March 2013 - time to wrap them all up in tinsel

[StormyBrid]

Old thread here.

worse we're like Plonky on the timings - we keep mealtimes and milktimes separate. I spotted something in Evil Baby Whisperer that suggested around this age milk should be at the time you'd give a snack. Thinking about it, that's pretty much what we do - milk at the crack of dawn, 11am, 3pm and bedtime, food at 9am, 1pm and 5pm. It seems to work, and Fartypants is definitely in the process of reducing milk herself. Those middle two feeds, she's having about four ounces now.

How is the worselet on mush? Does she show any preferences? If we were sticking with baby led weaning we'd be getting absolutely nowhere. Savoury mushes, she'll try a mouthful then get distracted by the cat. Fruit mushes, she practically inhales. For a reduced stress option, can I suggest getting yourself to Asda? They've a hell of a range of cheap fruity mushes, and then at least you're not having to throw away purees you've spent hours lovingly creating.

Incidentally, six month old Molly may love her porridge, but all that means is that Molly's a total weirdo - porridge is vile. It's weetabix all the way round here, with mashed banana in.

eco hang in there, it does get better. How long until 37 weeks for you?

I am thanking my heathen gods we don't have crawling yet. Nappy changes with rolling are bad enough. Especially when it's a particularly horrific one.

[worsestershiresauce]

Still sitting in the back here too. She loves the car though, as car means outing and outing means fun. The best way to keep her quiet is to put her in the car seat in the kitchen, where she will happily kick her legs and talk to herself for a good 15 minutes.

Too much happening on here to catch up with everyone, but to answer Stormy what we do when she is awake at night is anything we can think of to get her back to sleep. I start with a cuddle and a pace up and down, move onto milk if she is obviously hungry, sit down and rock her, and as a final resort put her in her cot and get into the bed in her room and chat.... for hours.... I seem to have the world's worst sleeper as despite not going to bed until about 10pm and only napping for 40 mins in the morning and 20 mins in the afternoon she is still awake half the night. How can that be possible? She is currently in her jumperoo, having only slept for 20mins since 7,30am and she is not even remotely tired. I on the other hand am knackered!!!

Eco good to know there is another toast addict out there. We've had some progress on the food front, in that if whatever is on offer is 'nice' she will eat it off a spoon. If it isn't she'll flick it at me. Dinner times never were such fun. I'm now desperately trying to get her to drink her milk during the day rather than the night, but the problem is she's got herself onto a night feeding schedule, hence isn't hungry first thing, so doesn't eat breakfast.... and so the cycle continues. Any idea how to break that, other than watering down the night feeds which we are already doing.

No cake here, although she might as well have it given she has had rusks. Based on the ingredients there isn't a huge amount of difference. Rusks apparently are disgusting. Not surprising really, given they patently aren't toast.

[yummychocolate]

stormy at one point i was about to get back to sleep when ds woke but now like worselet im up from midnight until 4ish. Just as I fall asleep DS wakes needing a dummy return and i wake up dh begging him before i lose sleep again. Yeah I know he works but he hasnt done a full night at the weekends for a couple of months now which is a whole other thread. Maybe i LTB but that means I cant call on him for emergencies. I wake at 7.30am. By then ds is gettng bored and hungry in his cot after waking 7ish.

worse we too was on a night feed cycle until i stopped giving him milk after 3am. However if she really is hungry past 3am be prepared for a lot wake ups if the dummy is just not good enough for her. With feeding have you tried sitting her on your lap when you are eating? Im sure you have but this is how ds really started enjoying food by watching us.

DM gave ds a cookie crumb today and boy did he smack those lips. He loved it. I can confess i love rusks myself. Ds didnt like them so i ate it. Does anyone admit to liking any baby food?

[worsestershiresauce]

Yummy keep this to yourself but I love baby food . I eat more mush than the worselet, the Annabel karel salmon stage 2 is particularly nice on (wait for it.....) toast! I have yet to serve it up to DH though but there is still time . I have tried her on my knee at meal times, but she pulled my plate off the table one too many times so has now been relegated to the high chair.... and strapped in.

Bath time now. This may or may not be related to the fact the tiddler had salmon for dinner and now stinks

[yummychocolate]

worse i hope the worselet is not partying tonight.

Second night in a row and we have gone back to feeding in the night. I give up!

If anyone in rl tells me "ah thats good" when I tell them ds wakes 1-2 (sometimes 3) times in the night I will not be responsible for my actions. Dealing with night wakings for 9 months is HARD work especially when it was impossible to sleep in pregnancy. I have a feeling things will not improve just yet. Rant over and I will try to get back to sleep.

[worsestershiresauce]

Yummy sympathy, the past couple of months have nearly killed me and I had a 3 month stretch of sleeping through in the middle to garner reserves. Last night though for the first time in what seems like forever the worselet finally slept through! I have no idea, but I am very grateful. It made DH's alarm going off at 5.30am that little bit less traumatic.

