Kali Margaret Briany 6lb 1oz
Scuba - 22nd Jan - Baby Girl - 6lb 13oz
AmIGoingMad - 25th Jan - Baby Boy - 7lb 5oz
Gallicgirl - 26th Jan - Alys May - 7lb 2.5oz
BubbaAndBumps - 27th Jan - Lachlan Robert - 12lb 3oz
Travispickles - 27th Jan - Saskia Faye
Fuzzy - 28th Jan - Evan James - 8lb 8.5oz
*Saltnvinigar - 28th Jan - Henry David
Ryuk - 28th Jan - Ezra - 7lb 4oz
TheBreastMilksOnMe - 30th Jan - Amelia Rose - 8lbs 9.5ozs
SaraL77 - 31st Jan - Reuben Mark - 7lb 2
Pootle - 2nd Feb - Jacob - 8lb 9oz
cyberfairy - 4th Feb - Rowan - 7lbs 7oz
RockLover - 5th Feb - George Christopher - 8lbs 4oz
RunningKatie - 5th Feb - Isobel Millie
CupcakesHay - 5th Feb - Jesse William - 7lbs 1oz
Crystylline - 8th Feb - Xavier Louis - 8lbs 11oz

Count: 8 girls, 15 boys

Still Huffing and a Puffing..?
Shanster: 30/01 Boy (1DD)
Faraway Trees: 22/01
RobynLou: 24/01 ?? (1DD)
Loopylu: due 31/01 (1st?)

Here we go, down the slippery slope of parenthood. Slippery thanks to the poos, wees, leaky boobs and goodness knows what else :o :o

We'll be here to hold each other's virtual hands through the tough nights and delightful days, and to laugh at each other's stories of comedy nappy changes , and the fear (or not?) of getting back in the saddle, and coating some cervixes just for the fun of it again!! :o

Sorry fuzzy I'll have another word with Lachlan about his late-night texting - he seems to have texted Kali too! :o

I've only expressed a few times, but we tried him the other day on a bottle and he wasn't impressed (a boob-man clearly!), so haven't killed myself expressing much more yet - have a couple of bottles stored up in the freezer for the future. Also am going out to wet the baby's head tomorrow night, so if the drinking gets out of hand, I might thaw one! [over-excited emoticon]. :o
Also got a couple of treatments booked for Thursday afternoon at the spa place I went to while still mahoosively pg, so will express a small amount in case he goes mental on DH while I'm out! Am using a handheld pump and it works for me - I usually do the right mad boob while he's on the left.

sara slings are fab for getting things done around the house with DC1/DC2 - the jealousy thing will pass - (eventually!). DD2 is starting to struggle with the fact that this baby's not going anywhere - wants hugs and cuddles every time I feed Lachlan

Hi all! I see I'm not the only one to be suffering from feeding and sleep issues. George has decided he doesn't know what the hell he wants to take re formula, on average he takes anything from 90-120ml every 2-3 hours, but he doesn't always finish the bottles.

When he feeds it's a nightmare, he tries to guzzle it so fast tht he ends up choking and giving himself epic wind, it's very annoying.

As for sleep, he was really great all day yesterday, then today he has refused to sleep in his moses basket for more than 20 mins. As a result, he has slept on me instead and I have not even managed to get dressed yet!!! I am getting sleep in 2-3 hour blocks at night, which is ok but I must admit I'm knackered doing the night shift alone.

I'm worried that I am feeding George too often, but he seems to be hungry alot so I'm feeding him when he asks for it. I really can't wait to get home, feel a bit lost without DP with me and have been very tearful since I got to my parents house. On a positive note, my feet and legs have gone down and no longer hurt, yay!

afternoon

has taken me all day to catch up on this thread and the old one. Firstly, congrats to us all for finally graduating! :)

Lovely names and pics, I've uploaded one of Isobel in her salad box at the hospital, will get a better one sorted in the next few days.

She's very lovely, she does however love to scream herself into a tizzy around 11pm, DP and i have even put her in the pram and wheeled her round the block to chill her out. Worked until we walked back in the door.

Have been having BF issues too, attachment still hurts - got sore nipples although they are improving. I'm not leaking or anything and do worry that I'm not producing enough milk for her. She hadn't gained enough weight but is today back at her birth weight so midwife has discharged her.

We've been swaddling her since the end of week 1, varying degrees of success, I only use a sheet and then put a blanket over her if its cold. Seems to work reasonably well although only if attempted when she's totally zonked, trying it whilst she's awake doesn't work at all.

