August 2015 - Let the Sleepless Nights Commence

[nolongerwaitingfornumber2]

My DC2 was born on 5th August and I'm up in the wee hours feeding away. Anyone else with their August babies care to join me?

I still can't believe he's here and in my arms!

Ooorrf I love a bit of strictly here too! Although it takes me a couple of weeks to get into it. I love Claudia but cannot stand Tess, she's dead behind the eyes!!

We've a long weekend up here in Scotland so it's nice to have dh for another day. Although he's been annoying the shit out of me!! I sound ungrateful I know but why don't men think about things. For example lady night, DD is all sleepy so we go upstairs to change, feed and sleep. DH changes her nappy whilst I get ready for bed etc but when I come out she's still on the changing table being tickled and chatted to by DH. Arrghh?! What are you doing man? Get her in her grobag and feed her not wake her up more ffs! Maybe I'm just an irritable cow at the moment though. I feel like I miss my DH, even though he's around because we don't get to touch or cuddle etc as much at all. It's all baby-centred. I don't want to pretend to be an adult again today! Clearly I'm 34 going on 20!

Where the hell has the last 8 weeks / 2 months gone?! We've ditched the newborn car seat insert and oodles of clothes she's too long for. I feel bad that some of those clothes only got worn once or twice! Can't remember who said it up thread but yes to days going slowly and weeks whizzing past. Only 89 sleeps until Christmas!

I'll be making the most of having a lovely tree and a non-mobile baby this year - it's going to look like a grotto here!!!!

kbro and clstow lol at super sperm - my DH is 56 and we've just had DC6 - he thinks he has the most super sperm ever - never tires of telling everyone cos of course I had nothing to do with the conception/pregnancy/birth

mzzzf if my DH wakes in the night (not usual!) and DD is awake he always chats and laughs to her / bounces her around - what is wrong with men? - I say just cuddle her and speak in a soft voice not speak at the top of your voice and jiggle her about until she is wide awake then hand her back to me!!

Where in Scotland are you mzzzf? We are in Fife - no local holiday here

Beautiful autumn day here today. Was up and out at 8am taking oldest 2 DC to swim training. Dropped them off, did a weekly shop and then went for a big walk with DD in her pram. Washing and ironing done and roast in oven. Relaxing on sofa catching up with last nights Strictly - bliss Hope everyone else has had a lovely Sunday.

Love - we're in Glasgow. This the September long weekend BONUS!

Thanks for that kbro. I'm not entirely sure if that is what the problem is but it well could be. There isn't really a pattern to when she getsasked frustrated though. Sometimes it's at the beginning and sometimes it's at the end. I'm wondering if it's when she can't get the milk properly but again don't think thats always the case because I can see there is loads if milk there and it's dribbled all over her face. Who knows what it is. Normally I go to breastfeeding group on a Monday but still have my guests here. Might just abandon them for a bit and go anyway. Will see.

Not a strictly fan here. Don't mind it but prefer other types of dancing shows. Haven't watched x factor in years but decided to start watching it this year. Prob because I know I'll be in more on Saturday nights now lol.

Well today we've had a busy day out and about. Went up to the lakes for a day trip. Took a picnic and walked around kirkby lonsdale and then went to white scar caves. That was interesting with a little baby. Had my sling with me so I could take her in. Managed to keep her asleep for the majority of the way round. Also managed to feed her all day myself wherever we were. Did feel like maybe I was starving her a bit because if we were moving on to something else but she hadn't finished feeding we would just put her in the car seat and she'd fall back asleep because of the movement. But i did at least feed her when I could.

When do they get quicker at feeding? Right now it feels like it's never going to get any easier. It's just not feasible to feed for 2-3 hours forever. Hopefully one day it'll get quicker. That's all I keep telling myself. Even 1 hour would be great. But no more than an hour.

It has been a gorgeous sunny day here too so we've been out in the garden all day. DD was in a fab mood so I didn't feel like the bad mum being irritable with my toddler like I have done lately. DS hasn't slept much but seemed pretty happy watching his sister running around and grinning at her. He's been screaming with overtiredness this evening though and has only just fallen asleep. I had to cracking out the white noise and the red wine just to cope!

