August 2015 - Jaffa cake wars and many Mugabe greetings to you!

[mzzzf]

New thread ladies - praying for a decent sleep tonight!!

nolonger both my bigger 2 went onto a trundle bed that I left/leave at floor level.
They both hated the cot so once they went into their own room at around a year, they went into the trundle bed. I reckon I could raise if up to proper bed sized for DD now as she doesn't fall but I worry as she's not even 2 yet.
loves that's a great story

Oh so so so jealous of people's who's babies are becoming speedy feeders. DS is still a 40 minute guy.

Siani that was my day on Friday. In fact on Friday night he fed for 2 hours non stop after being on and off me all day. I was pinned to the sofa under my own baby. What do people do when baby is feeding, being sick but still seeking hungry and rooting for food? DS will stop mid fed to spit up and I then want more. Never know if he's over feeding or just coming up with wind and therefore not sure if should feed on or not??

Loving all the Halloween photos (esp yours dozy)

Had such a nice weekend with family esp my nephew who is such fun (and I now know a lot more about dinasours) But I had to bite my tongue a few times. Does anyone else find people think they know your baby better than you? Things like 'he can't be hungry' or 'he doesn't look like a baby that's tired' really get on my nerves. Look I may be no expert in baby care but DS and I have been joint at the hip since his birth. I do know him and yes he is bloody hungry again. Sorry just had to get that out!!

Fatty hope your ok after your Halloween visitor. Hopefully she spent all day puking and feeling shit.

All good here thanks.
I get that too. Sometimes off complete strangers. "Oh he can't possibly be tired, he doesn't look it" oh right so you know what my baby looks like when he's tired do you? The worst is "don't be silly, he looks much older than 13 weeks" (said to me today by the cashier in Morrison's) oh right sorry, didn't realise you were there when he fell out of my fanny.

That's a good idea Fatty. I did think being just on a mattress might be a good way of introducing the bed without the risk of her falling out. Clearly that's why we subconsciously broke the cot bed!

Kbro, yes I hate that too. It's usually my mil though and I have underlying issues with her anyway!

Oh my god Fatty the questioning his age thing is driving me nuts! Yes, I know his age!!

Kbro I usually sit him up and try burping him, then put him back on the boob. If he starts fussing about and unlatching I try doing something else with him and see if he is distracted. But I basically assume that if he wants the boob he will get it.

I know I've said before re feeling crap at not being able to BF but I do not envy the marathon cluster feeding sessions at all! Your poor nips!!!

And OMFG about the passive/aggressive questions? "Do you think their hungry/sleepy?" Or my personable fav from all the older ladies in DDs life "it seems like it's wind to me" NO it's fucking not, stop patting her back. She's got effing reflux and all you're doing is creating waves FFS! Drives me bananas! I mean was there a wind or colic epidemic back in their day or something???

So, I took mini mzzzf swimming today for her first shot. And the little nipper blooming loved it BUT it has properly tuckered her out so bath time has been skipped and DH and I are currently upstairs in the dark waiting for her to drop off post feed. The monitor trials continue!!

mzzf we are doing the same! DH has given J a bottle and trying the calm to sleep. Unfortunately, he gets a bit loud and chatty, which is lovely, but not what we agreed for the evenings.

Slow we got a Phillips Avent monitor - DH is quite technically minded, so I let him research the specs and I found the cheapest deal. Can't wait for it to arrive so we can test it. We're staying at my parents next weekend and we will need something if we're going to leave J upstairs, as they have a bigger house than us!

Hi everyone, happy Sunday! We had a nice day, I did a monster craft this morning with Ds1 then in the afternoon we went for a long walk with ds2 in the sling and ds1 on his bike. It was lovely and mild and we went to a deserted beach. I love Autumn. I also had chance to sort out ds2 clothes and get the 3-6 month clothes out of the loft. Once they are washed he'll have a whole 'new' wardrobe. One of the benefits of having 2 boys.
I hate it when other people think they know your baby better than you. I went to a work lunch on Friday and one of my colleagues insisted on trying to settle ds2 despite me telling her he was hungary. He had just fed but I knew he hadn't properly finished because, well you know, I am his mum.

kbro we get that too, usually in the early hours of the morning. I think it might be because I haven't burped him properly and I would try what Siani suggests above.

Can I ask the mums of 2 + how are your toddlers coping with the new baby. Ds1 says he loves the baby and has not done anything unkind but whenever the baby is on the mat ds1 crawls around and over him and is really close to his face. I feel I am constantly telling him to keep back and be gentle. I do spend time with him 1 to 1 and try to include him when i am doing things with the baby etc.. but we're 11 weeks in and still not much improvement, any suggestions?
DS2 has just gone down in his crib so guess I'll watch the rest of x factor then go to bed. See you tonight for some bar top dancing in Mugabe nights!

