FEB 2010 Tottering into our second year...!

[InmaculadaConcepcion]

A few first birthdays left, then we're full tilt into walking/talking and a mountain of mischief

dd2 looks awful... she has a forehead full of bruises because of trying to walk and also her habit of slamming her head down in despair if she can't do something or isn't allowed something... i've started apologising to strangers, explaining that she's learning to walk . Very suspect

Just realised that without a hair clip dd2 looks silly (her fringe goes down to her bottom lip!) but slightly less battered because it covers her bruises...

BG is there need for social services to intervene?

PA (touching wood, holding a rabbit foot... in order to avoid the MN sleeping jinx). DS has been sleeping through since November with the exception of Christmas week. He normally sleep from 6.30pm til 6.30am.

He is getting more and more determined to walk by himself too. He does a few steps now but still can stand up helped

Need to go before he destroys the kitchen door (DH is emptying the dishwasher in the kitchen so DS is banging on the door to get in!)

at the sleeping babies. Of course I'm happy for you all.

DD woke every 90 mins yesterday, but DH was able to soothe her so I only fed her every 3 hours. That's progress for us, plus she had a one hour nap this morning. Once DH is feeling more himself, we'll work on her sleep a bit more.

I'm off to work, should be fun

Sorry PA mine are slightly dim when it comes to start walking but slept through really early.... dd2 did 3 hours after lunch today which was welcome because she has been a monster baby this past week (very shouty, teary, cross) due to a combination of teething (teeth 13 and 14 visible now), a cold, and probably the effect of the MMR (was told to expect trouble between a week and ten days after)

I've followed IC's example and cut dd2's fringe... [scared emoticon] She looks like a different child and totally adorable (I would say that of course) and it nicely covers her blue and green forehead!! [grin

SB let him help! My two both loved helping me empty the dishwasher, esp. passing me the cutlery one by one (no sharp knives in it anyway and I grabbed the forks quickly). dd2 has graduated to passsing me the plates with big groans because they are heavy! (By 18 ish months dd1 could empty the entire dishwasher by herself and put things away that she could reach! Everything else she put on the counter for me to do).

BG my issue is not of him helping it's just that he pull down the top tray!

Watching Time Team which is in Jersey! (the other island)

Sounds like you did a better job of it than me, BG!!

Aw, tough PA. I'm sure it'll settle down soon. The trip to Blighty has probably knocked her out of kilter temporarily.

The Other Island, SB

So, lots of babies on the point of walking by the looks of things, how exciting! I'm beginning to think DD is only a matter of a few weeks away too, but we'll see.

I'm wondering if I've kyboshed the sleeping through momentarily by having a crack at putting DD back in her Gro-bag (this time a proper GB, rather than an IKEA version...) Last time she seemed to find it too hot, but as she's been on the cold side in long-sleeve body/sleeypsuit and Peke Moe sleeping bag, I'm hoping this time round it'll be about right. We shall see.

She whinged a bit at bedtime, but it's hard to tell if that had anything to do with the change of night attire. I need to get her in a different sleeping bag though, as she's on the point of growing out of her PM. Also having a sleeping bag with her hands free to turn book pages etc. fits in with my weaning off the bedtime breastfeed plan.... (I can put her in the bag before we do stories, rather than after, if that makes any sense at all...then straight in her cot.)

IC probably not but it will do . Feel a bit guilty actually because she seemed so much more cheerful earlier... because she could see where she was going??

Hello everyone.

I always try and retain bits of information from your posts to respond to in my posts, but I seem to forget or lose my train of thought (something that started in pregnancy and never went away...)

Well speaking of sleep DD again went a WHOLE day without a nap (she may have had 20 min catnaps, not really sure). Her cold has now dragged on for two weeks and she is starting to cough a lot. The doctor assured me it was just her canines coming through, but she woke us up coughing this morning (bless her she didn't complain though). She also vomited this evening from coughing so hard and complained a bit about going to bed, but went to sleep in the end.

rainbowweaver, not sure if we know each other - unless you are a namechanger too! Nice to see you anyway!

