It's the Christmas party at Mugabe nights, pull up a bar stool and order your shots! August 2015

[FattyNinjaOwl]

New thread for all the regulars at the bar, and the not so regulars too.

giraffes Totally agree!! Don't even get me started on the futility of using the weight charts for tracking breast-fed babies. I did try to have that conversation with the HV once but got a blank stare. It does annoy me and makes me wonder how many women out there end up combination-feeding or giving up bf'ing altogether as a result. Glad to hear the thread gave you the confidence to keep going clstow, it's great to be part of something so supportive.

Happy days everyone x

YASSSS to Clstow and Siani - awesome sleeping action!

Juicy thighs are better than any growth chart. The charts are also decades out of date so not even relevant to today's formula either. I do worry about how up to date HVs knowledge is from my own experience and from other people's too...

Soooooo (sorry to moan!) but I saw a lot of different clock times last night. Mostly she settled with hand holding but then she needed nappy and feed. I think I need my hand holding today!!! My goodness I thought we were coming out of sleep regression etc but maybe not - FUCK! Looks like I could have a baby similar to joskar's dd1 😕 Such fun!!

Feel like shit, physically and emotionally - why can't I get my child to sleep?! It can be a battle at bedtime, she doesn't cot nap and now has thrown not having decent stretches of daytime sleep into the mix too! Hand me a bloody XL grip!

We had a waking at 2, 4 and 7:30. An improvement 🙂
They were nice and quick as well, so I didn't manage to post.

She is beautiful slow! This centiles business is a strange one. Ds had dropped a few last time he was weighed. No one stemmed bothered, which seems quite different to many others' experiences.
It will be interesting to see where he's at next week.
Thank you for sharing about your c-section experience. I don't feel too bad this morning and have decided to try and book my overdue smear for early next week and see what the nurse says. We have a couple of very good practice nurses at my surgery.

Thanks dozy. I think I've spent more on real nappies than disposables so far too!

Go Molly! Let's hope she is on her way out if the sleep regression fanby. She totally wins the hair battle!

Great that you got some sleep fatty. I've never seen the Star Wars movies.

giraffes, I use an original ergo and have stopped with the insert and cushion now. Ds has pretty long legs though. I think they're OK as long as they have good head control and can sit comfortably with the material in the crook of their knee. Maybe check the instructions in case it's different for the 360.

Thanks clstow. 🍫 And sympathy happily accepted.
Mega well done your Ds on such a good sleep. Long may it continue.

And well done your Ds siani. I am totally seeing a light at the end of this sleep regression tunnel with so many good nights had.

Hand hold for you mzzf. It's utter, utter shit when they don't do things that are good for them. I've no idea what to suggest, but will say gently that this will pass. In the meantime, be kind to yourself, have plenty of breaks when dh can help and mainline coffee, wine and chocolate. 💐🍷🍫☕️

Right, Ds has been awake for an hour, which means he's ready for the first nap of the day. I'm going to attempt another crib nap so I can soak my bones in the bath. A tad ambitious, but worth a try.

Happy Thursday mugabeans!

Ah mzzzf me too. I think that's why I was so sensitive about the woman's comment about tiredness as night time was the only bit I felt I was getting right. He is a terrible napper during the day regardless of where they are. He's over 4 months now but they are nearly all on my lap or a moving pram. Can't even leave him in the pram to sit down for coffee. It has to be moving. Bedtime is a disaster every night And now the big stretch of sleep he had at night has gone and he sleeps for no more than 3 hours then wakes every hour. He is also getting worse at playmat and bouncy chair time so is basically attached to me now more than newborn. Why can't I just get one of these things right???

Still delighted to hear about some better sleep last night. I will keep the faith. This too shall pass.

Fanby I won't lie, I have big hair envy whenever you post molly pics. It is awesome.

Frolic pleased your feeling better today. Like others my c section scar is fine so def go to drs if you are worried. You deserve a really healthy christmas.