Shall I get the first round in at Mugabe nights? It's been a tough day with a grouchy baby and poorly dog. I'm definitely in need of a double tonight.

I gave up trying to settle ds downstairs and bought him up to try as he's so overtired. He was snoring in his sleepyhead within minutes. Unheard of at this time of day. I wander if he's also transitioning to needing an earlier bedtime. Better get monitor shopping.

Your weekend sounds fab loves. The zombie baby is hilarious. A story to tell for years to come. I can't believe you didn't grab a photo! I'm not sure I would have been so good.

kbro, ds does the feed, sick, feed thing occasionally. I just let him get on with it. I'm pretty sure they can't over feed. I just figure that his little tummy may not have caught up with his appetite. Plenty of sitting up and winding as well, like siani said.

And absolutely yes to having people thinking they know what's up with ds. Like mzzf, I wander if there was a massive colic / wind problem back in the day. Most of the time he's fussing because he wants me, but I try very hard not to swoop in and be too PFB.
People keep telling me as well that he looks like such a little boy. What does it matter? I do know what they mean because he does look quite boyish. But what if he didn't? Would they tell me that he looked like a girl?!

tindel, my dh is on monitor research - about time, because I have chosen everything else for ds. I will tell him to have a look at that one.

I love Autumn as well everything. I'm gutted we didn't get to enjoy any of the good weather today.

Ds is awake again
May all your nights be better than my day.

Mugabe all!

kbro grumpy 2 gets like that sometimes, I tend to burp her mid feed and then put her back on if she is still rooting. If she is fussing so much that she keeps losing the latch I stop the feed and do something else with her for a few minutes. She has days when she possets with every feed and days when nothing comes back at all, it seems entirely random (apart from the fact that the biggest amounts always come up when I have forgotten to grab a muslin . Also I don't know what it is about 3yo's and dinosaurs but grumpy 1 and all her mates went through that phase. Good that you have got a head start on learning about them, you'll need that knowledge

frolic sorry to hear that it has been a sad Sunday at yours. Hope DS isn't coming down with something, or if he is that it is mild. In theory I am all up for the dwarfs building up their immune systems by catching mild bugs etc but in reality I hate seeing them ill. Fingers crossed for a good long sleepy night to ward off any nasties.

To all those starting off with monitors and upstairs sleeping, good luck! Much as I don't wish these precious early weeks away, I am slightly envious of those of you a little further down the line. I am looking forward to having an evening again that isn't sat in the dark watching i-player on the laptop (although Catastrophe season 2 is proving hilarious!)

joskar YY to those small airer things, we have one shaped like an octopus that hangs above the bath. Solves the problem of how to dry socks that are too small to hang over an airer!

siani hope your nips are still attached. Cluster feeding is a big downside to bf'ing. Hope your DP kept you going with a steady supply of drinks and buenos.

loves shouldn't laugh but can't help myself, love the idea of zombie baby!

peachy how old is DS1? My oldest is 4 and a half now so some of the challenges are a little different than with a toddler. Have the same issues around rough play though. I don't think you can do anything other than keep kindly telling the older one to be gentle (as you are doing!) At the end of the day you have to keep them both safe. I explain it by saying that my most important job has always been to keep grumpy 1 safe and healthy and now I have to do the same for grumpy 2 as well. She does get it, she just forgets when she gets excited or when she is playing. It is hard as it ends up feeling like you are constantly nagging the older one.

Had a very old school Sunday in the end, played board games and my Aunt and Uncle popped in to meet grumpy 2. They are from a small village an hour north of Aberdeen so we don't see them very often. We then tried out grumpy 2's new bath seat and they were both in bed by 7:30pm. A good way to finish half term. Argh. School run starts again tomorrow .

Mugabe! Looks like I'm going to get shitfaced at the bar tonight as first feed has been before half one, cheers molly! Still gives me a chance to have a catch up!

Date night on friday was fabulous, the NCT reunion on Saturday was also great although we were both pretty pooped, can't hack the pace anymore . Today we had a family trip to see Spectre, her third visit to the cinema and once again she slept through the entire thing! I'm going to pay and see a film I have no interest in one of these days...

Slow - I love a board game!! This misty weather is perfect for them!

Frolic - ahh poor you. I hope the sleep continues, and frolic dog feels back to her old self asap. Hate it when pets are poorly and babies! I think we're having our first cold too, there's been lots of spluttery coughs and sneezes last couple of days and this afternoon I noticed a runny nose :(

Mzzzf - yay for swimming!! We're taking molly on Sunday fingers crossed!

