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March 2005 part 5 - Can't believe they're almost 1!

431 replies

busywizzy · 08/02/2006 10:30

This time last year, we were all enormous, waiting for them to arrive - now they're almost 1

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Pidge · 21/02/2006 13:16

Leo - hope things improve for you at work. I definitely went through that last time round, wondering what I was doing bored at work, when I could be home with my baby. So much easier to leave them if you're enjoying your day. Is there any way of shaking up your job to make it more fun?

And Cristina you are so right about the birth - the most important thing is that they arrive safe and sound and that's what makes it an amazing, miraculous experience, whichever way they choose to make an appearance. I often wax lyrical about my water birth, and it was incredible, but that doesn't mean that dd1 popping out under the influence of an epidural and lots of syntocin wasn't also a beautiful experience. It's that first sight of your baby that really does it, I guess.

Can't believe a couple are already at the big ONE!!

What are you doing about presents? I'm not going to get Iris much, as she has lots of toys etc from dd1. My main thought at the moment was to get her a picture or two to brighten up her room, which currently has a photo of a Rodin sculpture, and a Pisarro picture in it! Not really her cup of tea I would imagine.

Cristina7 · 21/02/2006 13:31

Pidge - we went for a walk around Kew on Sunday and saw a house with a blue plaque where Pissaro lived for a bit. It didn't say how long, perhaps overnight, just enough to get a blue plaque and increase houseprices in the area. There was some other artists' house nearby (famous but i forgot who) - these poor artists, eh?

We made a photo collage of us and Dominic and Sylvia loves pointing at it and giggling madly.

Leo - I don't know why but I thought Niklas was much bigger. Must have been my preconceived ideas about the size of boys. I think Sylvia is at about 9 kg, so not that much smaller. She just seems tiny, especially at bath time. Some clothes are getting small, so she must be growing.

I haven't thought about presents yet for Sylvia's 1st. Probably a token toy. I'm sure I'll get her some clothes too, although the wardrobe is heaving. I received loads from my sister's two daughters and a couple of other people. I keep saying I won't be buying more myself but I love shopping for her. I love buying tights.

I'll try and get ready to go to the library, there's a stroytime session at 2.15.

Leo - your Mondays with your friend sound nice. I have a friend who lives v close by (one stop on the train) and she has a 7 month old. We'd planned to spend so much time together but she's a first-time mum and doesn't get out of bed before 11. By that time we've spent half of our day and I'm already half-way through things, so it never seems like the right time to call and make arrangements. Plus I have to be back by 3.20 to pick up Dominic from school.

Have a nice day everyone, especially the birthday girl and boy.

leogaela · 21/02/2006 14:11

Cristina - I don't EVER remember being able to stay in bed until 11 since Niklas was born! Your lucky friend! Niklas also seems tiny sometimes, especially when watching him walk, its so cute ! BUt then if I compare him to a new born he looks huge! If you like buying tights for Sylvia have you got any with pictures on the bum. Anna (the Monday friend's dd) has ones with Winni the poo and flowers, it looks really funny! I have a picture of the winni the poo ones, I will try to put it up on the photobucket.

Pidge - I'm going to talk to my boss tomorrow, I am so bored with what I am doing that I can't concentrate on it for more than about 10 minutes at a time and I'm not getting anywhere with it. Better I discuss it before someone notices how unproductive I am!

Niklas is getting some kitchen utensils (some nice metal ones from Ikea and plastic ones from the supermarket) we looked at buying him an oven as well but I couldn't find a nice plastic one and the wooden ones are so expensive, instead I got some really cheap little drawer things from Ikea and we've painted them in lots of bright colours. We tried to paint circles on teh top so it looks like an electric hob but its gone wrong! We think he will like taking the things out of the drawers and I usually give him a saucepan and spoons in the kitchen when I am cooking which keeps him entertained for a while!

Also got a paddling pool and lots of balls to put in it (a MN idea!).

Books - I got Dear Zoo as it was mentioned by several of you and a couple of other lift the flap books which Niklas loves!

A swim ring - its a special one that has the ring 3/4 of the way around and then a flat piece that the baby lies on.

Bubble mixture (for blowing bubbles)

I was looking for some musical type instruments for him but I couldn't find any anywhere!

BonyM · 21/02/2006 16:37

Happy birthday to Caleb and Serena .