PA hope the meeting is going well (or will go well, not sure of the time diff)

Scones not sure of the history of your dog story, but it sounds sad. My DH is absolutely bonkers about our dog and often says that when he dies he won't replace him as he is just too special. I found him and he was supposed to me by dog originally Since DD was born, I don't really have that much time for the dog and TBH the dog doesn't have that much time for me, realising that he has moved down the pecking order somewhat. But I hope it will all be ok, and not too hard.

Still no walking here, much to my cm's frustration but I really couldn't care less. DD will walk when she is ready, as as her doctor said, there is no going back once she does! Each milestone they are moving closer to adulthood and independence, so both and a little .

DH worked most of this weekend (he works one weekend in three). He is leaving his job in July to start his own business, so he is putting in lots of hours and not taking any time off so that he can take all his leave when he finishes his job. He is also the no.2 in his current post, so has lots of responsibility. I am a little frustrated that he doesn't take more time off though, as he works in a very full-on business, long hours, demanding clients, etc. He has been ill since the beginning of December and I just wish he would take four or five days off to relax and recover. He is very stressed about starting his own business and it is taking a bit of a toll on our life at the moment. A lot of uncertainty about our future, where we will live, my job, etc.

right? this is really rubbish - I'm sorry, I've been so pants at keeping in touch the last few months?

congratulations to all those that are pg! And good luck to those ttc?

Fin was 1 on Friday - Es made him a birthday cake with a tonne of chocolate and some minstrels!

miss you alll? sorry i'm being so pants at keeping in touch! new job is, well, it's just SUCH a relief to have a permanent contract with decent money without having to leave cumbria?. can't believe this time last year I was still in hospital in auckland!!!!!

we've been to look at a new house last week and made an application for it - it's perfect, i mean, just PERFECT? BUT 7 people have applied for it, so keeping everything crossed that the land agent plumps for us?

erm.. .just necked half a bottle of bolly i got for DH's 40th a couple of weeks ago - he's been poorly bless him and not up to drinking it, so we've just necked it on sunday night with some croissants and cheese!!!!!

am going now before i drivel on any more

must try harder to keep in touch

hope everyone's ok

x

FC we saw a few friends with DCs the same age as DD and I couldn't get over how obsessed with the walking they were. They somehow thought DD would rub of their DCs . As you say it does make me a bit sad when I realise they're not babies anymore although I have to confess I have lost all broody feelings and the awww moments when looking at new borns now that I'm pg again.

I posted above on meeting. He basically, as per usual, didn't say everything directly to my face, preferring emails and random digs and comments here and there.

stoof belated happy birthday to Fin . So glad the job is working out!

Waving at rainbow and flying..

I'm trying to ignore knowing that dd2 has an ear infection (she will randomly scream, throw herself backwards and tug at her ear).. The latest advice is against antibiotics anyway and pain meds should be enough. I am just not sure how she'll cope with the flight home on Wednesday... it could be painful (for all concerned!) but luckily it's a short flight

PA he's a waste of space.

Have been at the inlaws for the weekend so lots to catch up on.

Scones So sorry about how you're feeling. You tried and tried with the dog, don't think you could have done any more. It is sad, but I'm sure it will be happy in its new home (could DH go and visit when he's settled in?).

PA We have had shit sleep recently, you're not the only one. Boss sounds like a cowardly wanker. Hope you are ok.

Stoof Happy birthday to your DS.

DS said his first proper word yesterday - "Cat". It was unmistakable, FIL had picked up their cat and was stroking it and DS turned round, looked at it and said it. I was very excited.

His sleep was really terrible though. Multiple and loooong (3 hours +) wakings. We did get long naps in the day though.

Sorry haven't replied to everyone - really tired and have had to wash out the car and carseat cover as he puked all over himself both on the way there and the way home.