Have good days all!

[BettyOff]

Yummy I'm with you. I would just love one full nights sleep, just to remember what it felt like! I don't post overnight anymore as I've got the routine so slick that I barely need to open my eyes.

Today I'm mostly very glad we dropped the cot to its lowest setting last week as when I went in to get madam this morning she was standing up peering over the bars at me. Slightly disconcerting.

We've got a ridiculously busy day today. First walk dog in the park, then a friend coming for coffee at 10, then parents coming at 11, haircut at 12, lunch with parents after, swimming at 4 then I need to get madam to bed as quickly as possible (which means it'll be a nightmare) as its DHs work night out tonight and the first time we've been out together without the madam. Phew. I'm already exhausted just thinking about it!

Have a lovely day everyone

[StormyBrid]

These people who say one or two night wakings is good at this age, do they actually have babies? One or two night wakings is rubbish! For those of you still suffering them I offer virtual hugs and caffeine. I wish I had advice, but I'm not quite sure how we got to such excellent sleep (down at 7, bottle at 6.30am, still asleep now, feel free to send stabby thoughts my way).

I'm also looking forward to a night out tonight. A friend's back from York for a few days. I anticipate tomorrow morning involving a dreadful hangover and a lot of bacon.

[Plonkysaurus]

I think those who say one or two night wakings is good are those with a very skewed sense of what motherhood involves. They're confusing it with martyrhood. We have several evening grumbles and one night waking here but he's usually back to sleep within fifteen minutes of coming into our bed. It's not how everyone would choose to deal with it, I know, but at 4 am I'm all out if ideas. I think good sleepers are born, not trained, although they can sometimes be coaxed into good habits. You do what you can to get by.

I'm thoroughly expecting babysaurus no.2 to be a screamer no sleeper. I didn't sleep through until I was 2 years old, and averaged 9 hours sleep across 24 hours. I might be in cahoots with the Worselet. However at 27 years old I'm now a very good sleeper .

Enjoy your night out Stormy. I'm braving Nottingham today to do yet more Christmas shopping, then it's dp's work Christmas do tomorrow night and I might have a drop or two of something fizzy. Bacon cures all things.

Having put the tree up last night we've decided it looks rubbish. Mainly due to its surroundings, as the actual tree is nice and tastefully decorated. It's our house that's the problem.

[StormyBrid]

I suppose one or two night wakings is good if you used to be on six or seven. It is all a bit relative. But hands up anyone who honestly thought, pre-parenthood, that their baby wouldn't be sleeping through by this age. I suspect our own parents don't help much - my mother still tells me that all her babies slept through at six weeks, didn't need night feeds, etc. Frankly I don't believe it, unless she means we were going from about eleven or midnight until the crack of dawn (and I'm only believing that's possible because youngest niece did it last night).

[worsestershiresauce]

Stormy I think it is called selective memory. Apparently I was a wonder child who never suffered any stomach problems. Colic is a modern invention don't ya know. Or you could believe my dad who apparently had to take me out in the car every night because I had such bad colic I never slept!

'Sleeping through' is 6 hours or something random like that isn't it, so often when people say their baby sleeps through they don't actually mean it goes 7pm to 7am.

Rubbish lunch today. All the stuff that was 'nice' yesterday... well it's not nice today

[ecofreckle]