I think both Strictly and Bake Off suffer from having too many contestants at the start and always get much better later in the series. I also dislike Tees but love Claudia. Can't imagine what she went through when her daughter was burnt last Halloween.

I also have a DH who doesn't understand evening /night time calm and quiet. I guess they miss out during the day so want to play when they do get time with them.

Completely agree about long days but speedy weeks! It's mad how fast it is going and makes me feel a bit sad. I have a friend who is 39 weeks and I'm a bit envious she still has those newborn weeks to look forward to. My hormones are clearly still all over the place as why am I envious of someone who will have to go through labour imminently?!

To be honest Dozy am not sure it is the problem here either. When DS is doing it he also has plenty of milk in his mouth and if I give my breast a squeeze then I can see milk coming out. Last night he was like that all evening and offering the same breast made no difference. I thought it was just over tiredness (we also had lots of tired screaming all evening) but he wouldn't take the dummy either. In the end we gave a bottle and he downed 100 mls. So bless him he must have been v hungry. Don't understand at all why my boobs were rejected though. The ever confusing world of breastfeeding???

Nolonger am so pleased you said that as I feel that too. Despite hating being pregnant, having a horrible birth and enjoying DS so much more than those first 3 weeks I find myself feeling envious when I watch one born every minute. Esp today as I put DS in some new dungarees and he looks so big in them. He really isn't my tiny new born any more. Am sure when my hormones settle it will pass. Or at least that's what DH is hoping.

And yes DH is another one who doesn't get when to do quiet sleepy time and when to play.

Right time for a cup of tea and an episode of catastrophe I think. Can't believe another week has started. It will be christmas before we know it!!

We had a fairly good night - DS woke at 1 and 5 but the second time he was so hungry was a bit of a feeding frenzy! Saw a bit of the eclipse too which was nice. Went to our baby group this morning which is really chilled out and saw so many people that I've met since having DS that I felt more sociable than before! Got our jobs done in town including getting some passport pics done! Treating myself to a coffee before heading home.

I know what you mean about pregnancy envy. After we had DS I thought never again because of the pain of birth then the madness of the first few weeks. But part of me wants to do it all again -and another part says no way!!

Christmas will roll round before we know it! I know the stress this year will be with family and where we're going when etc.think we might just stay at home! Anyway have a good day ladies.

Kbro isn't it heartbreaking when they find the bottle easier than the breast. I thought she'd prefer the boob because it means she's close to me but she likes the milk better from the bottle because it's instantaneous. I think sometimes it is because she hasn't managed to draw the milk out yet and isn't patient enough to wait. I think in future I will always carry a back up bottle just in case. I took one yesterday and didn't need it which is great but having it there in case was reassuring especially because we were out for so long. Dp thinks we'll be thrown out of places if she crys too much though so he's more paranoid than me about her crying.

I was awake in the night when the lunar eclipse was happening but I couldn't be bothered to get up out of bed to see it.

Having a lovely chilled day with my guests. Me and dd fell asleep on the sofa together this morning while we were watching a movie. Going to head out now though as the weather is still so lovely. September has been a beautiful month weather wise. Feels like summer in the day time still. Cold at night though.

Definitely need some warm breastfeeding friendly pyjamas soon though so I don't freeze while I'm trying to feed dd.

Aargh I missed the eclipse. So pissed off as I was up almost all night, just forgot to open the curtains. DS has had a shocking few nights - I think his worst since being born - and I feel like a zombie! Am working on getting him to nap in the day in the hope it'll make him sleep better at night. Currently pacing up and down my hallway with him in a sling hoping he'll drop off.

Know what you mean about the BF pajamas Dozy, I had to put a hoody on last night as it was so chilly. Let me know if you find any nice ones.

The great Christmas debate (where to spend it) is already raging here... I think I'm winning though and we'll be off to my brother's. He has 2 boys aged 4 and 1 so will be lovely to have a big family crimbo.