Grace was poorly yesterday and slept almost all day.

Today she is better and has not slept at all all day . I have tried everything: cuddling, leaving to cry, drive in the car, walk in the pram. She WILL NOT SLEEP. I am at the end of my tether. Have now given up.

busywizzy · 21/02/2006 19:06

So sorry I'm late but

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CALEB AND SERENA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

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busywizzy · 21/02/2006 19:18

Sorry to hear Grace is poorly and at GP missing Niklas having bronchitis. Really hope he gets better soon now he's been properly diagnosed.

Good luck Cristina and Calebsmum with job hunting and Leo, hope your talk with your boss goes well.

Today I left Harrison with the childminder for the first time whilst I went to work. He was really good when I left him but I cried all the way into work. I looked a right sight by the time I arrived. However, CM texted me throughout the day to say how he was doing and overall, he was quite good. He had a few tears mid-morning and wouldn't eat any lunch but other than that, he was happy enough. He didn't sleep much (30 mins mid-morning and an hour at lunchtime so nowhere close to what he usually does which is about 2.5/3 hours in total) and has zonked out tonight without a murmur.

Hoping tomorrow is easier for us both, well mostly me

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popsycalindisguise · 21/02/2006 20:08

happy birthday to caleba nd serena!!

calebsmum · 21/02/2006 20:41

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! I've passed them on to Caleb who is getting spoilt. Having a big clear out at the moment as our house is bursting with rubbish. Put loads of Calebs clothes into storage and am having a sort out of his toys. Lots of babies poorly at the moment so get well vibes to all.

BonyM hope you get some rest soon, if it helps I think most babies have days like this and we all get snappy with them!

Pidge · 22/02/2006 08:50

Busywizzy - sounds like things are going really well with the childminder. You were so kind to me when I was having my trauma over settling in Iris, I've been thinking of you starting work this week. It's amazing to think I've only been back 6 weeks, it already feels like we've got quite a good routine. And I genuinely think Iris enjoys her days with our childminder. Dp drops her off and he says quite often now she wriggles in his arms indicating she wants to get down and play! Just shows how fast you can get used to your new life.

Leo - hope the chat with your boss goes well.

Funnily enough I had imagined Niklas to be bigger too. Wonder why that is. Maybe because I knew he was walking, so I imagined him being a strapping lad! Iris is around the 11kg mark and built like a tank, I still can't get over her thunder thighs compared with dd1's skinny little legs.

Her latest trick is to do a little 'scream' (more of a squeak actually) when you sing "Row, row you boat ... if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream". And she looks soooooo pleased with herself!

busywizzy · 22/02/2006 13:07

Hello everyone

Feeling very sorry for myself today. I'm really missing Harrison and although he's settling OK (definately better than I expected), I'd still prefer him to be with me so am having a real guilt trip today. I miss his smell and the feel of his soft skin and his silky hair - oh, must stop or I'll make a show of myself in the office I can't wait until Friday when I'll have him all to myself for the day.

I also feel really tired today. I guess it's having to use my brain so much (no nice leisurely settling back-in period for me unfortuantely) and I feel like I'm drowning in paperwork already. I know it'll all get easier but I'll still be glad when tomorrow is over and I can just be a 'mummy' again

Hope everyone is having a nice day. I'm off to have some grown-up lunch. I get to sit in peace and eat my food without having to spoon stuff into Harrison at the same time, or pick up the bits he's thrown on the floor or at me. Hmmm maybe working isn't so bad after all

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busywizzy · 22/02/2006 13:08

Ohhh meant to say how cute is Iris with the squeaking. She's almost as clever as Harrison

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Pidge · 22/02/2006 13:33

Oh busywizzy - poor you - I definitely know what you mean, you just ache to be with your baby. I don't know if it helps, but that has got easier for me, and I feel genuinely happy to be at work now. In fact the hardest bit I find is when I get home, and she always blubs a bit and clings to me, and I feel really sad to have left her, even though i know she's been fine all day.

Hang in there ... and roll on the end of the week ...