Oh I am going to Take That as well - I think the 30th June at Wembley. Not sure as friend sorted the tickets. I wasn't into them first time round and I can't stand Robbie but I love some of their newer songs especially Rule The World.

xposted with stoof. Glad you hear from you and hope you get more time on here

thanks everyone else for your sympathy. I'm aware I'm a right old moany cow at the moment, but I know things will get better. Just a bit hard when both work and home are out of kilter.

BC that sounds tough about the sleeping. I know we have it easy as DD isn't awake for long.

Hopefully it was just being away from home. Fingers crossed for a better night back in his own bed.

Hi PA, sorry I missed your post above. Your boss sounds like hell and I am sorry for you. I saw you on the Feminist boards, where I have been lurking too for a while (and intermittently posting) as my own work issues made me want to think a bit more about feminism and the rampant discrimination in the work place that still goes on.

Hello stoof, long time!

Right, bed for me now.

'night.

Hi fc haven't heard from you in a while, have you also just re-joined? I was sunangel, then in a fit of anti-Dawkins decided to namechange. Welcome back! Had been thinking of you recently, in fact when DD was a year old and that made think back to when we were a year ago....

PA - joining you on the never yet slept through group. The closest DD ever did was the 5 hour stint she did after her first swimming experience (at 5 months?). Since then she's done it once more, then it's been 3-4 hours max. Just ignore your boss, his digs, and get on with what you love about your research. At the end of it, it doesn't matter what he thinks or says, just that you love what you do and are happy. I've been quite lucky as the boss was quite understanding having had his 2nd just 5 months before DD was born. But his wife stopped BF-ing at 6 months. He cannot believe I'm still BF-ing after 1 year, and has been getting less and less supportive in the last couple of months. Anyway at least I've managed to not travel till now, but first trip on 2 weeks' time and will be away for 3 nights. There does seem to be a link with (not) sleeping and walking. DD's getting quite comfortable taking a few steps now on her own, delayed in fact since crawling is much faster so she's only recently taken to taking steps when she needs to hold things in her hand.

Congrats to everyone who's PG!! IC thanks for the link to Playful Parenting on your blog.

No, not found the fb group yet... there's quite a few. Which one's the right one?

You're welcome, rainbow!
Facebook Group

Quite right, fc, she'll walk when she's good and ready - what's the CM's rush?!

Aw, poor DD2 with her ear, BG...hopefully it'll be much better in time for the flight.

Yes, I bet the change of scene is what's impacted on your DS' sleep Bc...tough though. Hopefully he'll chill out again now he's back home.
Exciting about his first proper word, though!

Belated happy birthday to stoof's DS!
Glad to hear the job's going well!

Why do people get so competitive with their LOs, PA? I think it's amazing about your DD walking so young, but I'm with fc - they do it when they're ready. It's exciting watching as they get closer and closer!

I'm pleased to report that despite the different style of sleeping bag, DD slept through for the second night in a row!!
Bloody wish I had...

Gah, dd sick, chesty cough, fever and up quite a bit in the night, and I'm coming down with it too.

to rainbow.

Good morning everyone!

PA my boss used to pull that sort of stunt - say we need to discuss something heavy, and then in the designated meeting it wouldn't be discussed unless (after I eventually learned) I brought it up myself. He does sound a total tosser and I'm sure you'll be better off somewhere else for you.

DD doesn't sleep through either. She will go several weeks at a stretch of going through til 4 or 5, and then I will feed her and put her back down until 7ish. But this past week she's been waking every couple of hours from 1 or 2ish. My latest strategy, started last night (hence bleariness), is not to feed her until the morning. I'm sure she's waking at 4/5 because she expects milk, and I've no idea what the earlier wake-ups are in aid of but I'm hoping (?!?) to knock those on the head too. So last night we had a brief resettle, and then a lengthy screaming session when she realised no milk was forthcoming at half four.

Can I ask a question of those of you with LOs that sleep through - when they wake, do you first nappy change or feed?

PA did you buy the tandem feeding book? Is it any good? I thought that I would start to wean DD when I found out I was pg. Instead I feel very strongly that I'm not ready to stop BF her and I want to keep my supply going as long as I can. So eating lots of oats as apparently they help.