Love - wetting myself at zombie baby lol!!!! Genius!! Am gutted you didn't get a photo though

Ahh she's gone back to sleep....going to pop her back down. I'll be back in a couple of hours no doubt to finish, Save my bar stool for me please! x

It appears with mini mzzzf is massively in favour of issuing me with an earlier door pass for Mugabe Nights than the previous 3-4am ones!!

However, she has fallen asleep again quickly so I'm downing a shot and legging it in the hope she'll have a massive long snooze now!!

Mugabe all

Hey line me up a shot, anything but sambuca. Seems ds2 can do a six hour stretch with or without a dream feed. Hope this will continue. Needless to say I did a load of pottering before I went to bed so had nowhere near 6 hours. Must go to bed earlier.

Slow ds1 is nearly 3 so I feel he completely understands that ds2 is here to stay, is his little brother and things are different, maybe unlike a younger child would? But he is still too young to process it all emotionally. Just trying to support him with that but I do feel like a broken record some days.
Right ds2 has fallen asleep on the boob no doubt I'll be back before the sun's up

After J refusing to settle after an 8pm feed, we tried again at 10pm and then went to bed, whereupon J slept for almost 5 hours! Which is great, but it would be nice to work out how to put him down and stay asleep, even just for a few hours. Downstairs is too noisy, so upstairs would be better, then he gets some sleep and we get to relax before the night feeds.

Quick shot for me and then back to sleep, I hope - J is passed out on me, so ninja transfer in 5 ....

Make mine a bacardi breezer! DS had been sleeping 11 to 5.30 but tonight half 3 is where it's at! Can't really moan as it's still 4.5 hours. Had a lovely Sunday - lazy morning then down to the river for an autumnal walk.and coffee in a cafe. Lovely. DS Slept some of the time then was such a charmer until the overtiredness kicked in. Anyway.going to go.and finish his feed.

Im feeling fruity so bring on a Malibu and pineapple - maybe with one of those little umbrellas.

DS has decided that spending all day everyday with me is not enough and has gone from doing an amazing 6/7/or even 8 hours to waking up at 11:15, 1:30 and now 4. Nooo! I know nothing lasts but had been hoping we'd go back to a couple of wake ups... Not wake ups every couple of hours. Thank goodness the bar is open.

Aaargh I hate the questions - '12 weeks? But he's so tiny..' And assumptions 'he's not hungry/tired again is he..' Why can't people just have a little faith that Augmums know best?!

I'm desperate to see Bond! Waiting for it to come to baby cinema here. Well done Molly sleeping through it for you Fanby.

Absolutely loving the baby zombie story Definitely need pictures next time the older kids 'help' look after the baby please Love.

Might have to look in to one of those airer things, have been wondering how we're gonna cope with the laundry when the outside line isn't an option. Need Siani to come over and help me see the fun side of washing.

DS nearly asleep again now but I guess I'll be back again around 6 so line me up a few shots for then. Mugabe Monday to one and all.

Told you I'd be back! Thank goodness the barman didn't tidy away my half finished drink, I hate it when they do that!

Can I ask how many of you do 'tummy time'. I've been a shit mum and haven't really and Molly's head control isn't great, doesn't help that she has a massive head bless her (all brains obv). Another mum told me off for not doing 20mins a day. Feel like I've failed her :(

Well piper decided 4am was an acceptable time to wake up hehe. I've just managed to catch up while she fed and now she's sleeping and ive not had chance to post.

Frolic hope u have a better day tomorrow. Sounds tough. Xxx

Fanby hope u enjoyed your night out. Don't stress about tummy time. Some babies just have better head control than others, it's nothing u can do. Molly will get there when she's ready. Piper was born with great head control but that's just the way she Is. I'm terrible at tummy time. I certainly don't do it for 20 mins a day. Have just ordered the tummy time book off amazon though so that might help. Otherwise she cries.

Slow: to get the picture I just made sure that I'd gotten piper in the best mood possible so I fed her up and took her for a long walk so she fell asleep for a little while then took the photo as soon as she woke up as that is usually her happiest point before realising she's hungry. Did it quickly as it was col . She lasted about 5 minutes though which is quite good. I just didn't manage to get a smile out of her.

I hate laundry!!! I hate hanging it out, I hate folding it up when it's dry. I hate having it hanging about the house while it's drying and I hate putting it away haha. But I don't seem to mind washing the nappies for some reason.

I try catch up on the rest later. I should go back t sleep now she's finished feeding.

fanby I rarely remember to do tummy time. J got really upset doing it for more than about a minute. His play gym is sloped for tummy time and he minds that less. I think you need to build up gradually to do that amount of time. I also think you can do other things that work in the same way - we quite often lie with J tummy to tummy, which apparently counts. Can still only do it for a short period of time though.

I don't think you've failed Molly though, you might find this useful to try alternatives - mamaot.com/tips-for-making-tummy-time-a-little-less-um-miserable/

Woo hoo! 6 hrs! Dd1 not awake yet. Fingers crossed...!