I had the opposite to you last night Kbro, gave DS his 11pm bottle and he fussed afterwards until I breast fed him as well. Very weird as he never normally has/wants BF at that time. My poor boobs didn't know what was going on!

Hope everyone's enjoying the gorgeous Autumn sunshine. I love the colours at this time of year... Just hate the nights drawing in. But definitely trying to enjoy the lovely weather while it lasts.

Good morning. I've not posted for a few days as we've been really busy. We Had a lovely time visiting friends and family on Sunday. I spent most of yesterday morning doing housework with ds in his sling. Then the afternoon sitting outside the beach cafe having cake and a catch up with a good friend in the sun. Perfect.

We're also thinking about what to do at Christmas. At the moment we think we may accept an invite to my sisters so we can have someone else cook for us. Then we can stay at home next year when ds will be a bit more aware of what's going on.

Iceland looks lovely magrat. We were going to go for my birthday in February, but then the hyperemesis set in and I couldn't face going anywhere.
Yay for a good night! I hope you had another one last night.

Congratulations and happy anniversary to your parents clstow.

I know exactly what you mean about 'missing' dh mzzf. We've been just the 2 of us for 14 years - it's very different having a baby stuck to me constantly and not sleeping in the same bed as dh.

Glad you are having a lovely time with your guests dozy.
I think ds is getting more efficient at feeding now. He's gone from feeding for about 4 hours a day (I'm obsessed with logging them on an app) to 3 hours. I've been googling when do they become more efficient and answers vary from 1-3 months.
I'm not a strictly fan either. Are we the only 2 people in the uk not into it?!

nolonger, I was with a pregnant friend the other day and felt exactly the same. I was really jealous of her getting to meet her baby for the first time and that amazing high she will get from her newborn. Pesky hormones

kbro I'm obsessed with putting ds in dungarees. They are so cute on little boys.

We are totally enjoying the autum sunshine clstow. I've probably said before, but this is my favourite time of year. I'm loving sunset walks with ds all cosy and wrapped up in his pram.

I hope everyone has had a good night and has a good day.

Also having the Christmas discussion here. Need to speak to smil myself I think. Dh is useless. He loathes Christmas and would spend it by himself having no fun or presents or anything. My mother, of course, is the opposite and goes ott with gifts. There's a middle path I'm sure. Finding it is tricky!

Uti from hell. Have had to get more antibiotics. Feeling grim. Flu like symptoms as well as the burning. I wish there was a cure. It's misery.

Gorgeous day here though. We're off playgroup to paint with nature. Must go and fetch some pine cones and leaves to take with us.

Ola ladies!!
I blooming love autumn, in fact I love this time of year anyway leading into winter. I'm probably one of the few weirdos that really lives winter. And not just the textbook crisp frosty days but the grey rainy ones too!!

We've had the Christmas convo too. And Christmas Day we are on lockdown here. We hosted DHs family last year so I'm off the hook!! But I imagine will be social again on Boxing Day

Anyone else's LO got cradle cap? Mini mzzzf has some on her scalp and eyebrows bless her. Any good ideas for helping it on its way?

Really hope you feel better soon joskar! Any chance of you having a good rest to let your body catch up to your busy last few days?

Hi ladies!
I don't like strictly either, or x factor or the voice, or big brother.

joksar hope you feel better soon

I didn't have to worry about Christmas, I always go to my mums. This year I will either go again or they will all come here and my mum will cook but then my pesky baby brother he's 21 decided to get himself a gf, so she may be coming here for Christmas and I will end up hosting, as I'm the only one who can make space.

Oh and mzzzf cradle cap, bit of baby oul on scalp after bath, leave overnight, then comb in the morning.

Tried to start a routine yesterday and almost drove myself insane trying to get DS to nap etc. Have given up and just had fun today at baby sensory and playing with his v tech cow that he seems to love. Much less stressful!

magrat I am just leaving DS2 to slot into our routine. He naps when he wants though, and usually his bottle falls just after DDs bedtime so I bath her and put her to bed, story, cuddles etc, then down for DS2s bottle and read harry potter with DS1 at the same time. Then both DSs go upstairs to bed.(shower/bath for DS1 first) I bath DS2 during the day at the minute as DD is still a bit insecure so bedtime can take a while. In a couple of months I will start sticking DS2 in with DD for a bath.
I just don't stress it. They go into a routine by themselves and sometimes even a routine you've had for years doesn't go to plan so there's no bloody point getting worked up. Just enjoy your baby

Oh fatty am impressed that your DS is going to bed. Ours, bless him, is nowhere near that. Arrgggg.