DP has gone back to work today, seems like all I've done is sit feeding her all day - must get the sling figured out so I can transport her round the house and get myself to the toilet!

Very excited to have my ankles back, and to be able to shave my legs, and i've not needed any gaviscon in weeks

Hey running good to hear from you again! Your pics aren't public though, so can't see little Isobel. Are you secretly missing the gaviscon?!

I drove to Woking with DD1 to try and calm DD1 down so round the block in the pram isn't out of the ordinary!! :o (I also used to wheel her crib into the bathroom and put hte tumble dryer on to help her drop off (mid summer too, I'm normally very green! )

rock your little one wouldn't take the milk if she wasn't hungry I don't think. Glad your feet are calming down and hope your parents are spoiling you while you're with them?

rock sounds about the same amount that Kali is feeding. Glad you are getting your feet back too!

Well the peace lasted an hour, I was just dropping off when MIL arrived bah! Can't be too mad though both boys have disappeared with her so just me and my velcro baby!

Hey running glad you are well.

I've been doing too much, my scar is giving me gip, I need to slow down a bit, DH is off at the end of the week which will help!

Off out for tea tonight with the girls, can't wait!

Ooh I've booked Kalis christening too

Ooh, exciting LadyB :) - was discussing potential godparents with DH and thought I'd sorted it, but mum threw a spanner in the works asking me if a very good friend of mine was going to be asked - she (non-believer) was my bridesmaid, her DH (Catholic) is DD2's godfather, she is known as DD2's 'fairy' godmother and is very, very important to me, however hadn't thought about asking her because of reasons above. Also really want to ask my other bridesmaid for various reasons. The girls both have 2 godmothers and one godfather, and I had planned on L. having two godfathers and one godmother. What to do?!

Well I have been feeling guilty all day today. Yesterday Henry wanted to be on the boob constantly for feeding or just using me as a dummy and as soon as he was taken off he would cry. This went on all afternoon and evening so by the time I went to bed (at 12!) I was already knackered and stressed out so I decided to try letting him just cry himself to sleep (he had been up for hours) and decided to give him 10 minutes maximum and then if he was still really crying feed him AGAIN. Anyway, at about 1 he dropped off to sleep (after crying for just less than 10 minutes) and then I woke up at 6am this morning and he was stil fast asleep. I felt so guilty that he hadn't woken for a mid morning feed so have been forcing my nipple on him at every opportunity. You would think I would feel well rested having had 5 hours uninterrupted sleep but I actually feel more tired than normal. Am I terrible for letting him cry for 10 minutes at just 3 weeks old? [guilt emotion].
On the plus side I'm relieved to hear everyone else is eating loads of chocolate. I'm eating more now than when preggers and worried about developing bingo wings :(
I think next week I will start my campaign to tone up and drop a few pounds.

Good to hear the twins will be home soon jjkm and thanks for satisfying my nosiness cupcakes. Bubba looking forward to INSET day now. Even better that we at least won't have to attend any workshops :)

ha ha love "velcro baby" buzz

salt don't feel guilty lovely . I am sure he's fineand maybe just testing you. He would have woken up again if he was upset, and I bet hes all sweetness and light with you this morning. I am dreading DH going as he's a lot stricter/more sensible than I am - and i am sure i'll be picking up Jesse at the slightest whimper in the night! And bloody hell - tone up? My current exercise regime is lifting cup of tea to my lips.... but then i have had c-section... although how long can I use that excuse for???

Damn - running will prob take another week to notice the pics arent live and i was sooooo looking forward t seeing Isobel!

rock - agree with all - if george is hungry, and eating it's a good sign.

Afetr weekend without parents, mum comes back and reckos, pretty much straight away that DS has tummy upset - and i think she's right he has dodgy poos, is farting lots- and I have now got tummy upset - so I think i passed it onto him. Poor love. He's still eating though, so that's a good sign.

Ok - you all made me feel better about swaddling!

Am I weird - on the godparent front - I have nominated friends, toldthem and they and me aren't religious. Neither are my parents and my parents said How can they be godparents if you don't go to church and aren't having a christening - so am I being odd? I spose i could call them Jesse's "special friends" but that sounds well dodgy IMO!

And good news I spoke to the Bristol Hospital and managed to get an earlier appointment (10th March) to see them about Jesse's Cleft lip surgery - so then we won't have to fly back twice. Hurrah!

Planning to practice b-feeding in car tomorrow - me and Dh and DS are going to the car park and i'm hoping no one sees us and wonders what the hell isgoing on !

damn - forget to say upload a couple more pictures.... takes so long I wanted to do a few more - so i'll do some tomorrow! - can't resist showing off Jesse!