Love baby zombie! A taste of their own medicine. I'm the zombie round here usually!

20 minutes of tummy time a day?! Is that a rule, is it? Will they be forever needing therapy if they only have 10? Bollocks! Anyway don't forget that time in the sling or time spent lying on you is similar anyway. I feed tummy to tummy for example. Both my lassies have been keen on tummy time but I only do it when I remember. It's not every day I don't think and her head control is fine.

We went to the beach for a picnic yesterday. What a gorgeous day! Then toad in the hole for tea. Love Autumn.

I'm finding some of the strategies in Calm Parents, Happy Siblings by Laura Markham quite good. I've stopped getting on to dd1 (2) about lying on the baby or being in her face. We'd got to the point where if anyone went near her dd1 would shout "Gently!" at them. My elderly neighbour looked quite taken aback! I say "Does the baby like that?" Or "Why is the baby crying? How should we get her to stop?" then when she's doing it nicely I say "Oh look! The baby loves it when you xxx". Dd1 is improving but it's really hard going. I need to read more about it.

Off to Aberdeen for the hearing test today. Fingers crossed she passes. We're making a day of it and going the shops and out to lunch. Just wish we didn't have this worry about her hearing. I know she can hear but maybe it's impaired? Gah! Probably worrying about nothing. I'll be glad when it's over.

Mugabe Monday morning to all

Laundry - I love laundry (just as well with 8 people in our house!) washing, drying, ironing - only thing I don't like is putting the laundry away. When I empty the washing machine, toddler's job is to put things in the tumble dryer - she knows how to switch it on and what buttons to press - slave labour in my house. When the cycle has finished she loves how warm the clothes are and she buries her head in them and goes 'aaaahhhhhh' as they smell lovely - definitely takes after me!!

I wash everything in sight - DC have 2 baths / showers a day, baby and toddler have extra if very messy poos and eldest 2 swim every night .....

everything it is hard when you have a baby and a toddler - my toddler loves baby but tries to show that by squashing her and kissing her constantly. I am much more relaxed now than when I first had a baby and toddler - these are DCs 5&6 - a baby has never been injured yet, I think they are much more robust than they look. Toddler is great at entertaining baby - will sing and dance in front of her for ages - gives her a captive audience . I just get her to help - will get nappy changing box, put nappy in bin etc, read to her when feeding baby and just generally trying to involve her as much as possible - when all that fails - CBeebies!!

joskar hope all goes well at the hearing test and you have a lovely day out

Morning all, I was up quite a bit in the night but I must have been staggering around outside Mugabe Nights as didn't get the chance too come in, too drunk or sonething...

fanby I wouldn't worry too much about tummy time. My first dc did some tummy time but hated it and had rubbish head control. My second baby was born able to control her head pretty well and I don't bother with tummy time, I think if baby goes in a sling or sleeps on you on their tummy then that's sufficient. Oh and my first baby never rolled either, just wasn't into it. She's a healthy happy four year old now though!

peachy I have the same issues with my older dc. She's always grabbing baby's hand, hugging her too roughly or manhandling her. I try to bite my lip and praise her for being gentle...as baby gets more robust I'm feeling less anxious about it, but I still nag.

I'm due to have second vaccinations for baby today but she had an upset stomach over the weekend so I'm going to phone and ask to delay them to later in the week, does anyone know if a five week gap is ok rather than four?

Ahh the other posts have loaded, thought I was the first one back!!

Everything - our dream feeds are so hit and miss as to whether she takes it and what time first feed is, I'm yet to see a correlation!

Magrat - Bacardi breezer now there's a blast from the past. I might go for an archers Aqua!!! Sounds like you had a lovely day, really was gorgeous weather!

Clstow-sorry you're in the same boat of sleep going a bit tits up. I read today there's a growth spurt at 12 weeks? We're 11+2 atm. Honestly if in doubt I always blame a bloody growth spurt!! When is this god awful sleep regression start? Is that 4 months?!

And now mn won't post!! Grrrr x

Giraffes - ah that's good to know! She has her day naps (when she has them) tummy to tummy. No idea on the jabs but hope you manage to get through and rearrange and that more importantly her tummy is better x

Love - your house sounds like such a happy place. I totally want to come and stay, perhaps you can also do my washing?

Ha joskar, that's very good point about the therapy for lack of tummy time lol. She just doesn't like it so why make her cry for the sake of it.
Best of luck with the hearing test. Not sure if this will reassure you, but my hearing was DREADFUL as a baby and I ended up having grommets, I then went onto work in audio post production as an adult and have super sonic hearing, so just don't fret xx

Thank you for the link tindel I'm going to check it out now x