Dozy you sound like a bloody awesome mum. I can't believe how much you have perserved with breast feeding. And time away from baby is lovely. If I lived near my mum I would be all over it. Can I ask about the nappy covers for little lambs? We have a trail pack. Which I love (DS looks so cute in them) but not sure what to do in terms of washing the outer cover bit? Do you machine wash? Rinse?

Right DS and I are off to work Xmas party. Should be fun!!

kbro you are doing it all right - baby just doesn't know what to do yet. I agree with giraffe - you know what to expect when you have more DC and know the horrendous times will pass. DD slept from 9-1.30am last night which is an improvement, then slept on me with boob in her mouth for rest of night. I am relaxed about it and just going to enjoy these cuddles whilst she is still small - honestly, eventually they sleep on their own, all night (unfortunately DD1 was about 5 when she moved out of my bed, but that's another story!)

frolic I've had 4 c-sections and never had any lasting pain - please get yourself checked out X

slow super gorgeous pic of gorgeousness!!

clstow & siani no way, just WOW - so pleased for the little super sleepers

dozy lucky you getting out and about - I would be off somewhere, anywhere if I had someone to look after my little lot!

Baby and toddler sound asleep - I am doing some Xmas baking as having a little Xmas lunch party when school finishes at 12pm tomorrow - very excited[santa]

Yes mini Clstow and siani!! GET IN! Well done sleepy heads!! Hope the cinema is good Siani!!

Ahh mzzf! Massive hugs matey. Does your DP work over Christmas? Can you get a bit of respite then?

Excellent news frolic! Hope you had a bath, think I might have one with molly tonight. Love a double soak!

Kbro - you're doing everything right...you're amazing! When I have a 'moment', I just tell myself it must get better as people have more than one baby ;). Extra marshmallows in your hot chocolate for you today xx

Weigh in was fine, actually better than expected, she's now 13lb 14oz so I must say I'm relieved after all the nappies we've been going through! Again, we're now slightly below 50th centile but my HV is so lovely and not concerned with the drop in the slightest. Feel lucky with my one! Xx

Loveandsmiles-great sleeping for you too!!! Hope the baking goes well!!! xxxx

Arghh I just can't keep up! I'm reading all the time but never seem to have time to post! So agar briefly I reply to what I can remember.....

Clstow and was it siani- woohoo for the sleep throughs the LOs must be being good for Santa coming!

Dozy- sorry you felt you couldn't post your worries- I agree with everything that has been said- we are all dealt a different hand with these babies and what some struggle with others barely notice and vice versa- glad that you still feel supported on here now though- I don't know what I'd do without all you lovely ladies!!

I need to rewatch the old Star Wars too I can't remember half the story line!

Frolic- glad your feeling better but I echo what others have said about getting checked out if at all worried.

Glad most of you seem to be making progress on Xmas! I've written a few cards just now taking advantage of DS staying asleep in pram when we got home- he's in the hall where it's cold so have left him in coat and hat but took blanket off eek hope that's not naughty! Just waiting on 1 pressie to arrive and then need to wrap them all but I'll wait till DH is at work again next week so I have something to do! Been struggling lately if I get bored in the day.

Can't remember whose friend had never been alone with baby but as others said I find that a little odd- maybe she does need the extra support and there's more to it. I wouldn't want someone here daily but would love a bit of extra support from my family- the ILs are fantastic and would do anything for us at the drop of a hat but my dad and stepmum are in Scotland now so understandably are limited but I last spoke to my dad probably on my birthday (start of November) and rang him on Tuesday as I felt quite low, was at the end of my tether with the dogs and really stressed and upset and also to arrange Xmas as they are coming to stay for 3 nights and he said he was unloading a van with the builder (he's at the end of renovating his house) and could he call me back- today- 2 days later- I got a text!! Which I replied to and that's it!! He always says he's sorry he's not been in touch as he's so busy and things are chaotic- how busy can a retired person be!!?!??!!!! FFS anyway rant over!

Kbro- you are doing everything right and LO will catch on soon don't you worry- join me in gaining hope from those that have had sleep throughs lately!