Afternoon all. Momentous day here. Ecobaby has done a few 'paces' of crawling and pulls up to knees. But, more worryingly, DH has just handed his notice in! This in turn means I will be handing my notice in next week and will probably not return to my role (unless we cannot work out a way to pay back OMP). Pretty daunting times because hand in hand with this is a new start in a new county where we know the sum total of 0 people. Yikes! The final decision was made for us really when CM called us 7 hours ahead of our meeting to sign contracts to tell us she could no longer look after Ecobaby as one of her existing mothers had chnaged their plans. This meant we had to begin again with the search for childcare and so we just thought bugger it, let's not faff around, let's just go to bloody Bedfordshire (there's the Chilterns nearby everyone....they're pretty in an outdoorsy lover way so I'm sold) and find new childcare there that we like. So, soon, for the very first time since I was about 12 I'll be unemployed. I'd worked hard to get to my current position so it feels a teeny tiny bit irresponsible and daunting. Hey ho. Ecobaby and DH are my family now my DM has gone so wherever we lay our hat that'll be our home! Onwards and upwards!!
Worse, sleep REGRESSION is hard! We had 11 or 12 hours of sleep back in July and since August it's been bonkers. I thought (pre baby) that once they 'splet through' that was it. It's all up from there on in. How wrong I was. I feel your pain. I was up feeding at half one and 5 overnight. Bleaurghhhh...... And as for 'nice'? Well, you do know that's a moveable feast with these tiny people? Like, moveable from Norfolk to Bedfordshire. That moveable. So yesterday it's all about the lentils and today? Well, today they are POISON. Sorry you are having a pantry time. You got DH this evening? And, apologies for the organic wipe as evidenced on FB. I shall sort that out pronto
Gerry how is miniGerry? Tough with your being at work too. Still, it's Thursday! Yippee eh?
Yummy you asked what we are getting for Christmas? As a belt tightening operation DH suggested a £5 (!!!!) budget. Buggeration. That's tough. I bought him a swanky mountain bike last year and he took me away somewhere mega fancy. Oh how times (and disposable income!) change! But, I will say that being with my little family will be adequate for me (sorry I sound like a knob). Other than some nice new clothes I want for nothing and am pretty content with what I have 'stuff' wise. If DH hadn't have been given a tablet by his MUm/Nan for his birthday I might have been hankering after one of those.....You'll like it. But you might start googling actors when you are supposed to be watching films. If you are anything like me.
Ah betty, your hot tips for shopping were gratefully received but in the end I left ecobaby at home with daddy and wenr out on my own for 3 hours with a very focussed mind (but not focussed enough to find something decent for £5 for DH!).
Wing, congrats on the cruising to miniwing (winglet?). I fear this stage. In fact, I am just off to a random man's house to collect a room divider as the Christmas tree and TV (and associated cabling) are THE most interesting thing.
Plonk, I decided not to LTB! You were right! He's a keeper. But he's got another crappy long day in London next week. He is going to get double eclairs in to compensate. Your DS can commando over you? Is there no escape from these beautiful little rugrats?
Stormy, thanks for the naps times thoughts. Yes, 1630 would be a good time to be awake for. I might go and prod her gently in a minute. We're pretty much moved to 2 naps now so it should be do-able. Have a fun time. I think you're out on the town tonight?
Rainbow can I ask now many BF your LO is having at present? Ish? And you too Betty? We're on 4 during day plus night time ones (one or two generally). I too worry a little about breeding a little buddha.
Ahh....ecobaby awake of her owm accord. I'd better go and decant the milky (weird yes?) Karmel bolognese I've just made and get her togged up for our magical mystery tour into the depths of Norfolk in search of a room divider!
Happy Thursday people!

[ecofreckle]

Sorry I am a moron who cannot type.
That'll learn me for not checking my messages before I post

[BettyOff]

Eco I'm on 4 day and 1 night feed so about the same. The cheeks are definitely getting chubbier! I left madam for a few hours today with my parents to go and get my hair cut, having warned them of her clingyness and screaming. She was fine traitor so I shall be trying to leave a bit more often. She also didn't recognise me with my new fringe which I already regret

Right, DH and I are off on our first night out (which is actually his work do, romantic!) so I'm donning the spanx and going to pour myself into something highly unsuitable for a mummy. Can't wait!

[ecofreckle]

phwoar Betty, you look great!
also, has anyone read 'how not to f* them up'? book by child clinical psychologist?

[worsestershiresauce]

Just a quick hi and bye as it is that time off night when previously calm angelic babies go a bit nuts. The larks...

Eco Good luck with your new life just off the Chilterns. There is something very liberating about a move into the unknown. I'm sure you'll settle down and make loads of friends in no time at all. In fact I know you will.

Betty have fun!!!

[Plonkysaurus]

Betty have fun tonight, you definitely deserve it. Fringes always take awhile to bed in I think, you'll come to love it. I miss mine!

Eco a new place for new adventures! Will you miss being so close to the sea? Have you always lived in Norwich? I'm sure you'll find a new group of mummy friends in no time, you seem a lovely, thoughtful sort. And have plenty if excuses to go for day trips to the seaside.
Just had a look at the book you mention. I'm quite wary of it but may download it for a look see. I'm due something new to read very shortly and it's been a while since I invested in a parenting book. Having read some reviews it does all sound a bit pie in the sky though - this expectation for mothers to stay at home for 3 years/hire a nanny is a bit out of my reach! Might be a tad guilt making.

I'm off to enjoy my early bedtime. Good night to all and to all a good night!

[StormyBrid]

Evening all, although I am hoping none of you are awake right now to read this. You should all be fast asleep with wonderfully sleeping babies. I wish I was fast asleep with a wonderfully sleeping baby, but unfortunately the baby is making very occasional and very tiny sounds on the monitor, and I am downstairs listening to it because I am far too pissed. If anyone has any tips on how to make "a drink" come in anything less than seven glasses, I am all ears.

worse I have talked to my dad about us as babies. He says they practiced the "ignore the baby and hope it goes back to sleep" school of parenting. This may have something to do with us all apparently sleeping so well.

eco don't worry about being unemployed. Take it from me, it's a doddle. If your man's planning to be employed and pay the bills, then you're sorted. If he's not, then you still get to enjoy sitting on your arse, but you also get to develop a violent hatred of Iain Duncan Smith. Really though, what's the plan? Am I drunkenly forgetting previous posts wherein you detailed the marvellous job opportunities for you and DP in the Chilterns? Is there a plan?