Mzzzf DS does have some cradle cap. Agree with fatty. Bit of baby oil before bed. He also has milk spots. So he's looking flaky and spoty at the mo.

We had a pretty nice day. Went to a sling library and hired a sling. Can see why they are addictive. Some v cool ones. They also ran breast feeding support so had s chat with the lady about DS fussing on and off the boob. She was v nice but all she did was Google it. Which of course I have done about 100 times already. I then was a bit naughty and treated myself to a nice lunch in a cafe. Not what am supposed to be doing with my mat pay but hey. Am allowed a treat right?

Have my closet friend come over tomorrow. Should be v nice. Might see if I can persuade her to go on a shopping trip as we have vouchers to spend.

Right grouchy DS is shouting for more boob. Best go. Is anyone else still cluster feeding in the evening? I really thought it would have passed by now. Has eased but not passed. Anyone else??

kbro he just happens to have his longest sleep in the evening, I'm usually up with him from early hours.

I hope you feel better soon jockstar

I'm with you on strictly, X factor etc fatty, but I do love a bit of celebrity big bro. I'm facinated by the way people come across. This last series was bonkers. It was great viewing for the night feeds.

We don't have any kind of routine magrat. I just feed on demand and let him sleep when he wants to. I'm assuming he's a bit young as yet, but I suppose it's never to young to start good habits.

Ds also has milk spots kbro. He looks like a teenager, poor thing.
I'm very envious of your sling library. The closest one to us is over an hour away. I might go along one day, but, like you say, I think they might become addictive so I might be better off staying away!
I'm still cluster feeding most evenings. It's a bit better than it was. Ds also does the fussing on and off the boob. It's usually when he's overtired or windy.

I hope you've all had a good day. We've been for a really long walk in the sun with my mum in the village I grew up. It took twice the time it should because my mum was stopping to talk / show ds off to everyone!
I'm shattered tonight - here's hoping for plenty of sleep all round

I have become obsessed with DS's sleep! Someone told me that babies have 90 minute awake cycles and to look out for cues that DS is tired about 80 mins after he wakes up. It turns out the little guy is like clockwork! So I can now get him to nap if I get him to sleep at the right time, but it means our life is broken up in to these weird 90 minute chunks! Worth it though as the last couple of nights he's managed some decent stretches of sleep. So no routine as such Magrat but at least I can predict when he'll next be sleeping and try and work round that.

I'm another non-Strictly fan, although I seem to end up watching X Factor every year. Currently in to This Is England, it's so dark though - can't watch it directly before bed!

Hope you feel better soon Joskar.

Cluster feeding has definitely eased off here but still feeding lots more in the evening than during the rest of the day Kbro. Feed length tends to be around 30 mins Dozy but can be much longer if DS is messing around (like he is tonight).

Sounds like a lovely walk Frolic, my mum is the same showing off her grandson at every opportunity. It's so lovely seeing them being the proud grandparent, makes me feel a bit weepy in a good way.

Forecast is for more sunshine tomorrow - hurrah! Will be nice to get out again. Hope everyone is having a sleepy night after all the fresh air.

Antibiotics seem to be working thanks be! Feeling less hellish. Thanks for your thoughts.

That 90 minutes thing is supposed to be good. There's a book I think. From what I remember you move on to 180 minutes and then 270 and so on. Obv it never worked with dd1 (because nothing did) but lots of people I know really swore by it. Dd2 is, I think, the youngest on here (4 weeks today!) so we're still cluster feeding in the evening and she comes to bed when I do.