LOL at "nearly as clever as Harrison".

busywizzy · 22/02/2006 13:48

Pidge, I'm following your example and packing in for the day soon. I keep coming over all emotional and then I have to pick my phone up and pretend I'm talking so nobody comes into my office to talk to me and sees me crying - how pathetic am I

I've just sent CM a text saying I'm picking DD up from school and will then collect Harrison and I feel a bit better already. How can it be so painful - I really do ache just like you said

Thanks for the encouraging words. I know I just have to get through this week but it seems such a long week already and I've still got a day to go. Ho hum, chin up and all that British stuff

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leogaela · 22/02/2006 14:17

A big hug Busy. I also know what you mean about the aching, it is a really nice feeling but also very painful. You soon realise though that the weeks are very short, the 3 days in the office are not so bad ! Enjoy your evening with your babies!

Very impressed with Iris's little scream!

Yesterday when we picked Niklas up he couldn't stop kissing me ! He is sooooo lovely! Its wonderful to see how happy he is to see me again when we have been away from each other. I am wondering again today why I am at work ! Still haven't had time to talk to my boss (he hasn't had time)!

Niklas managed to get hold of his bottle of medicine last night and smashed it on the floor, cut his finger. Dh left it on the side of the bath , I didn't see it, changed his nappy, turned my back to wash my hands and.... crash! We cannot leave anything within his reach anymore.

We also keep finding things in funny places, something that I know I put in my bag and thought I must have lost turned up in the the hat and gloves basket yesterday, I can't imagine how it got there !

Cristina7 · 22/02/2006 15:18

Reading about your return to work, Busy, makes me uneasy about my return to work next week (on Wednesday). I'll be doing my 10 hours a week from the office, so probably a bit more, I just want to get all the work out of the way so when I start a new job I can forget all about the old one.

Silvia is so curious and into everything. Yesterday she was trying to drink oil, I got to her just in time. So next she was on the vinegar but couldn't unscrew the cap (the oil one didn't have one).

Oops, msut end here as I need to go and collect Dominic from school. Have a nice day everyone.

busywizzy · 23/02/2006 08:04

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NIKLAS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

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Cristina7 · 23/02/2006 09:06

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKLAS!

Have a lovely day, Leo.

JoPG · 23/02/2006 09:24

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKLAS!

Hope you have a fantastic day.

Kisses from Freya!

leogaela · 23/02/2006 09:29

Thank you!

I felt very emotional thinking about it all this morning!

We are doing a half day at work today so we can spend time with Niklas this afternoon. His grandparents and aunt and uncle are coming over to spoil him this afternoon :O!

jambot · 23/02/2006 12:01

Have a wonderful day little Niklas.

Love from Jambot and Lauren

Pidge · 23/02/2006 13:26

Happy Birthday Niklas - you are ONE and life just gets even more interesting from here on in .

Have a fabulous day Leogaela!

Cristina7 · 23/02/2006 15:00

Are your little ones in love with the Teletubbies? Silvia loves them so much. It's such a great joy watching her watching them. She shines with happiness.

busywizzy · 23/02/2006 16:37

Harrison loves watching anything musical on the TV and bounces up and down on his bottom, clapping his hands. He's particularly fond of the 'Sheila's Wheels' advert and stops whatever he's doing when it comes on and starts 'dancing'

Gorgeous

So Leo, what's your fondest memories of Niklas's first year

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popsycalindisguise · 23/02/2006 19:23

Happy birthday Niklas!

I can't quite believe that a year has passed already

busywizzy · 23/02/2006 20:22

Well, my first week back at work is over and all in all, I think I found it much, much harder than Harrison I cried all the way into work on Monday and Tuesday, most of the day on Wednesday but have been much better today. Harrison on the other hand had quite a few tears on Tuesday, only cried twice yesterday and today, he cried when I left the house, stopped as soon as the door closed (I could see him through the window) and has been happy as anything all day. He's really taken to my CM, loves her little boy (a bit younger than Harrison) and is eating well and even starting to sleep better. Today he slept 45 minutes in the morning and had an hour and a quarter after lunch. So three days in and he seems perfectly content

I really enjoyed myself at work today, after yesterday's emotional rollercoaster and now I have four days at home before work again. Thank you to everyone who offered kind words of support and encouragement. They've really helped me get through the past few days

Cristina, I hope I didn't worry you It definately has been a truly hard week but then I knew it would be. However, I made my decision about the benefits it would bring to our family if I returned to work and now I must stand by that decision. Even when I was really down, I knew it was the right thing to do and it is just a matter of giving it time before we all get used to our new weekly pattern. I hope your return to work goes OK

Hope everyone is having a nice week. How was your day Leo with the birthday boy

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