DS did better the night before last sleeping from 10pm till 1am- all he needed was dummy and then through till 5.30 for dummy again then 6.30 feed and the lazy bones finally woke up at 10.30!! Shame he didn't do it again last night and has also gone back to screaming in an evening!! Last night he fell asleep in his bouncy chair at 8pm when we were eating tea and I woke him to give him his last bottle at 8.30pm- he then screamed on and off till finally falling asleep at 11pm- shouldn't have woke him clearly but what about his last feed- what would others do??

Sorry I've been off the radar. Still feel like crap and and the d and v has returned. There is no justice. Please, please let it all be over by next week. Good job I'm enormous because I've lost lots of weight. I have to say, however, that I don't recommend this as a diet. Effective but deeply unpleasant. I've felt so shite I even poas just in case. Thank goodness it was negative. Had scary thoughts filling my mind!

Take heart mums of terrible sleepers! If dd1 now sleeps through then there is hope for each and every one of you. 90 mins max was her sleep schedule two years ago. Nearly killed me but, y'know, it didn't. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. In which case we are all bombproof now!

Also remember: it's not you it's them. They are the ones who have to learn to sleep. You aren't doing it wrong they are. Stop blaming yourself. Those women in blogs/NCT/Facebook etc are either lying or lucky. It's a marathon not a sprint. Just because the baby sleeps now doesn't mean they won't be utter shites about something further down the line.

What's everyone doing for Christmas? We've got two sets of grandparents, a rib of beef, a raspberry meringue pie and a vast amount of train track!

We have a peggy!
I also managed to go out with DS2 in the sling and DD walking. It didn't do much good for my back though, but that's because I have to bend to the side to hold DDs hand as she's so small. But we went to DS1s Christmas carol concert. All the teachers were cooing over the bruiser as they called him

I think next time I decide to let DD walk, either DS2 will be in the single pram (which I kept for things like this) or I will drag DP then he can deal with DD.

Speaking of DP, he came round after work as he's staying tonight to wake up with DD on her birthday tomorrow, and he sent me for a nap. I've woken up go all the downstairs of my house cleaned and tidied. Appliances in the kitchen pulled out to clean behind and downstairs loo scrubbed too! (And in case you're wondering, I have bleach and a loo brush )

joskar x post, hope you feel better soon, his knows you deserve a break.
Christmas im going to my mums like I do every year. (I can't stand mil so never go there) and your bomb proof reminded me, there was a bomb in my city today. Luckily the shopping centre it was put in was evacuated and nobody was hurt and minimal damage too.

Christmas day at the ILs, then Boxing day at my parents. As my family live 100 miles away, we're staying with them. ILs' day will be overcooked late traditional dinner, followed by no TV, no alcohol and hours of dull chat (so pleased my niece and nephew will be there). Parents' day will be relaxed, mildly boozy and a cheesy film. Guess which one I'm looking forward to more. My PILs are quite dull people and awful at small talk, so I normally just spend time playing with my niece and nephew. Hoping to have J as an excuse not to stay too long ....

For those of you who need a star wars reminder

Hi I've been off the radar too. Had some crappy nights but things seem to be improving, just 2 wake ups last night at 1 and 5. I'm not counting the 2 before 10.30. Ds1 is ill. Woke up from a rare lunchtime nap with a fever and has now just thrown up. Might be another crap night for different reasons.

Christmas was have dm and Mil coming to us. Venison, trifle, a load of papo sea creatures and a puppet theatre. Can't wait!

please can i join ds was born 4 weeks early on24.8

Joksar sorry you've been so poorly id say I'm jealous of the weight loss but not at such an expense!

Fatty yay a Peggy!!! Bet his smile is even cuter now!

Tindel I know which Xmas id prefer!!

Everything the puppet theatre sound epic!!

Ohhh frolic he's scrumptious!!! Little butter wouldn't melt face!

Kbb23 welcome welcome!! We chat ALOT so don't worry about keeping up too much! What's your fave drink we'll start with those at the bar tonight eh ladies??

Hi everyone! Geez several pages posted since I was up at 3am eating cereal in my knickers.