Betty these babies, they only cling when they know their preferred anchor is available. Have you tried hiding from DD? It's an eye opening experience. It's also not that difficult to engineer. Round here I just have to go off and potter about in the kitchen, wait for DD to get distracted by the adverts on the telly (they're the most magical thing in the world ever, apparently), then sneak onto the sofa directly behind her. She looks around and doesn't see me. I therefore no longer exist, and she will quite happily play with her toys for ages. Downside is having to be absolutely silent, because she will notice a sneeze and realise I'm there, I exist, and my fingers could be held onto to facilitate walking. But before the sneeze or cough or shifting position slightly too freely, I have sweet and blessed peace.

The man told me, at eight o'clock tonight, that his dad's turning up either at lunchtime or late in the evening tomorrow. It is therefore important, apparently, that DD is home to see him. AIBU to think that if DD is required to be at home at a time when she is normally elsewhere, it would be nice to have a bit of notice? So far as my dad and I are concerned, she's going to his as usual tomorrow, because no one had bothered to tell me anything at all about the time of FIL's proposed visit. Actually, AIBU to think if you're visiting family, you tell them a date and a time at which to expect you? I am also annoyed about Saturday. MIL is coming up, FIL will be here, and we might be expected to go out to eat. I've had to arrange a "maybe we'll need you but I haven't got a clue and no one seems to think it's important to tell me these things so I'll probably only be able to give you half an hour's notice at most" babysitter for Saturday evening. Why am I arranging this? Why isn't the man arranging it? It's his family, and he's the one not any attempt whatsoever to out what they're actually planning to do while they're here.

[pudtat]

whispers morning stormy and Betty. Hope nights out were good.

I have just made my morning tea with formula instead of milk. Glad it's Friday ...

[somethingbeginningwith]

Hope all you party goers had a good night. I've been feeling hungover since Monday, despite not drinking for ages. Definitely got some kind of bug. I feel rotten!

I'm in need of some professional mum advice...what would keep your LOs off from the childminder or nursery for you? DS has a really bad chesty cough, and is very snuggly, sleepy and feeling sorry for himselfy. But I don't know if I'm being PFB in thinking that he could do with a day at home. It'd mean me not going into work. I'm just wondering what you lovely lot would do really.

[ecofreckle]

something I spoke to cm about this and they do not mind coughs and colds so would be happy to have him as usual I suspect and administer cuddles. so, it's and option for you.

[Plonkysaurus]

Stormy YANBU, on either account. How's your head?

Something if you really think he's not well don't send him. However every time I've dropped DS off at nursery there's been 2 or 3 kids with runny noses, looking a but clingy and tired etc. I'm guilty of giving him calpol, taking him in and saying he's off so call if he needs to come home, but invariably nursery seems to perk him up. What did you to in the end?

[yummychocolate]

Betty and stormy hope you both had a great night.

stormy how was dd's appointment yesterday? And yanbu. Last minute plans especially with a baby are not on.

eco congrats on your new adventure. Don't worry you will be fine and make friends in no time.

something if ds becomes any worse the cm will call you anyway. Apparently babies can get colds up to 8 times in one winter so we are for a long winter with our babies.

Im feeling good today. Ds slept through until 4am this morning. The rest of the morning he had been whimpering in his sleep. I think its the attack of the teeth again.

[BettyOff]

The night out was nice but so not worth it. I had 2 glasses of wine and a G&T, we got home at midnight and she'd already been screaming for an hour, was out of her cot and wide awake and stayed awake until 2 with DH then 3-5am with me then into bed at 6. I've had 2hrs sleep, am mildly hungover and have got my big meeting with work today about the terms of my return so a 1hr 20m drive to Hull waves to Stormy This is definitely a less than ideal situation. Urgh.

[StormyBrid]

Thanks pud for making me giggle before I even got out of bed. How on earth did you manage that?

yummy the appointment was fine. Doctor totally happy, said health visitors are very good at flagging things up that aren't actually a problem at all, and speculated that they just like to freak out first time mothers. DD was absolutely fascinated by the doctor. She'd never met a black man before (Hull's a ridiculously white town).

SoYo my sympathies. Alcohol and babies just don't mix at all. Will you ever dare go out again? I'd say pop in for a cuppa, but I'm capable of nothing but groaning and possibly eating bacon today.

On the plus side, FIL will not be getting here until late tonight, so I don't have to deal with him hungover. Yay!

[StormyBrid]

Guess who just walked?