Sorry rock I changed George into a girl

Whinge alert
DS has a horrible cold so really difficult to settle. I have an ear ache and cough but can only take paracetemol due to breast feeding, DD has a terrible cough so isn't sleeping too well and DH really busy at work so wont be home until after DD's bath and bedtime. Only saving grace is that my wonderful MIL has taken DD for the day.
Right feel better for that
Salt don't feel guilty, if he slept then he was fine. I too was considering some exercise this week but think it'll have to wait until next week.
LadyB that's great news about Kali's christening. We're planning on getting Evan christened as well but I don't know what to do about God parents. DD has my brother and SIL, I do have 3 BIL but the oldest is only 16 and they live in States so that probably wouldn't work. Will have to have think about it.
Cupckes thats great news about Jesse's appointment.
Running lovely to hear from you, can't see your photos though.
Right the little man is asleep so I'm going to try to sleep too x

Poor you fuzzy - what a horrid lot of illness. I agree thank god for your MIL. I think Dr Cupcakes would order tea and chocolate after DS has been put to bed

Bit of a pants night - Jesse got hiccups afetr feed, and still has quite a bit of trapped wind - desptie windig - so was very up and down in night. DH did very well, but at one point looked like he might cry through lack of sleep (i had been napping) - so i took over. now a bit tired - so maybe planning to nap later - but only have DH here til 3pm tomorrow - so don't want to waste time with him...

Also - planning to practic b-feeding in car in car park - we'll look mad won't we???

Hope you all have chocolate filled nad peacful days!

Hi all. Sorry to hear about your household of illnesses fuzzy and hope you get a nap in later cupcakes.

Well after a crappy day with George yesterday he had a great night and slept 4 hours straight then another 2 blocks of 2 hours so I didn't get up til gone 10 this morning. And what's more he went straight down after his 10am feed and is still asleep now!

I really need to know how to stop eating chocolate cake and start eating healthy foods instead! I am going to be a complete porker soon and I already look 6 months pregnant anyway, it's rather depressing to have to lift my (huge) stomach to check my scar in the mirror. I am literally fat from haed to toe, including my loverly double chin!!

I am going to attempt an outing to the supermarket tomorrow as I need to start walking about again because I'll be collecting DD from her new school next week, so really need to get match fit!

Right I'm off to go an stare at George for a bit because he's too beautiful to leave alonr for long. Have a lovely day ladies and babies :).

great news about the twins jjkm. fab to have an idea of when they can go home with you.

rock agree with advice re: healthy foods. i also have things like yoghurt instead of puddings, or sorbet instead of ice cream, plain fruit and nuts instead of salted or crisps etc...

had another couple of rough nights here, but trying to fit in daytime naps better.

also went out for the first time in my car with DS yesterday. twas scary, but managed ok. no bf in public yet though. will need to get used to that one next.

my mum has been asking me about god parents and ceremonies... will be a naming day i think, as i'm atheist, but would like to work out something and a good way of describing the friends who will be his guardians(?). anyone have any info/ideas on this?

Healthy schmealthy!! :o :o

I find it really hard choosing godparents/guardians crystyll - don't want to offend anyone by leaving them out, but don't want to be like my cousin who has five million godparents for each of her kids either.
My friend did a really nice naming ceremony at the local registry office, with readings and poems and the like. Was very tasteful and nice.

Very quiet on here today - are you all being good mummies, or all catching up on missed sleep! :)

Photo made public, heavens knows what I did yesterday!

My lovely daughter this afternoon poo'd horizontally whilst weeing all over the changing mat and me. Got to love her.

Am feeling slightly smug as she slept from about 11pm to 5am, clever baby. She's also slept a lot today so I'm probably in for the night from hell.

Health visitor came round today and told me I'm feeding for too long - I should only be doing 30mins per feed. Is that right? Last week I was told I should feed as long as she needs it and no-one can tell you a time.

She's gorgeous RunningK :) :) (even when she poos and wees simultaneously!)

Strange thing for the HV to say ~ The only thing I would say about feeding for long is that she might be suckling for comfort rather than feeding (DD1 used to do this - she'd be on for an hour each time!) - don't think there's anything wrong with it as such but it's inconvenient for you and will wear you (and your nipples!) out. Can't see any other reason why you shouldn't?

Little Lachlan's all coldy today (thanks to DD2 and her smothering love/snotty nose combo!) which has made him chuck up after almost every feed :(

katie that amount of sleep. still on 2 or max 3 hours sleep here with my LO.

agree with bubba re: feeding.