I tormented myself about routine last time. In agonies about feeding, sleeping, naps etc. My sympathy to those of you going through it now. Of course all my fretting was for nothing. Dd1 went her own sweet way! Eventually we found a rhythm that worked for us. Although I remember feeling so upset that it wasn't "by the book" and I was convinced that other people were doing it "right" or "better". Dh is much more relaxed. He never bothers what other people are doing. He just does what works at the time. Much more relaxing!

It changes all the time anyway as you deal with the new challenges- weaning, teething, walking, back to work, potty training etc. Nothing stays still. Dd2 will no doubt just do the routine we have. She's so chilled out (so far...) that seems like it might be easier. Who knows?! I'm not meeting trouble halfway on this. I'll just see how it goes.

I love autumn too. Yesterday though was the best day of the summer! 20 degrees! Dh skived off the afternoon and we took the girls for a picnic. Dh is a great walker and camper so he knows all the best places to go. We went through the woods to a wee beach by the river Findhorn. Steep, steep cliffs, salmon jumping, glorious sunshine. Absolutely brilliant afternoon. Only slightly marred by me having to dash off for a pee every 20 minutes! Hope the weather keeps on like this.

Hope everyone has a happy, sleepy day.

Joskar that sounds lovely!! Oh I can't wait until I feel fit enough for a full on day out and about in the outdoors.

I'm meant to be going to a local mums and tots group this morning but I really can't be bothered. DDqas grunting in her sleep this morning so I kept waking up. Then thinking she must be uncomfortable from a pooey nappy I thought to
Change her. I undid her nappy to find nothing and then on cue she did the biggest projectile poo!! It went across the room onto the floor, door, wall and all on my hand and arm too!! What an early morning treat!!! Hahaha!

It's lovely with parents loving their grandparent role isn't it?! We all have to take a back seat now don't we. As my Dad pointed out that he can't wait to see mini mzzzf again, not a hint of wanting to see me - charming!!

To the formula feeders can I ask if your LO has the same volumes at night time as daytime? DD has a 150-180 bottle at about 4/4.5hr intervals but at nighttime, 11pm and 3.30am, she only takes a little or maybe half her daytime amounts. Is this right?! Is this her getting ready to drop her feeds? What she do they do that anyway?
I'm so frustrated by the lack of formula feeding info online, I've loads of questions!

mzzf that sounds fine. My DS doesn't always take a full bottle at night (sometimes he does though, but he's greedy) it is them working up to dropping it completely. They take less and less and eventually just don't wake for it at all. When that happens varies depending on the child, but I wouldn't worry about it as long as she is feeding well the rest of the time and happy and content.

Mzzzf it's really bad isn't it? When I was giving DS a bottle of formula before bed I had questions about how to mix feed and nothing. Also I discovered you don't get boots points on formula. Which I think is a bit mean. Not sure anyone says 'well I was 100% committed to breast feeding then thought of the boots point formula would get me so didn't'.

Joskar my DH is the same. So much more relaxed and doesn't worry about what other people are doing. Whereas I am constantly worrying we aren't doing things 'right' and others must be. Am also constantly on the Google over some silly fret or other. Am pleased to hear second time it is much easier to relax. Had got all worried about why DS was still cluster feeding as friends told me it should have stopped by now. Last night ignored and cluster feed for couple of hours. DS much happier, me much less stressed, DH and I able to engage in intelligent long debates on the world (by which I mean watch crap tv together and enjoy the lack of screaming). So going to listen to advice but not stress or worry if it doesn't work for us.

Also pleased to hear antibiotics are working. Fingers crossed you continue to feel better.

DH is taking DS out this Saturday afternoon with a friend who also has a baby son. He is calling it dads and lads time. Bless. So I have decided I am going to go for a swim. At least that's the plan. Will probably end up lazing in front of TV.

Clstow that's interesting about the 90 minutes. I might give that a go to see if we can counter the over tiredness.

Has anyone done baby cinema? Any good or just a movie you can't hear cause of other people's babies? Thinking might try that next week if I can find one I fancy.

Ah is lovely with grandparents. My mum is an amazing knitter so DS and my nephew get lots of great knitted blankets and cardis. Sadly have not inherited any of this talent.

Hope everyone is having good days and enjoying the autumn sun!