Slow, you are so right about the mikestones... You guys need to hear this with trumpets blazing.. DD who screams every time she's in the car seat, for the duration of a trip, DID NOT CRY ONCE while being stuck in city gridlock for 2.5 hours!!!! She napped mostly or just woke up and hung out. Then we went to lunch and I chanced putting her in her buggy while I ate and she just hung out there too!! She's been so amazing today. Coincidence that Wonder Weeks has today as first day after her Events Leap that lasted the entirety of the 14.5-19.5 weeks???

She's been sleeping better. Back to only two wakings wirh quick feeds but is still going to bed much later and waking far earlier than normal. But headed in right direction. BUT she's also started rolling front to back and back to front, so when I put her down she's effectively mobile, moving all about the room and only stopping when she's up against something. Guess all that crying and sleepless nights were the result of big developmental leaps after all!

Whoever was talking about help with baby - i had emcs after 28 hours labour, foreceps, episiotomy and lots of blood. Body was a wreck. So DH worked from home for 6 entire weeks because I could barely do anything. Now DD is 19.5 weeks, he still WFH Mondays and Fridays for emotional support since DD is such a crier and I am so exhausted. I have PTSD from a previous trauma so have a lower stress threshold and he is so so good at support bc honestly I don't think I could do mon-from on my own. Buenos for all of you who are so amazingly strong and independent!!

Frolic my scar has been acting up too but I think DD has been kicking it a lot lately when standing on my lap.

Xmas plans are my sister is visiting from home!! She's so good with DD and it's such a nice feeling in the house. In laws from Monday over Xmas which is really lovely too. And going out on sat night, woop woop!!

xoxo to you all for saving my sanity more than once!

Hey there Mugabeans!

Grumpy 2 says 'thank you' for all the compliments. She is also very pleased fanby to hear that Molly is also 13lb 14oz, she says it is the best weight to be .

We have written Christmas cards - woo hoo! And posted them - double woo hoo! Not all the Christmas cards, mind. I triaged the list and did the ones that really do need to get there before Christmas. Everyone else may well be getting 'happy new year' cards .

frolic fab picture, I love sleeping babies they are sooo cute! Incidentally we have the same bookcase as you. Am glad to see there was at least one other person in the world who bought it in that colour (DH is convinced I was the only one - I like colourful things, he thinks I am mad).

dozy yes, reusable nappies can become a bit of an obsession I think. Just keep telling yourself that they will pay for themselves several times over if you have another DC

fatty I saw the news about the bomb earlier on the BBC. Very scary. Glad you weren't caught up in it. Bless your DP for the cleaning frenzy. I hope DD has a lovely birthday tomorrow - what are you all getting up to?

kbro sorry to hear that you are feeling low about things. It is so hard being at home with a baby, especially the first one, so my only advice would just be to set the bar lower and be kinder to yourself. Provided DS is fed, warm and dry then you have achieved everything you need to of a day. I was very like you first time around and I wish I could now go back in time and tell myself not to worry so much. Those endless days of grumpy 1 napping on my lap seemed to go on forever and yet now she is at school and I'd give my left arm to have her that small again.

Christmas is a duo-fold affair here, we celebrate Finnish Christmas (huge ham and lots of pickled stuff) on Christmas Eve with my Mum after carols at the Cathedral and then English Christmas (turkey, pigs in blankets and veggie stuff for DH) at home on Christmas Day. Then usually a walk and a pub lunch on Boxing Day with a friend. I'm most looking forward to having DH at home from the 24th - 4th Jan.

We went to the winter watch parade this evening in town, lots of crazy people dressed up as Romans and general winter pagan activity. Grumpy 1 spent the entire time hiding behind my knees whilst declaring that she was definitely not scared. Grumpy 2 looked totally unimpressed (see picture) but did NOT like the man with the bagpipes...

Right, bed time. Hope to see none of you later

fatty oh my God I am SO JEALOUS. DP does not lift a finger on housework unless asked, and as I stupidly said I'd be able to do it all while on maternity leave I am not asking in case it provokes a strop. I need to sit him down and have a chat about who will do what when I'm back at work, but I might wait until after Christmas.