IC when are you planning to stop the evening BF? Very interested to see how it goes as I expect I shall have to eventually.

Thanks for your comments re our dog. Thankfully the black mood has lifted, and DH was pretty normal yesterday. He even admitted that our day yesterday (met friends for a pub lunch, flew kites on the beach) was easier without the dog either being with us and being a nuisance (which he would have been - e is a naughty dog), or having to be left by himself for the day. It is really strange without him in the house though. Very empty

fc get well wishes to you and your DD. And get well to BG's DD too. And to bc's DS by the sounds of it.

Belated happy birthday to Fin! Best of luck with the house stoof.

Ah rainbowweaver I was trying to remember what your previous name was! Hello!

IC I just love that clip of your DD dismounting from the bed. I made DH watch it about five times and am all geared up to try to teach DD how to do it! Not sure she can crawl backwards, though...

Another one heading to Take That in July. I'm going with DH, my Dad, sister and best friend. I was in 1st trimester last time they toured and enjoyed it but was just so blimmin knackered the whole way through, I'm hoping to have a bit more enery this time.

DD is supposed to have her 13m injections today. I don't know if I can face it

Oops long post.

BC great on the talking
stoof great to have you back and good news on the job.
rainbow nice to have you back too.

PA when DD2 was waking 5/6 times per night I spend 3/4 days in the spare bedroom, letting her be. It made the wakings go down to 1/2, which she couldn't resettle on her own. A huge improvement.
Can you sleep on the sofa (If I recall you have a one bedroom?), and try to let her be for a few nights. (You might have to close the doors and you might want some ear plugs too). Don't worry you will hear her if she really screams her head off, but not if she grumbles/complains/talk to herself. I am completely deaf in one ear, sleep on my hearing ear and close the doors I can still hear her. . she has never be really distress. (5 min crying max).
Don't move the baby out because she used to the space in her/your room for the moment.

FC We are in the same situation. DH is working is ass off, uncertain future. Not fun. Hopefully it will improve soon.
You are right about walking. at your CM who wants your DD to walk so badly. Why? If she was past 18 months, I would understand but now?

scones I haven't changed DD2 during the night since she was a newborn till probably 3/4 months (unless poo or leak). Then, I would change then feed.

BG sorry about your DD2. But surely she will need antibiotics if she has a ear infections (High Fever + ear ache + gunk). If she has ear ache, she will be OK without, may be ear drops will help. I wouldn't let an ear infection be treated with just nurofen, but then I am sensitive about ears . Anyway I hope she get better soon.

DD2 still very chesty but coughing a bit less. DD1's got a cold now so I have to get her to the doc so she can go back to school Honestly she is fine just a cold, they are going to make her a hypochondriac.

waves at everybody else.

Hello everyone

Well, DD has a cold and cough so was up a couple of times before 10pm last night and then slept through til 6 am. She seems in good spirits although there is a lot of snot everywhere.

I love that video of your DD walking on FB SG, really sweet!

Scones sorry to hear about the dog, but glad he's found a new home, hopefully he has settled in well. Is your DH going to follow up to make sure he is okay? Good luck with the injections today...

Sorry you're not well FC... was your birthday on February 20th like mine? I can't remember who shared a birthday with me on this thread...

BG I also think like Schrodingers that an ear infection shouldn't be left untreated especially if you're flying.

Oh and I think I've found a new career

Hey Abs, Happy belated birthday. Mine was on 12 Feb, and DD's was on 10th.

Crikey, you've been busy!

BG agree with what was said previously about the ear infection.

rainbow & stoof hi, welcome back.

FC why is your CM rushing?

scones Take That twice and both times pregnant, impressive!

DS get normally change in the morning then dressed then we leave for nursery then he has breakfast once there. At weekend, he'll get change then breakfast then dressed.

bc sorry to hear that your DS is unwell but great news on the speaking.

PA your boss is not even worth the 'ink' of our typing IYSWIM. Next time 2 opinions, confrontation or full ignorance of his emails/comments.