I'm bf on demand, so time varies between 10 mins to over an hour... sometimes (especially late at night) it's comfort not food he wants though.

sorry to hear Lachlan's poorly and hope he manages to keep some food down today.

and bubba... if being a good mummy means lounging on the sofa all day eating hob nobs, drinking coffee and snoozing whilst watching old crappy crime dramas and feeding LOs... then today I've been the bestest mummy in the world.

Running she's beautiful. You gotta love the horizontal pooing. DD once managed to get it on a wall about 4 feet away, 'twas very impressive.
Agree the feeding advice sounds a bit odd. It may well be that some of it is for comfort rather than hunger but I think I'd find it difficult to distinguish between the two. If you're happy to have her feed for that long and she's doing well then I don't see an issue. DD got quicker after a few weeks so this may happen too. Maybe post a question on the breast feeding topic as there is usually very good advice there. We have the opposite problem as Evan seems to feed really quickly but I figure that he has wet and dirty nappies and is certainly putting on weight so figure I'll try not to worry about it.
Crytsy liking your definition of a fab mummy, I too have therefore been a great mum today!
Right better go before Evan gets completely squashed by his big sister loving him so much!

Agree with everyone running Isobel is beautiful. Ha ha - and like the pooing/weeing story!

Good for you going out crysty and agree with bubba - he might be comforting - and sucking rather than actually feeding - can you listen out for the click. I notice if Jesse isn't clicking and just sucking, then I try and jog him along by tickling him or moving my hand slightly.

Well - we have had a bit of a nightmare day - we think jesse has a tummy ache. he's very windy and has had a couple of runny poos - wants feeding almost every 2-3 hours and isn't sleeping too well. We went out for a walk, and he went straight to sleep - but then woke up and needed to be rocked to sleep eventually.

Dh goes home tomorrow- he's getting tearful (ha ha - not over leaving me!) and i'm getting a bit tearful.... i'm snapping at parents and all a bit fraught!

My mum makes me feel like I am fussing over jesse - but breaks my heart to leave him crying - so just can't..... going back to swaddling tonight - as i think it makes Jesse feel better.

Thanks for the temp advice jjkm - funnily enough we took his temp earlier - and it was 36.8 - so that's oK.

Seeing m/w on friday - so hopefully Jesse will be better.

Plus, mi'm starting to panic - am I producing enough milk for him - is that why he's feeding so much? I did one boob, he fed then pulled off after about 20 mins, other boob - about the same - then he was STILL hungry and wanted more... so went back to first boob.

Also seems to be more gulpy on feeds and wheezing a bit more - maybe not wheezing - but kind of breathing more heavily....

Cupcakes is a bit of a mare... Apparently you are suposed to empty one boob (How to know?) before starting the next so as to give the hindmilk as well or they end up windy/ green poos. I think I have too much milk as she usually chokes on it and am trying to lean back to stop gravity combining and killing her! Also re. your mum... I think their generation were fed the old BS about 'making a rod for your own back' - I know my gran goes on about how clever they are (I had to point out that at 2 weeks old she could barely see, never mind plot to manipulate me!) and you have to let them cry it out etc. Anyway he is your baby and if you want to sit and hold him that's your call. I have been known to snap at my mum that if she wants to make decisions about a baby she should look into getting one of her own!! (In my defense my mum will take over if given half a chance!) This was when she was trying to name the baby before she was born...
Right, baby crying - must go!! Will talk more soon ...

running Isobel is lovely

Kali finally decided to sleep for a whole 2 hours in her pram today, and now god love her is wide awake, hopefully she will wear herself out for bedtime!
DH is off now so will help a bit with the night feeds - yay!

We have chosen our godparents and unfortunately have almost caused a family riot by asking DN.
We are having her christened in my childhood church and the font is a memorial for my mum so it means alot to me (both boys were done there too) and spookily all 3 of them will have been done around 4 months old and all of them on the 15th of the month!

DB had a naming ceremony and it was really lovely!

Hey Travis I have exactly the same problem with Henry. My front milk comes out very fast so Henry chokes and then as I sit him up he gets milk sprayed all over his little face bless him. So cute, always looks totally bewildered. I find it hilarious (the spray not the choking obviously). Anyway the past few nights have been rough. It took 3 hours, that's right 3 hours to settle him last night after his feed. I was fraught. Now back in the living room on the sofa bed and have the whole Harry Potter series to watch if he has another wakeful night. I just felt so lonely and exhausted last night, very tearful. Been trying to catch up on sleep today though. Just seems like at the minute if ds isn't feeding or sleeping he's just crying :(