For Christmas we're doing Christmas day with just us at home, then on boxing day we'll go to his parents and they're doing a big Christmas dinner for everyone. It'll be a bit rammed, his brother has 3 kids and the table isn't big enough for all of us. I'm not sure how I'll manage to actually eat, but we'll see I guess! We're going to go and visit my aunt and uncle for a few hours on the 27th and then head back home.

I think DS might be working on a tooth, he's suddenly very bitey. He's still not rolling though. It's strange, it's like he can't be arsed. He rolls onto his side from his back, but on his front he just cries until we turn him over. He's very close to sitting, though - he's clearly VERY eager to get the hang of that. And he's within an inch of being too long for the pram, so he needs to hurry up and master it!

X-post grok, great news about your car seat achievement. Please can you send mini-grok over here to teach grumpy 2 how to travel without tears??

Don't be jealous, he only does stuff like that when he's after sex 😂

For DDs birthday I'm having a friend round for tea then we are off to the sea life centre on Saturday as DD loves sharks.
I'm really excited.

Little lamb nappy covers.....I wash them with my nappies so a cold rinse followed by a cotton wash. I'm. Using non bio but gonna move to bio next time I buy some after reading the nappy science conclusions.

Thanks everyone for putting up with my moodiness. I didn't mean to put a downer on anything. Anyway I got my punishment by being up for 2 nights lol. Still not up as much as some of u though.

Mzzf and kbro and anyone else suffering with no sleep. Huge sympathies to u all. U seriously are super heroes for surviving each day. I've been preparing for sleep regression and reading up on it a little bit bit we've not hit it yet. I tried the not feeding her last night but after awhile she clearly wanted feeding.

Fatty well done on the tooth! And how brilliant of your dp! My dp needs some lessons in tidying up. I've been struggling to keep on top of it. I can't complain too badly though because he's been working long hours and he travels a long way each day and piper wakes him up so I do understand that he is shattered. I'm looking forward to him finishing work tomorrow so hopefully we can spend some quality time together and recuperate a little bit.

Who reminded me it's only a week till xma!?! That's mental!! Feels like ages away! I'm loving all the Xmas songs on the radio. It's the only thing that really makes it feel like Xmas to me.

Popped into work today as I was passing by. Felt nervous going in but it was fine. Piper was good as gold. Sorted out my annual leave for when I return so I can do a phased return and be paid full time and then drop to part time when I've used all my annual leave. Still ages away anyway heehee but good to have it in writing so I'm not worrying about it.

Grok your birth story sounds terrifying. I had forceps and episiotomy and 3rd degree tear and that was painful enough but having to deal with a c section wound on top of that must have been hell on earth! No wonder you needed help. I feel lucky she was able to be pulled out with the forceps. To go through that and then need a section anyway would have been heartbreaking.

Frolic your son is such a handsome lad. And so peaceful looking when asleep. I met piper sleep on me this evening just because I was enjoying the cuddles heehee. She's gone to sleep nicely in her crib. Not sure why I'm still awake though!

Piper used to be terrible in her car seat but she's much improved now so there's hope for u all yet. I have some dangly plastic toy things which help. She fell asleep clutching it today. Looked super cute.

Piper can't be bothered rolling Siani bit here is a pic of her sitting up. This time last week she would bend in half while trying to sit and try to push up with her arms and yesterday she just did it. I was in shock haha. She does topple over eventually but she stays up for a good minute or 2.

Slow grumpy 2 definitely does not look impressed heehee

Welcome to kbb! Nearly missed your post then.

Fanby glad molly's weigh in was fine. Not much difference between her and piper now. Piper seems to have all of a sudden really grown and feels heavy and chunky now. No more dainty little baby for me :( I think it's probably beca use she now has 2 bottles of formula in the evening instead of 1 although it's not 2 full bottle s. She takes less in the second one.

Right I should go to sleep seeing as dd is n asleep. Night all. Sorry couldn't catch up with everything. I tried my best to remember it all